Irwin Palefsky will receive the Society of Cosmetic Chemists’ Maison G. deNavarre Medal Award during the Society’s 78th Annual Scientific Meeting & Showcase, Dec. 11-13, 2024, at the JW Marriott LA Live in Los Angeles, CA.

“This year, the Society is presenting its highest honor to Irwin Palefsky, in recognition of his industry expertise and contributions to advancing cosmetic science,” said SCC CEO Erica O’Grady, CAE. “We are thrilled to recognize all that he has accomplished during his exceptional career and his 55 years of membership in SCC.”

This award recognizes Palefsky’s activities in supporting the best interests of the cosmetic industry through his various technical contributions, which include 10 patents. He was published in various journals and compilations, most recently in Cosmeceuticals: Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology Series. He taught at the Center for Professional Advancement (a division of Cobblestone), Fairleigh Dickenson University (1980-1990) and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) on Sunscreens from 2019-2023. He has trained and mentored generations of chemists at his company, Cosmetech Laboratories.

Palefsky is currently an Emeritus member and Technical Fellow (2022) of the Society. Nationally, he was instrumental in starting the Education Advisory Committee in 1986 and served as its Chair 2002-2005. Palefsky was an active Continuing Education Program instructor through the early 1990s, spoke at various Chapter meetings, served on the Nominations Committee and Conduct & Disciplinary Task Force, and was Area I Director on the National Board (2003-2005).

As a member of the New York Chapter, he helped start New York Suppliers’ Day, now one of the largest industry events in North America. Palefsky went on to co-chair the NYSCC Spring Seminar in 1999 and was chair of the New York Chapter in 2002.