Open Letter to the CEOs and Chairpersons of All Global Cosmetic Companies and Industries
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
Subject: A Call to Combat Misinformation and Protect the Integrity of Our Industry
Esteemed Leaders,
I write to you today as an experienced and long-time member of the global cosmetics community, one who has witnessed firsthand the growing epidemic of misinformation that is sweeping through our industry. As companies and individuals who have dedicated their careers to the art and science of beauty, skincare, and wellness, we face a shared responsibility that goes beyond profits and market share. Today, the integrity of our industry is being threatened not by competitors, but by a far more insidious force: misinformation.
While competition in the cosmetics industry is natural and, at times, invigorating, it is important to recognise that we face a common enemy. This enemy is not a rival brand, but a destructive cycle of false information propagated by a multitude of sources: consumers, influencers, armchair scientists, journalists, and even self-styled influencer dermatologists, pharmacists and aestheticians, whose platform-driven fame often eclipses their professional obligations.
The consequences of this misinformation are devastating. Consumers, confused and overwhelmed by conflicting claims and sensational headlines, are often left adrift in a sea of contradictory advice, ‘toxicity’ and scam-apps. Too many products are either misrepresented or dismissed based on exaggerated marketing promises or one-off viral trends, leaving many to wonder what is fact, and what is fiction. As an industry built on trust and scientific advancement, we risk losing the very foundation that made us leaders in beauty, health, and self-care.
Furthermore, with the interest and rise in the use of Ai in our work, there is a fear that given the depth and even insidious nature of misinformation, it will become entrenched in our industry, our product claims, and the consequences do not bear thinking about. Training an Ai system on misinformation and poor quality information will not be a case of “computational joie de vivre”!
Yet this situation is not without hope. We, the collective leaders in the global cosmetics sector, have a unique opportunity to unite and drive a change that cannot only preserve the integrity of our industry but also safeguard the well-being of the consumers who rely on us.
What is Needed Now?
1. A Unified Voice Against Misinformation
The time has come for a concerted effort to curb the spread of false and misleading information. We must acknowledge that the responsibility lies not only with influencers or media outlets, but also with us—the creators, formulators, marketers, and advocates for skincare and beauty products. It is time for us to use our collective influence to push back against misleading claims and to create a standardized, transparent platform where consumers can trust that they are receiving accurate and scientifically backed information. We cannot leave it to individuals or groups to manage this alone - it's unfair on them.
2. Commitment to Transparency and Education
We need to make transparency and education central to our strategies moving forward. Clear ingredient lists, accessible scientific research, and educational content that demystifies common skincare concerns should be the norm, not the exception. This is not about "selling" products—this is about selling trust. Consumers have the right to know what they are putting on their skin, and we have an obligation to provide them with the right tools to make informed decisions.
3. Collaboration, Not Competition
Now, more than ever, the industry needs to set aside competitive tensions in favour of collaboration. The battle against misinformation is not one that can be won alone. By working together—whether through shared research, public awareness campaigns, or joint industry-wide initiatives—we can create a force powerful enough to combat the tidal wave of misinformation that threatens to engulf us all.
4. Elevating True Expertise
Influencer culture is here to stay, but it is vital that we distinguish between entertainment and expertise. While social media platforms can be valuable tools for education, they should never replace the counsel of professionals who have years of study, training, and practice. It is imperative that we find ways to elevate true dermatological and scientific expertise and encourage consumers to seek guidance from those who have the credentials and knowledge to provide it.
5. Creating Ethical Guidelines for Influencers
Influencers have a significant role to play in shaping public opinion, but with that power comes a deep responsibility to communicate truthfully and accurately. We must establish industry-wide ethical guidelines for influencers in the beauty and wellness space. These guidelines should focus on authenticity, science-backed information, and the ethical promotion of products. Let’s work together to empower influencers to become champions of accurate, well-researched content that serves the best interests of consumers.
The Path Forward
As 2024 closes, this is a pivotal moment for the global cosmetics industry. We are at a crossroads where the choices we make today will shape the future of beauty, skincare, and wellness for generations to come. As CEOs, Chairpersons, and leaders in this space, you have the power to enact lasting change that will not only benefit your brands but, more importantly, protect the consumers who trust in us.
Let us stand together, united by our commitment to truth, integrity, and the well-being of those we serve. Together, we can create an industry that thrives not on deceit or exploitation, but on trust, education, and responsibility. The fight against misinformation is not just a challenge—it is an opportunity. One we can seize if we act with intention and unity.
In 2025 we will see a review of our EU Cosmetic Regulation, and we need the outcome of that to ensure that misinformation is put to an end whereby no-one in the industry is able to wear their so-called ignorance as a "badge of honour".
Thank you for your time, consideration, and for your leadership in shaping the future of our industry.
Sincerely,
Theresa Callaghan PhD
#BeautyWithIntegrity #CombatMisinformation #CosmeticIndustry #TrueBeauty #SkincareScience #BeautyEducation #TransparencyInBeauty #EthicalBeauty #FightMisinformation #IndustryLeaders #CosmeticClaims #BeautyClaims #CosmeticBusiness #CosmeticRegulations
Director
2 个月While I agree with the sentiment you should be careful what you wish for. Are you going to remove all the claims that refer to magic ingredients; claims built on test methods that have little if any consumer relevance; claims 'carefully' worded; consumer surveys that would struggle not to agree and so on. All of this is done by the industry leaders. As much as I dislike the "influencer" trend and the complete lack of decent science, any change has to start at the top.
TRI Princeton
2 个月Hi Theresa, Interesting discussion. I wonder if the Responsible Person in the EU should be held to account for misleading claims for a product they are responsible for. Perhaps they should be licensed by their local Cosmetics Society and, just like Doctors, have their licence removed if they breach ethics guidelines set by the Society? Effectively self-regulation for our discipline…?
Farmacêutica | Cosmética & Beleza | PhD em Ciências Farmacêuticas | Fundadora do abitat | Fundadora do “a pele que habito”
3 个月Congratulations on this clear and fair open letter. I particularly appreciate the emphasis on a unified, collective solution. Indeed, the efforts by the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) with CosmeticsInfol and by Cosmetics Europe with COSMILE are great and have the backing of the major industry players. However, these initiatives hold little value when the same companies sponsor and disseminate contradictory messages through mainstream media. Misinformation about cosmetic products creates a lose-lose situation for both consumers and brands. On one hand, consumers lack the accurate information needed to make informed decisions about their cosmetics. Approximately 80% of Portuguese participants were found to lack the ability to access, understand, judge, and apply information about cosmetic products to maintain and improve their health. On the other hand, brands find themselves in a spiral of mistrust, which they will never overcome by fostering widespread skepticism toward the industry. Science is essential, yes. But above all, we need coordination and strategy! In this regard, this article seems like an excellent starting point.
National and International Education and Training Management
3 个月SO IMPORTANT!!! THANK YOU THERESA!!!