CONFERENCE
PROGRAMME
2025 session topics below
The sun’s blessing and curse: shifting views on health benefits, the ongoing skin cancer crisis, and lessons from top public education campaigns.
On-going challenges to our UV filter palette – where are we?
Changes in sunscreen testing and labelling… what can we expect?
Change is here to stay! A vision of the future.
2025 Speakers
Biography
Paul joined Procter & Gamble (P&G) in 1988 as a PhD Microbial biochemist and spent the majority of his career leading various aspects of Skin Research, working across most of the Company’s Operating Units (as he maintains that all of them touch the human skin in some way!). He retired from P&G in 2024.
He is a Visiting Professor to the London College of Fashion and past Visiting Professor to the UCL School of Pharmacy. He is a past Chair of the Cosmetics Europe (CE) Sun Protection Methods Task Force, the standardIsation of SPF and UVA methods.
In his spare time, he re-applies his skin biology expertise to resource-poor settings and, in 2012, co-founded an NGO in Ethiopia to help the 1.5+ million sufferers of Podoconiosis (non-filarial, lower-leg lymphoedema).
He is married to Ali, has 3 grown-up children and is recently a grandfather! He loves the outdoors… running, mountains, scuba-diving and, in 2013, bought an old, run-down property on the Isle of Mull which he thinks is a small piece of Heaven.
Presentation Outline
To be confirmed
Biography
Visiting Professor at Montpellier University, Marc Pissavini is a renowned chemist specialising in photoprotection and method development. He earned his Ph.D. in chemistry before joining Coty-Lancaster Group’s Sun Research Department in 1998. As Head of Research, he leads advancements in suncare efficacy testing, including UVA and SPF in vitro methods.
Marc’s work has improved SPF accuracy and influenced industry protocols. He chairs the ISO TC217/WG7 Sun Protection Test Methods and Cosmetics Europe’s Sun Protection Methodology Task Force. An associate editor of the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, he frequently publishes research and speaks at global conferences, driving innovation in sun protection science.
Presentation Outline
To be confirmed
Dr. Carys L. Mitchelmore
Professor and Interim Director
University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Solomons MD
SPEAKER
Addressing Limitations, Challenges and Next Steps in determining the Environmental Risk of sunscreens
Biography
Dr. Carys L. Mitchelmore is a Professor and the Interim Director at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory in Solomons, Maryland, USA. Her expertise is in environmental health and aquatic toxicology. Current research is directed towards the detection of chemical contaminants in various environmental matrices and understanding their fate, toxicity and implications to organism and ecosystem health. Data generated is used in risk assessment and to provide solutions to environmental problems and human health concerns.
Dr. Mitchelmore is heavily invested in integrating scientific research for the management and regulatory communities serving on numerous International and National science advisory groups including the recent National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine Committees study “Review of Fate, Exposure, and Effects of Sunscreens in Aquatic Environments and Implications for Sunscreen Usage and Human Health (2022)”. Dr. Mitchelmore received her Ph.D. from the University of Birmingham (U.K.) in 1997 investigating the metabolism and effects of organic contaminants to aquatic organisms.
Presentation Outline
Sunscreens are important for human health but contain chemicals which may enter the environment either directly or indirectly during and/or after use, such as the active ingredient UV filters. The 2022 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine report called for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct an environmental risk assessment for all UV filter active ingredients contained in sunscreens marketed in the USA. Since that report an increasing number of studies have been published that have focused on the environmental detection and the impact of UV filters to an array of freshwater and marine organisms. This presentation provides and update to the report and synthesis of the existing literature regarding the potential impact of UV filters to aquatic ecosystems. The limitations, challenges, opportunities and next steps in determining the environmental risk of sunscreen UV filters is discussed.
Mr. Sébastien MIKSA
General Manager
SPEAKER
Optimising variability in HDRS (ISO 23698) through key parameters
Biography
Mr. Sébastien MIKSA started his career at L’Oréal in the services of R&I Lipsticks, Foundation and Photo-protection and he is currently the General Manager at WENEOS, an international company dedicated to sunscreen testing. Involved in sun protection evaluation for more than 15 years (SPF, UVAPF, Critical Wavelength, etc.), he acquired a large knowledge in this field and developed several innovations such as robotic spreading, reproducible sandblasted PMMA plates, in vitro methods for Blue Light, Infrared, SPF multi-substrates approach, etc. In addition, he is the Project Leader of the ISO 24443 revision and an active member of AFNOR/S91KGT07, CEN/TC392/WG004 – Efficacy including sun protection products, ISO/TC217/WG7 – Sun Protection test methods, FEBEA/GT – Quality of efficacy measures of sun protection products, BIPEA/Technical Group – Sun protection products and in the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Cosmetic Science.
Presentation Outline
The new ISO 23698 norm for Hybrid Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (HDRS) has emerged as a promising and ethical alternative to the traditional in vivo erythemal testing used for SPF evaluation, as defined in ISO 24444. This new alternative HDRS method offers a novel approach by combining in vivo skin reflectance and in vitro transmission measurements to simultaneously determine SPF, UVA-PF and Critical Wavelength. This presentation will explore the key factors influencing the variability and reproducibility of HDRS results and how optimising some parameters across both in vivo and in vitro components could enhance method robustness.
Biography
Dr. Shirin Keyhanian is the Director of Consumer & Clinical Science at Beiersdorf, where she leads consumer research, sensory science and product evaluation through rigorous efficacy and tolerability testing that bridge scientific innovation and consumer skincare needs. With extensive expertise in dermatological research, clinical trials, and product efficacy, she plays a key role in developing scientifically validated skincare solutions.
Dr. Keyhanian specialises in translating clinical insights into real-world applications, ensuring that Beiersdorf’s products meet the highest standards of safety, effectiveness, and consumer satisfaction. Her work focuses on skin health, aging, and dermatological advancements, driving innovation in personal care through rigorous clinical science and consumer testing.
Passionate about evidence-based skincare, she collaborates with dermatologists, researchers, and industry experts to advance knowledge in clinical science and consumer dermatology. Through her leadership, Beiersdorf continues to deliver cutting-edge skincare solutions, reinforcing its position as a global leader in scientific skincare innovation.
Presentation Outline
To be confirmed
Biography
I graduated in medicine at St Thomas’ Hospital, University of London (now part of King’s College, London) and undertook my general/internal medicine training in the north of England and in Australia. Having gained my MRCP, I trained in dermatology at the Institute of Dermatology (St John’s) in London and in Aberdeen and Edinburgh. I spent some time out of my clinical training to complete a research MD degree. Having completed my dermatology training, I gained a scholarship from the University of Edinburgh, and spent three years in postdoctoral research training in the laboratories of Professor Victoria Kolb-Bachofen, Heinrich-Heine Universität, Dusseldorf, and of Dr Tim Billiar, University of Pittsburgh, USA. I was recruited from America to the post of Senior Lecturer and, latterly, Reader in Dermatology and Principal Investigator at the Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh. My time is divided between clinical duties, where I am an honorary NHS Consultant Dermatologist with a particular interest in medical dermatology and eczema, and the University where I am active in research, particularly on the effects of UV on systemic health.
Presentation Outline
Excess ultraviolet radiation is a risk factor for skin cancer and photo-aging in white skinned people. Equally important however are the significant health benefits which sunlight produces, and the essential nature of these have probably driven the repeated evolution of pale skin phenotypes in humans who have moved to high latitude, low light environments. I have identified a vitamin D independent pathway by which sunlight releases nitric oxide from stores in the skin, to the circulation where it lowers blood pressure and thus cardiovascular disease. More recently, using the data from the UK Biobank, we have shown that for a UK population, increased sunlight exposure correlates with markedly reduced all cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality. In view of the robust data that increased sunlight improves overall health, we must reconsider our attitude to sunlight protection.
Biography
J Frank Nash, Ph.D., is Research Fellow at The Procter & Gamble Company, USA, where he conducts human safety evaluations in the Global Product Stewardship organization. He has led multiple, in-depth toxicological evaluations and communicated such investigations with regulators across the world, e.g., US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), European Commission and their expert review committee Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), and European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Dr. Nash has expertise in dermal toxicology, specialization in photobiology /phototoxicology with over 30+ years of experience researching sunscreen products/UV filters using in vitro, animal, and human models of safety and efficacy. Dr Nash has chaired and served on regulatory toxicology working groups at industry trade associations including the American Cleaning Institute (ACI), Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), and Cosmetics Europe (CE). He was the chair of the PCPC UV Filter Clinical/Preclinical safety consortium and is currently co-Chair of the International Collaboration on Cosmetic Safety (ICCS) Sunscreen working group. His work at P&G focuses on delivering high-performance, science-backed products, enhancing consumer experiences, and shaping the future of personal care technology.
Presentation Outline
To be confirmed
Sandra Browne
Director of International Regulatory Compliance
Browne & Associates Consulting Advisors Ltd
Biography
Sandra Browne is the Director of International Regulatory Compliance at Browne & Associates Consulting Advisors Ltd, specialising in global regulatory strategy and compliance for the OTC, Cosmetics and Consumer skincare industries. With extensive expertise in regulatory affairs, risk management, and product safety, she helps businesses navigate complex international regulations. Sandra collaborates with industry leaders, regulatory bodies, and policymakers to ensure efficient market access and compliance with evolving legislation. Her consultancy provides strategic guidance on product approvals, regulatory submissions, and compliance frameworks, empowering businesses to operate confidently in highly regulated global markets while maintaining the highest industry standards.
She is currently representing the Irish Cosmetics & Detergents Association on Cosmetic Europe’s Sun Protection Group and is the Chairperson for the Cosmetic Advisory Group for CEN and ISO at the National Standards Authority of Ireland. In addition to speaking at the London Sun Conference she takes the opportunity to speak at other International Sun Protection Events such as the Spanish Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SEQC) on UV Filter Regulation and the Korean Cosmetic Association’s Global Webinar on Global Regulation Comparison. She is also a lecturer on ‘European Regulatory Compliance’ for Personal Care Industry to US students for the Centre for Professional Advancement (CFPA) out of New Jersey. Sandra is passionate about sun care and specializes in monitoring of Global UV filters and the many challenges they are facing.
Presentation Outline
To be confirmed
Professor Craig Sinclair
Head, Prevention Division
SPEAKER
After 40 years of skin cancer prevention: What have we learnt and where do we go to next
Biography
Adjunct Associate Professor Craig Sinclair is one of Australia’s leading experts in skin cancer prevention. Craig is the Director of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Collaborative Centre for UV Radiation at the Cancer Council Victoria and a member of the World Meteorological Organisation’s UV and Ozone Scientific Advisory Group. He has expertise in skin cancer, vitamin D and sun protection and population health approaches to reduce cancer risk. He is an author of over 70 peer reviewed publications including the most recent WHO publication on artificial tanning devices: Public Health Interventions to Manage Sunbeds. In 2010, the United States Environment Protection Agency (EPA) awarded Craig with a Montreal Protocol Award for his substantial contribution to human health protection.
Presentation Outline
In countries such as Australia and New Zealand, skin cancer prevention efforts have contributed to a reduction in melanoma rates in younger age groups. Unfortunately, most other countries have not seen similar trends as they have not had the benefit of investing in long-standing population-wide skin cancer prevention interventions. This presentation will focus on the challenges of motivating positive sun protection behaviour, what we have learnt, what have been the barriers, but more importantly, based on the best available evidence, what we must do to improve sun protection behaviour to reduce skin cancer rates into the future.
Biography
Justin is the Group Chief Executive Officer and the entrepreneur behind ClearScore. The ClearScore Group is now one of the leading consumer financial businesses globally helping over 24 million people on four continents. Outside of ClearScore, Justin is Chair of The Money Charity and a Non-Executive Director at the CMA. Justin has had a varied career building fast moving and valuable branded franchises for big companies and as an entrepreneur. His early career started with Procter & Gamble and then moved into consulting with WPP. Justin then joined Deutsche Bank in retail e- ventures moving to work in Corporate Finance. From 2006 to 2009 Justin was Chief Marketing Officer for Capital One in Europe running all market facing initiatives.
Presentation Outline
To be confirmed
Biography
Mike is a social entrepreneur. Following a military career, an MBA and brief stints in banking and maths education, he launched National Numeracy in 2012, building the organisation into a well-respected national charity. Having handed over as Chief Executive there in 2020, Mike launched Plain Numbers in early 2021 and is now utilising his unparalleled knowledge of this largely hidden consumer vulnerability to work with firms to improve comprehension and thereby enable good outcomes for customers.
Presentation Outline
To be confirmed
Biography
Mr. Roman Mokry is a Policy Officer at the European Commission, where he plays a key role in shaping and implementing EU policies in the field of cosmetics. With twenty year of expertise in regulatory frameworks, policy analysis, and legislative development, he contributes to initiatives that drive economic growth, sustainability, and innovation across Europe. His work involves collaborating with stakeholders, drafting policy recommendations, and ensuring compliance with EU regulations. With a strong background in European governance and public affairs, Mr. Mokry is dedicated to fostering policies that support the EU’s long-term strategic objectives, balancing economic priorities with regulatory standards to benefit businesses and citizens alike.
Since June 2024 Mr. Roman Mokry chairs the expert working group on sunscreen products comprising experts from Member States competent authorities, European Commission and interested stakeholders with the aim of revising Commission Recommendation of 22 September 2006 on the efficacy of sunscreen products and the claims made relating thereto.
Presentation Outline
Revision of the European Commission’s 2006 Recommendation on sunscreen products
Sunscreen products are cosmetics according to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (EU Cosmetics Regulation) that protect against UV radiation. The efficacy of sunscreen products, and the basis on which this efficacy is claimed are important public health-issues. In particular, sunscreens should contain protection against all dangerous UV radiation. An indication of the efficacy of sunscreen products should be simple, unambiguous, and meaningful, while being based on standardised, reproducible criteria. In addition, labels and claims should provide sufficient information to help consumers choose the appropriate product and apply it correctly.
The Recommendation on the efficacy of sunscreen products and the claims made relating to them, adopted in 2006, addresses these issues. It sets out the claims which should not be made in relation to sunscreen products, precautions to be observed including application instructions, minimum efficacy standard for sunscreens to ensure a high level of protection of public health, and simple and understandable labelling to assist in choosing the appropriate product.
Since 2024 the Commission, in close cooperation with Member States competent authorities and interested stakeholders, has been working on the revision of the 2006 Recommendation with the objective of adapting it to technical and scientific progress.
Biography
With 17 years’ experience in evaluating the performance of cosmetics products, Florence Pouradier is currently the Deputy Head of Clinical & Physics Evaluation in L’Oréal Research & Innovation. During her career, she has explored a wide range of sensory, clinical and instrumental methodologies, in various fields of application from Hair & Scalp Care to Photoprotection. Heir to a line of renowned researchers and a skilled scientist in her own right in this field, Florence has been the spokesperson for L’Oréal expertise in photoprotection measurement methods for the past 5 years.
Presentation Outline
To be confirmed
Dr Gerald Renner
Director Technical Regulatory Affairs
SPEAKER
Regulatory pressure on UV filters – A dangerous downward spiral
Biography
Dr Gerald Renner specialised in biochemical engineering and worked for his PhD at the Technische Universität Graz, and the Ecole Polytechnique de Montréal. He finished his doctoral studies on the bacterial production of biodegradable plastics in 1996. After additional courses in animal cell culture techniques and immunology at the Université Libre de Bruxelles, he joined the Colipa (now Cosmetics Europe) Scientific department at the end of 1996 working mainly on ingredient safety. Since 2001, he has served as Cosmetics Europe’s Director of Technical Regulatory Affairs, a role which since 2010 has also included leading the association’s activities on international regulatory convergence.
Presentation Outline
Biography
Mathias Rohr studied physics and bio-physics at University of Göttingen / Max Planck Institute (MPI) für Strahlenchemie/Mülheim-Ruhr Germany. Since the early 90’s he has been an employee at Institute Dr. Schrader Germany. Over 3 decades he is involved in the development of biophysical devices and test methods in the field of skin physiological testing. In particular, the interaction of light and skin is a fundamental part in his clinical research history.
Beside classical SPF testing, methods like LIOAS (Laser Induced Opto-Acoustic Spectroscopy), Photoacoustic Spectroscopy of Sunscreens, NIR-RS (Near InfraRed Remission Spectroscopy), Skin surface analysis by FOITS (Fast Optical In vivo Topometry of Human Skin), ICL-S (Induced ChemiLuminescence of Human Skin to investigate Oxidative Protection in vivo) and finally HDRS (Hybrid Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy) can be named as a research extract of his daily work.
Working on the international standardisation of sunscreen testing methods and possible alternatives, he is a member of the ISO working group (WG 7) dealing with Sun Protection Test Methods, CEN, DIN, or the sunscreen working group of the German Society for Scientific and Applied Cosmetics (DGK).
Presentation Outline
To be confirmed
Biography
Eduardo Ruvolo is a biophysicist with a strong background in theoretical and applied physics, complemented by extensive industrial experience in the physical and life sciences. His expertise spans cosmetics, skin bioinstrumentation, and photobiology, with a particular focus on sun protection and the effects of long UVA and visible light on skin. Throughout his career, he has developed and delivered scientific substantiation for new product claims, elucidated mechanisms of action for active ingredients, and effectively communicated complex scientific findings to multidisciplinary professionals across clinical, regulatory, and consumer-focused domains.
Eduardo holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Theoretical and Applied Physics from the University of São Paulo, Brazil. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD by publication at Kingston University London, further consolidating his extensive research contributions in the field. Thesis: “Visible Light and Skin Health: Mechanisms of Damage and Photoprotection”.
In his role Head of Clinical and Scientific Affairs at Beiersdorf Inc., USA, Eduardo leads scientific research, product safety and product development for Beiersdorf brands. His work involves designing and executing studies to prove the efficacy of new formulations, implementing advanced methodologies using bioinstrumentation and clinical testing to ensure that scientific claims are robustly substantiated. His expertise bridges the gap between research, innovation, and regulatory compliance, driving advancements in skin and suncare efficacy evaluation strategies.
Presentation Outline
To be confirmed
Dr Mechtild Petersen-Thiery
Senior Regulatory Affairs Manager Personal Care
Biography
Dr. Mechtild Petersen-Thiery is a chemist by training and prepared her PhD thesis in analytical chemistry at the University of Saarbrücken in Germany. She started in 1991 at BASF as head of an analytical laboratory, investigating plant protection active ingredients regarding their detailed composition by structure elucidation and she was developing and validating analytical methods for the investigation of water samples, food, and technical material. She supported the toxicological department by deep characterisation of the batches used for tox-testings.
Since 2012, she works as product steward and senior regulatory affairs manager in the personal care unit of BASF. She is responsible for all kinds of regulatory aspects regarding UV filters in cosmetics. The work includes answering customer or authority questions on ecotoxicity and toxicity as well as registering new substances according to the different regulatory frameworks throughout the world. The topics cover beside nano for example question on sensitisation, on impurities or on staining of clothes as well as also the development of animal-free testing methods and the exchange with regulatory bodies to accept new standards as being adequate to animal tests.
Presentation Outline
To be confirmed