Celia Campos: "We can emerge stronger as a sector if we do things right and communicate them properly"

The cosmetics industry is a giant that is constantly evolving. Driven by technological innovations, emerging trends and a growing demand for products that are safer and meet a pressing need for sustainability.This exponential growth brings with it significant challenges, especially in terms of regulation. Regulations governing the production, labelling and marketing of cosmetics are critical to ensure the safety and efficacy of products, but also raise a number of unknowns that require urgent attention.As consumers become more aware and demanding, regulators and companies in the sector face the challenge of adapting to a legal framework that is both complex but needs to be dynamic. This article, with the help of Celia Campos, Technical Director and CEO of MuttuLab seeks to explore what will be the main regulatory unknowns in the industry this year. What is the industry's main regulatory challenge in 2024?Celia Campos: Facing the Regulatory Tsunami we have been talking about. We are not only looking at updating the cosmetics regulation or implementing the eco-design regulation, but also at demonstrating our capacity for change, for overcoming obstacles and managing opportunities. We must apply a transversal and dynamic approach, positioning Regulatory as a key area of any organisation and project, providing value as a pivot in a very changing environment. What is the biggest question that needs to be answered this year?CC: Undoubtedly, the Eco-design Regulation and how it will be articulated. This encompasses the whole life cycle impact, from the identification and substitution of substances of concern to greater efficiency, safety and transparency for the consumer. And it reopens old debates such as the fate of products discarded for quality; when we had agreed that what is not good to sell is not good to donate or use internally. The reduction of waste and destruction puts the issue back on the table. We are in for a year of interesting debates. What can the cosmetics sector expect in terms of regulation this year?CC: Providing consumers with better information in order to protect them from untrustworthy or transparent practices, but also to strengthen brands. Use the implementation of the new guidelines to achieve: Encourage the use of recyclable materials and limit the use of unnecessary packaging. Choose ingredients from renewable and sustainable sources. Transparency in labelling. Subsidy or benefit programmes for companies that adopt more sustainable practices. Harmonise eco-design practices in different regions. Industry collaboration with regulators and the cosmetics consumer to develop regulations that are realistic and achievable.This goes us to force to repensar some concepts, as for example, the one of the naturalidad and the sustainability and his communication of the profits of our products. What hit will continue having the sustainability to the hour to formulate this 2024?CC: Environmental concerns around the world are increasing, so we must continue to think about being sustainable from start to finish. This includes the design process and using more reliable assessment methods and having the option to use new ingredients. It also includes improving manufacturing methods that protect the ecosystem, reducing pollution and waste management and ensuring a circular and sustainable economy.The aim is to really inform consumers so that they learn to make informed decisions, avoiding stereotypes and "greenwashing". We also seek to include the environmental cost in our global cost analysis.In summary, adapting to more sustainable practices in the cosmetics industry can bring about positive changes in terms of environmental impact, consumer satisfaction, innovation and regulatory compliance. The success of this transition will depend on the continued dedication of companies and collaboration across the value chain. We can emerge stronger as an industry if we get it right and communicate it in the right way.