The controversial subject of animal testing will be explored in detail for the first time during the Marketing Trends presentations at in-cosmetics Asia this year.

Following the EU-wide ban on animal testing for cosmetic products two years ago, Alain Khaiat of Seers Consulting will examine requirements around the world and how companies should comply. One of the most complex issues for companies since the ban has been the differing regulations in Europe and Asia. Whilst Europe ended all animal testing on cosmetic products (finished, ingredients and imports) in 2013, many Asian countries are still somewhere in between; accepting alternatives in theory but still testing on animals in practice. Although synergies are developing, the situation is still very difficult for personal care brands operating internationally. To provide some clarity on the topic, Khaiat will delve into global regulatory requirements and look at the science behind alternative methods.

Regulations will also be the subject of a second presentation led by Khaiat during the exhibition, focussing particularly on the latest regulatory developments in Asia. The session will examine how companies can best adapt their products to meet the ever-changing Asian requirements.

For many, an equally thorny subject is the use of nanomaterials in personal care formulations. Consumers are particularly concerned about how they are regulated in products globally and how safe they are. Belinda Carli from the Institute of Personal Care Science will update visitors on the latest research relating to nanotechnology, focussing on regulatory developments, potential uptake, pathways within the skin, current issues associated with their use and how brands can best communicate to their customers.

Connecting with customers is another key focus of this year’s Marketing Trends presentations. Three separate sessions will look at the power of social media marketing and how brands can leverage different platforms to reach their target audience. Carl Heaton from WCB Design Agency will explore Facebook, the ‘powerhouse’ of social media marketing, and then go on to examine the four pillars for online marketing success in the beauty industry. The impact that social media has on a brand and how companies can use metrics to uncover key business insights will be discussed by Vincent Camara from Synthesio. Case studies of top beauty brands will enable Camara to illustrate how properly understanding your company’s social media can offer a distinct business advantage.

As ever, the theme of ‘innovation’ will continue to play a huge part at in-cosmetics Asia 2015. Arnold Bos from Lux Research will update visitors on the impact of 3D BioPrinting, how companies are exploring its potential in R&D, which direction it is heading in, what the opportunities are for cosmetic manufacturers and whether it can live up to the hype.

Designed to showcase the latest in R&D innovation, the Innovation Seminars enable visitors to gain a snapshot of the latest products on the market and discover new formulation and R&D solutions. Run by exhibitors, the sessions will offer a unique insight into different techniques and ingredients being used across the globe.

Meanwhile, a series of formulation training sessions will bring innovation to life in the exhibition’s very own purpose-built Formulation Lab. Visitors will be given practical guidance on how to create a sunscreen formulation, deliver excellent emulsification efficacy, make a liposomal skin lightening cream and formulate an age-defying 3D gel amongst other products.

To view the full Educational Programme, visit:

http://www.in-cosmeticsasia.com/education

To attend the show free of charge, visitors need to register by 28th October

www.in-cosmeticsasia.com/register

For further details, including information on visiting, go to www.in-cosmeticsasia.com, follow the event on Twitter at www.twitter.com/incosmetics or join the debate on LinkedIn at www.in-cosmetics.com/linkedin or on our Facebook pages at www.facebook.com/incosmeticsgroup (English) and www.facebook.com/incosmeticsasia (Thai).