The Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) has announced the recipients of its highest honors as well as its annual award winners, ahead of its virtual annual meeting, which will take place Dec. 7-11. The awards presentation will be made on Dec. 11. 

“Despite the global challenges faced by us all this past year, I am honored to recognize these outstanding achievements in cosmetic science and contributions that our members make to society,” said Mindy Goldstein, PhD, 2020 SCC president and president of Mindy S. Goldstein, PhD Consulting. “Congratulations to these winners who join a prestigious list of accomplished professionals being recognized by their peers for their outstanding work.”

Howard A. Epstein, PhD, director of technical services at EMD Performance Materials, is the recipient of the Maison G. deNavarre Medal Award. The medal is the Society’s highest honor, recognizing an individual for accomplishments and activities supporting the best interests of the cosmetics and personal care industry.

“Howard Epstein is recognized and well respected by professionals in the cosmetic and personal care industry for his outstanding technical contributions in functional skin care technologies,” said Erica O’Grady, CAE, executive director/CEO of the Society. “Howard has been on stage or in a classroom providing education to colleagues for the past decade. He is a renowned researcher and expert in skin product development and a deserved recipient of the Society’s highest award.”

Epstein has authored chapters in various cosmetic technology textbooks, including Harry’s Cosmeticology, and holds eight patents and two patent applications. He served as editor of the SCC’s Journal of Cosmetic Science and is a member of the International Academy of Dermatology. He is on the editorial board of Clinics in Dermatology and SKINmed, representing the cosmetics industry to dermatologists. 

“Dr. Epstein’s significant technical contributions are representative of what the Society’s founders envisioned this organization to be: highly ethical and educated professionals sharing research and innovations for the advancement of cosmetic science,” said Goldstein. “I am excited to present Howard with this award recognizing his professional achievements.”

Nava Dayan, PhD is the recipient of the 2020 Florence Wall Women in Cosmetic Chemistry Award, which honors women’s scientific and leadership contributions to the cosmetics and personal care industry. This the second year that the award is being presented.

“Dr. Dayan, a consultant specializing in skin care product innovation, efficacy claims, safety assessment and more, understands the importance of innovative ideas, education, mentoring and service to others,” said O’Grady. “Nava is representative of the stellar women in this industry who have made significant contributions while serving as an example of leadership and passion for future generations.”

In her 30 years of experience, Dayan has offered a wide range of services to the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, personal care, research entities, regulatory agencies and academic institutions through her consulting company, Dr. Nava Dayan LLC.  She has worked on inventions that resulted in many patent applications, delivered 100+ oral presentations, has 150 publication credits in numerous industry-respected journals and in five books, and served as educator and advisory board committee member at several professional organizations including: American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, Society of Cosmetic Chemists, and The Center for Dermal Research. She also wrote a column for Happi. 

The Merit Award will be presented to Martha Tate, PhD, founder and CEO of Tate Science.

“Martha Tate has been an engaged and contributing member since the day she joined SCC,” said O’Grady. “We are delighted to present the Merit Award for her numerous contributions during her nearly 30-year membership, including lecturing at various education events, serving on the education advisory committee, volunteering countless hours of her time, and much more toward the advancement of cosmetic science.”

Other award recipients:  Young Scientist Award-Lex Pelger (CV Sciences); Green Star Award-Samantha Guertin (Aveda); Society of Cosmetic Chemists Award–Juan Brito (BASF Corp.); Hans A. Schaeffer Award-Philip Ludwig (BASF Corp.); Joseph P. Ciaudelli Award-Manuel Gamez-Garcia (Ashland Specialty Ingredients); Shaw Mudge Award-Anna Langerveld (Genemarkers); and Des Goddard Award-Hy Si Bui (L’Oréal USA). 

More info:  www.scconline.org/scc74.