Sustainability Symposium
Sustainable Cosmetics Through Multiple Lenses: Science, Technology, Regulation, and Market Perspectives.
April 23 from 3pm to 8pm
Liberty House Event Venue
76 Audrey Zapp Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07305
This NYSCC Sustainability Symposium brings together experts from academia, industry, and across the cosmetic value chain to explore how sustainability is reshaping modern cosmetic science. Through perspectives spanning active ingredient innovation, formulation, AI-driven development, regulation, and brand strategy, the program highlights how scientific advances and market forces are converging to drive more responsible product development. Speakers will share insights on emerging technologies, global regulatory trends, and real-world applications, from green chemistry and bioactives to computational modeling and sustainable product design, demonstrating how high-performance cosmetics and environmental responsibility can be achieved in tandem.
Event Agenda (Subject to change)
3:00 PM | Reception and Registration
3:20 PM | Opening Remarks – Hang Ma, Ph.D. (URI)
3:30 PM | Haidong Liu, Ph.D. (Schrödinger)
4:00 PM | Maggie Spicer (Source Beauty)
4:30 PM | Lois Lu (Bloomage Biotechnology USA)
5:00 PM | Smitha Rao (Parëva Beauty)
5:30 PM | Panel Discussion & Audience Q&A
6:00 PM | Dinner & Networking
Featured Speakers:
Hang Ma, University of Rhode Island
Haidong Liu, Application Scientist, Schrödinger Inc.,
Bio: Dr. Haidong Liu is a computational scientist in the Materials Science Group at Schrödinger, where he has served as a CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) Application Scientist since 2022. He specializes in molecular modeling of complex systems, with expertise in integrating quantum chemistry, multi-scale molecular dynamics, and machine learning. His work focuses on applying these advanced computational models to drive innovation and provide scientific understanding across consumer goods, food science, and personal care. He is dedicated to translating molecular insights into practical product development, enabling R&D teams to make faster, smarter, and greener decisions.
Presentation Title: AI-Powered Molecular Design: A Digital Chemistry Approach to Sustainable Personal Care Products
Abstract: This presentation will explore the prediction of natural ingredient performance—within a formulation, on hair, and inside its packaging—prior to laboratory experimentation. It will demonstrate how the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with molecular simulation facilitates this capability today. Real-world applications include screening natural antioxidants for potency, predicting the stability and texture of shampoos based on composition, elucidating the mechanisms behind natural colorant fading, and evaluating packaging safety under authentic use conditions. The underlying principle is that physics-based simulation furnishes molecular-level understanding and training data, AI accelerates the discovery process, and only the most promising candidates are advanced to the laboratory bench. This digital-first methodology leads to accelerated innovation and enhanced insights for developing personal care products that are effective, safe, and sustainable.
Maggie Spicer, Attorney & Principal, Source Beauty
Bio: Maggie Spicer is an attorney and the founder of Source Beauty, a Washington, DC based strategic advisory firm. She specializes in building sustainable business strategies for global beauty brands. Prior to launching Source Beauty, she was an international trade attorney at White & Case and the supply chain regulatory counsel at Amazon.
Presentation Title: Sustainable Product Development in a Global Marketplace: Understanding Key Trends and Drivers for 2026 and Beyond
Abstract: The global beauty industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation, driven by mounting pressure from consumers, regulators, and investors to embed sustainability into every dimension of product development and brand operations. This presentation examines the key macro trends reshaping the competitive landscape in 2026 and beyond, equipping the audience with the market intelligence needed to make more informed, forward-looking decisions at the bench and beyond.
Lois Lu, Bloomage Biotechnology USA Inc.
Bio: Lois Lu serves as General Manager of Bloomage Biotechnology USA Inc., a global pioneer in bioactive ingredient innovation for cosmetics and personal care. With over 15 years of integrated expertise spanning R&D, technical leadership, and business strategy, she brings a profound understanding of both scientific rigor and market needs. Lois remains steadfastly committed to delivering cutting-edge, sustainable bioactive material solutions that empower global customers to drive innovation in high-performance skincare and personal care products.
Presentation Title: Green Fermentation-Powered Hyaluronic Acid Innovations: Novel Bioactive Ingredients for Sustainable Anti-Aging
Abstract: In the field of sustainability-driven cosmetic science, ingredient innovation must balance efficacy, environmental responsibility, and technological breakthroughs. Based on the exploration and innovation of sodium hyaluronate, Bloomage have developed globally pioneering anti-aging actives through green fermentation technology. Leveraging patented dual enzymolysis technology, we produce ultra-low molecular weight (400 Da) hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, which can precisely target telomeres and remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM). With exceptional bioavailability, it improves fine lines and periorbital concerns. We have also pioneered the [Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid] covalent conjugate, achieving Vitamin C stabilization via green chemistry. It combines the deep hydration of HA with the antioxidant and brightening effects of VC, forming a triple anti-aging pathway of “Hydration & Plumpness – 3D Firming – Skin Smoothing”. Both innovative ingredients adopt efficient production processes and possess multi-functionality, enhancing bioavailability while supporting the development of a circular economy and reducing carbon footprint. This presentation will share in vitro/in vivo efficacy data, demonstrating that high-performance cosmetics and sustainable development can go hand in hand.
Smitha Rao, Scientist and CEO, Parëva® Beauty
Parëva® Beauty was founded by Smitha Rao, a scientist, innovator and accomplished beauty veteran who filed her first biotech patent application in her 20’s. She has created more than 200 products across 15 brands in the beauty and wellness space in her 18 year career. An independent, female-scientist founded skincare brand, Parëva® Beauty is on a mission to extend skin health with clinically crafted, pro-grade products for skin longevity. The brand does this with the power of good science, the spirit of radical transparency and the joy of transformation. Rao has developed a patent pending technology Molecur 3™ from plant stem cells targeting exosome activation and NAD+, designed to rejuvenate skin to look up to 2 years younger. Rao was chosen as an honoree for the Inc 2026 Female Founders 500, 2025 Beauty Independent Bridge Mentorship, ULTA Beauty 2025 MUSE Accelerator program and was named to the 2025 INNOCOS Longevity100 in Beauty & Wellness.
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