Farewell to the Cosmetic Industry: A Note of Gratitude (and to the Trolls Too!)
Theresa Callaghan
35-year+ Distinguished Director International Cosmetics | Cosmetic Claims Development Expert/Troubleshooter | Skin Science Consultant | Speaker | Mentor | Science Writer | Author & Scientific Editor | Covalo Ambassador
As I prepare to step away from the cosmetic industry mid-next year, I find myself reflecting on a remarkable journey—a path marked by both challenges and triumphs. It has been a privilege, these 37 years, to work alongside passionate professionals, to share ideas, and to help push boundaries, even as the landscape of beauty and science continues to evolve, and even at times, frustrate.
To My Colleagues & Customers
First and foremost, I owe immense gratitude to my colleagues and customers. Your dedication, creativity, and insight have inspired me, time and again. Working with you has shaped my career and my thinking, allowing me to grow both personally and professionally. You are the ones who make this industry thrive, and it’s been an honour to contribute alongside you. The success of the industry is safely in your hands. Thank you for your support, your patience, and for teaching me invaluable lessons that will remain with me as I transition into new endeavours.
To My Critics & Trolls
I’d also like to extend my thanks to those who have challenged me—including the trolls, especially the more recent (venomous) ones. Yes, you read that right! While your words have stung, hurt, and made me cry, they’ve also pushed me to rethink my values, to ask myself tough questions, and, at times, to dig deeper for better answers. I truly forgive you.
Recently, I received messages from some who find my work and writings, to be “trivial", "hypocritical", and "disappointing”. Though difficult to hear, these critiques helped me understand one important truth: we all have a role to play in keeping the conversation alive, even when we don't agree.
I am considered “ a waste of space” by some, with one person even telling me that they “hated me because I had a PhD”. Others that my book (Claims & The Consumer) and EVERY piece of writing contribution, whether it be authored or co-authored - journals (including peer-review), trade magazines, webinars, etc. - to the industry, are only “good enough for the toilet” or a “complete waste of time”.? As it is now perfectly clear to me, I will no longer consider translating my Claims book into Spanish and Chinese/Japanese, as was my original plan. The German edition, I am not sure whether to release this…let’s wait and see…
In all humility, criticism, even when delivered harshly, is part of the dialogue that drives this industry forward. So to those who’ve doubted, disagreed, or outright insulted me to the point where I couldn’t even get up from the floor—thank you for reminding me of the importance of perseverance!
The Next Chapter
I am acutely aware that however much you love your job it will never love you back, and it will keep on taking from you. Also I am and have been acutely aware that I am only human, not a machine, and therefore not indispensable. There are so many other wonderful experts in the industry, and I am/was just a small cog in that huge machine - I am perfectly aware of that too, and always have been!
So with the small amount of dignity and self-respect left to me, I will try leave this industry with a sense of some fulfilment, and with the hope of embracing new opportunities. It’s not an end, but rather a transition - I am choosing to focus my energy on projects that align with where my heart and soul lead me…
As I say goodbye to the cosmetic industry (at least…), and a truly international career, I do so with immense gratitude for all the people I’ve worked with and met—both supportive and critical—who’ve helped shape this chapter of my life. I look forward to what’s next, and to continuing life's conversation in new and meaningful ways.
Finally, to my current customers, I will be pleased to continue working with you if you would still like to continue working with me…
Thanking you all, and wishing you every success. God Bless.
Yours,
Theresa
Founder/Managing Director/Cosmetic Scientist/Principal Chemist at Global Cosmetic Developments- Cosmetic Formulation Consultancy
1 周I have just seen and read this Theresa Callaghan and so sorry that people have been so cruel. Your work and dedication to the industry is to be admired and is inspiring, I wish you all the best for the future.
Retired
1 周Theresa! It’s with sadness on more than one level that I read your post . Having given up engagement with social media and even LinkedIn over the last few years, I don’t miss the worst of its polarised and poisonous excesses. Coming back to learn that you’ve suffered personally is maddening but your principled response here goes to the heart of you and the values you have always espoused. Your strength is remarkable and clearly will see you through the next chapter of your career. Take care and keep well my friend. Steve
Distinguished Fellow, Retired R&D VP, P&G
3 周Theresa, I somehow missed this post. I am appalled that you have received this treatment. First of all, the words (and that is all they are) are patently not true. You have had a remarkable, positive impact on our industry and I, for one, think you are brilliant ?? Secondly, the nature of the comments is plain abuse - let’s call it out for what it is. Utterly unacceptable in any walk of life. Shame on those who are responsible. Your post is inspiring - dignified, humble, full of maturity and integrity. You can hold your head up high, Theresa.
Dr Callaghan, it with sadness that I wish you the best going forward. Your valuable input over the years, as well as your books, will remain on my shelf of professional references. You have given us much insight and provocative thought to apply to our industry and your voice will be missed. Be well and with warmest regards. NLM
Superdrug , Immediate Past President SCS
3 周Congratulations Theresa . Really does feel that long since we met and worked together at M&S. I remember you using the analogy in a product review - that ceramides were the cement that held the skin cells together. You made the science simple but believable. I’ve used the ceramide example many times - so thank you. Thank you the happy times in Baker St 30 plus years ago !