As the cosmetics and personal care industry continues to evolve rapidly, scientific advancements and industry collaboration have become more important than ever. John Carola is at the helm of the New York Association of Chemical Chemists (NYSCC) in 2025. The connection between science and beautyreflects the organization’s commitment to bridging cutting-edge research into real-world innovation.
In this exclusive Q&A, Carola shares NYSCC’s priorities, latest industry trends, and insights into what highly anticipated suppliers and attendees can expect in 2025.
CDU: As the NYSCC Chair for 2025, what is your comprehensive vision for this year’s organization?
John Carola: My vision is focused on the theme of “the connection between science and beauty.” This encapsulates our mission to bridge cutting edge scientific advancements with beauty and evolving needs of the personal care industry.
We aim to promote deeper collaboration between researchers, formations, brands and members to promote innovation in sustainable, effective, consumer-centric solutions. Through education initiatives, networking opportunities and global partnerships, NYSCC positions it as the premier hub of knowledge sharing and advancement in beauty science.
CDU: What are NYSCC’s top priorities this year? Are there any new initiatives or goals that you are particularly excited about?
John Carola: Our main priorities include expanding educational programs, increasing membership engagement, and advocacy science.
I have focused on how the NYSCC is an incredible membership nexus by connecting individuals, creating networking opportunities, and promoting partnerships and new collaborations. The NYSCC is an incredible connector that brings together hundreds of individuals and advances beauty science.
The new membership initiatives include:
- MVP (Member Volunteer Route) – A monthly program that highlights the incredible dedication and contribution of our members
- Member exclusive gift boxes are available only at selected monthly educational meetings
- Choose a free educational program to join SCC members
The NYSCC Internship Program also offers university students 8-10 weeks of work experience with companies in the beauty and personal care industry.
We also launched a new NYSCC website, offering fresh faces and exciting hubs, and exciting hubs for connection and innovation.
Additionally, we are working with international scientific organizations and professional organizations to strengthen the NYSCC’s global presence by providing members with access to the latest innovation, regulatory insights and professional development tools.
CDU: NYSCC is well known for its Supplier Day events. What can attendees expect from their suppliers in 2025? And how does that differ from the past few years?
John Carola: Supplier Day, June 3-4, 2025, truly embody the “connection of science and beauty” by featuring a dynamic mix of scientific innovation, sustainability and consumer-driven trends.
The show is not only held this June, but also moved up the second floor of the Javitz Centre to the vast third level of the Javitz Centre. This space is one of New York’s biggest events.
Educational content is available for unparalleled learning, but special events, activations, sold out exhibition floors and core specializations ensure attendees’ engagement from start to finish. These include the main stage theater with indie 360° pavilion, inspiration hives, technical poster presentations, and important presentations such as discovery sustainability and the world of chemistry.
Supplier Day also offers a unique programme organized by the Scientific Committee on Dermatology and Neuroscience. It was also created in collaboration with leading industry associations, including ACI, CACPA, CEW, CIBS, CPA, EFFCI, IBA, IKW, PCPC and more.
Supplier Day 2025 will be an unparalleled beauty week for the industry by industry.
CDU: What are the biggest trends shaping the cosmetics and personal care industry in 2025?
John Carola: Convergence of science, technology and consumer expectations is driving key industry trends. The shift towards biotechnology-driven beauty, AI-powered formulations, and sustainable innovation is accelerating.
Personalization is another major trend as advances in skin microbiome research and AI diagnostics will allow brands to create highly customized solutions.
Furthermore, changes in regulations and consumer demand have increased transparency in ingredient sourcing, ethical manufacturing and environmentally responsible packaging. At NYSCC, we are at the forefront of these developments, providing our members with access to the latest research and industry insights.
CDU: How do you think scientific innovation will drive product development? Do you expect certain areas like biotechnology and AI to have a major impact?
John Carola: Scientific innovation is changing the way beauty products are developed, tested and sold. AI revolutionizes formulations by predicting component interactions and optimizing stability, significantly reducing time to market.
Biotechnology also plays an important role. It has sustainable alternatives to lab-grown ingredients, biofermentation processes and traditional ingredients, gaining traction. These advances are in perfect alignment with us The connection between science and beauty Theme, a theme that emphasizes the seamless integration of technology and nature.
The NYSCC is committed to fostering discussions on these innovations, ensuring that experts across the supply chain are prepared to take advantage of the potential to create safer, more effective and sustainable products.
CDU: How do you see NYSCC supporting its members as you navigate regulatory challenges?
John Carola: The regulatory landscape is evolving rapidly, and the NYSCC is committed to ensuring that its members are ahead of these changes. Provides insights into compliance, ingredient safety and global standards through dedicated education sessions, expert-led panels and collaborations with regulatory bodies.
Supplier 2025 features enhanced programming on regulatory practices, helping industry experts navigate sustainability claims, transparency and evolving legislation challenges.
CDU: How important is collaboration across different sectors of the industry (suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, etc.) to drive innovation in 2025?
John Carola: Collaboration is essential for meaningful innovation. The beauty and personal care industry thrives when suppliers, manufacturers, retailers and officials work together to integrate science, sustainability and consumer trends.
The connection between science and beauty It is to promote these connections and enable groundbreaking research and innovations to real-world applications.
In 2025, we focus on strengthening interdisciplinary partnerships that accelerate the development of high-performance, environmentally friendly, and consumer-driven solutions. This will become apparent throughout the Supplier Day in June, particularly in the event’s indie 360° pavilion and educational programs.
CDU: What role do you think NYSCC plays in fostering collaboration among these industries?
John Carola: The NYSCC serves as a bridge between the various sectors of the beauty and personal care industry. Through networking events, knowledge sharing platforms and flagship supplier day, it creates opportunities for experts across the supply chain to connect and collaborate.
We are expanding our mentorship programs, innovation forums and global partnerships to ensure our members, students and young professionals have access to the latest advancements and business opportunities.
CDU: What partnerships and education initiatives can members look forward to next year?
John Carola: In 2025, we are strengthening monthly education delivery curated by the Scientific Committee, examining partnerships with rheology, pet care product development, expansion into the sensory domain, and related associations within those sectors. These unique areas of focus broaden the reach and influence of the NYSCC and contribute to the overall success of product development.
It also expands collaborations with fellow chapters, major scientific and industry organizations and universities through its newly formed outreach committee. We aim to ensure that our members have the knowledge and resources they need to stay at the forefront of industry progress.
Supplier Day also features a new experiential learning zone where participants can directly engage in new technologies and innovations. The key focus is recognizing the science and chemistry that leads to innovation. And many of our award programs on Supplier Day will certainly celebrate this focus!
