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Meet the Council

SCS COUNCIL 2026 - 2027

How well do you know your SCS Council? Find out a bit more about the Council members and their involvement with the SCS here. The Steering/Working Groups always welcome new faces and opinions so if you’d like to get involved please contact the Head Office and remember, there are openings on Council every year

Executive Committee

Astrid Bodard 2026

Astrid Bodard

With nearly 20 years’ experience in the personal care industry, I’ve built my career around a genuine passion for cosmetic science. After studying physics and chemistry at the University of Bordeaux, I discovered the industry early on and was drawn to its unique combination of innovation, creativity and ongoing challenge. I am currently Senior Technical Manager at Azelis UK, where I lead a team supporting both customers and suppliers, translating ingredient technologies into practical, market-ready solutions.

I joined the Society of Cosmetic Scientists in 2019 and have since been actively involved in a range of initiatives, including chairing the International Journal of Cosmetic Science committee and contributing to community events such as the SCS Formulate dinner. The people I’ve met through the Society have been a real source of inspiration and motivation to contribute further.

I am particularly passionate about supporting member engagement, encouraging learning and mentoring opportunities, and strengthening international connections. I am keen to help the Society evolve while staying true to its scientific foundations, ensuring members feel supported, connected and confident in navigating the future of cosmetic science. 

Amanda Isom-Went

I have over 25 years’ experience in the cosmetics industry, with particular expertise in UK and European cosmetics regulation and compliance.

I spent two decades at the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association, advising members on regulatory and technical matters and am currently Regulatory Affairs Director at Bloom Regulatory, where I lead the regulatory team and support clients in navigating complex regulatory requirements.

I have been actively involved with the Society for Cosmetic Science for many years, including previous service on Council as Chair of Education and Honorary Education Secretary.

My contributions include work on the Introductory Course in Cosmetic Science, the revision of the SCS Diploma, and co-editing the SCS and Royal Society of Chemistry book Discovering Cosmetic Science.

Stewart Long

A biochemist and cell biologist by background, I accidentally joined the cosmetics industry when Unilever advertised for a cell culture scientist. I am glad I did because it has proven to be an endlessly fascinating and varied career. After 8 years with Unilever in dental, hair and skin research, I joined Boots. I spent 12 years in various roles including claims substantiation manager and Scientific Adviser for Skincare, thoroughly enjoying all of it. I then spent 5 years with Dow Corning, based in Belgium, as Global market Leader for Skincare Ingredients before the opportunity came up to join Cutest in 2015. My current role is CEO of Cutest Systems, providing claims, user studies and safety testing. I was hugely honoured to be SCS President in 2020, and I was awarded an SCS Fellowship in 2025.  I am also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

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Dan Whitby

I have over 25 years’ experience working in the personal care industry and have excellent knowledge of the current market and future trends as well as expertise in formulation, innovation and clinical testing. I currently work as the Innovation Strategist at Lake Chemicals & Minerals Ltd, leading the company’s scientific discovery programme and using that expertise to engage and enable successful development and launches of client products. I have previously worked with Lake, Alba Science, Cornelius, Smink and Boots. I am a member of, and previously chaired, SCS RDG North and am a part-time lecturer and course consultant at the University of Sunderland for the BSc and MSc Cosmetic Science courses. I am also a regular contributor to industry journals and conferences.

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Dr Tony Gough

I am the current Honorary Treasurer of the SCS. I have a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry and have worked in R&D/technical roles for over 35 years, mainly within the personal-care product industry, but have also spent several years in homecare and industrial products areas.

I am the Director of Innovation for Sustainability at Innospec, and former companies I have worked for include Unilever, Alberto-Culver, COSi, Surfachem and ISP/Ashland. I am also a past President of the International Federation of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC), a past President of CESIO and a member of CESIO’s Executive Committee.  I am also a past President of the SCS and remain active in the SCS with the Honorary Treasurer role, as a member of the International Journal of Cosmetic Science (IJCS) committee and on the IJCS editorial board. He is also a past Honorary Treasurer of the SCS and a past Treasurer of the IFSCC.

I am is continuing in my position as Honorary Treasurer following my  appointment in May 2024.

Gem-Bektas

Gem Bektas

Gem provides leadership for the Society and is responsible for operational management, constitutional requirements and her duties range from financial control to event organisation.

Gem and her team are all supported by the hard work of volunteers from within the SCS membership who give their valuable time on committees and council.

Council Members

I am currently the Global Innovation Director at OREAN, steering worldwide teams to develop next-generation skincare, haircare and wellness products.

With more than 15 years of experience in beauty innovation—including 10 years shaping game-changing launches at Lush—I combine deep consumer insight, rigorous scientific research, and a relentless focus on sustainability.

I have delivered multiple award-winning, eco-conscious formulations that raise industry standards while meeting diverse market and regulatory demands.

A double MSc graduate in Bioinformatics & Computational Biology (Universities of Sheffield and York) and holder of diplomas from the Society of Cosmetic Scientists and the Chartered Institute of Marketing, I  bridge R&D, marketing and supply-chain disciplines with ease.

Beyond the lab, I mentor emerging talent and champion diversity and inclusion, driving solutions that elevate brands, protect the planet and enrich communities.

I started out in cosmetics just as Steve Jobs was unveiling the first iPhone and have been involved with the SCS for nearly as long. During that time I have had the pleasure of working in several great companies and with even more great people in a range of technical and technical adjacent roles.

The Society was a massive help in my early career and I learned a huge amount from both the SCS Diploma and the PPCS course, the latter of which I have to thank for my current role as Sales Director at Adina. This access to true experts helped and still helps to cut through the noise that surrounds and can even overshadow the great scientific work that we know goes on in our industry.

This is my first year on council and it has been a few years since I have been actively involved with the SCS. I am excited to give something back and help create a society fit for the next 17 years.

I have Masters degrees in Chemical Engineering in Cosmetics (University of Science Montpellier II) and Industrial Cosmetology (Industrial Pharmacy Institute of Lyon) and have worked in the cosmetics industry in R&D for over 15 years. My experience includes defining strong purpose-led formula development strategy and leading teams from all backgrounds to deliver innovation. My responsibilities now include sustainability, an area I am particularly enthusiastic about as I feel the cosmetic industry has a key role to play. I have worked with J&J in France and Italy, Cosmarida in the UK and now work with The Body Shop (Natura & Co Group). I have been keen to join the SCS Council for many years to get more involved in this dynamic and exciting group of trusted experts in the industry that I love. This is my second year on Council.

I hold a degree in pharmaceutical science and a PhD in membrane transport. My major areas of expertise include delivery of actives to and through the skin, biophysical approaches towards the elucidation of active-skin and formulation-skin interactions, mechanisms of active absorption in skin and topical formulation design and evaluation. To date, I have published more than 180 peer-reviewed papers, supervised 35 PhD students, and mentored 18 postdoctoral research associates.

I also act as a consultant to many multinational companies, and I serve on the editorial board of several pharmaceutical science journals. I am the Chair of Skin Forum, an organisation that was established to promote interdisciplinary collaborations with reference to topical and transdermal formulations. My research group collaborates worldwide and I also host visiting scientists from academia and industry in my laboratory.

An Overseas Registered Pharmacist with four (4) active years of practice within the Clinical and Manufacturing settings of both Hospital and Community Pharmacies. My exposure to Cosmetic Science first came about during my placement year at a Children’s Hospital in Kingston, Jamaica where I was responsible for compounding Sterile and Non-Sterile formulations including Dermatological preparations for In-Patient and Out-Patient use.

Further exploration into this niche area led me to becoming the recipient of 11 of 12 postgraduate offers across the UK- all which catered to the Science behind Cosmetics and/ or Pharmaceuticals. I eventually pursued my Masters in Formulation Science at the University of Greenwich, London upon being conferred their International Scholarship Award in 2020.

From being a Student Ambassador of Greenwich where I promoted and engaged secondary students on career pathways available in Pharmacy, Cosmetics and the wider STEM — to now being an Ambassador of the Society where I fully advocate for alliances with international students, recent graduates and the most junior members of our industry through my serving on the SCS #FutureSoc Committee, alongside the British Beauty Council Future Talent STEM Ambassador programme.

I now have 2+ years’ experience in the industry and this will be my first year serving on Council with such a diverse and multifaceted team. Afterall, representation does matter.

I’m the founder of The Green Chemist Consultancy and GreenChemFinder, with over 25 years of expertise in sustainable cosmetic formulation. I hold a doctorate in Chemistry from Ca’ Foscari University (Venice), a Diploma in Cosmetic Science (SCS UK), and a Master’s in Food Science and Technology (University of Lincoln).

Since 1999, I’ve specialised in green skincare and haircare formulation, with a particular passion for green preservation and the use of innovative multifunctional ingredients for product protection. In 2005, I led the development of the first certified organic eau de toilette with Primavera Aromatherapy (now ESPA International).

I regularly moderate the Sustainability Zone and Green Preservation Roundtable discussions at in-cosmetics Global, fostering dialogue on the future of sustainable formulation.

My latest innovation, GreenChemFinder — a B2B ingredient intelligence platform — recently won the 2026 C&T Allée Award, recognising its contribution to the cosmetic science community.

I first joined the cosmetics industry in 2012, working for L’Oréal UK and Ireland as a Scientific Advisor.

In 2016, I moved to CTPA as a Scientific Information Officer and joined the SCS! I have been fortunate enough to increase my knowledge and passion for cosmetic science, safety and communication to become Director of Science at CTPA in 2024.

My background is in chemistry – I graduated from the University of Oxford in 2011 with a Masters degree.

My role at CTPA focuses on developing the Association’s scientific strategy, managing ingredient issues, advocating with the UK Government on issues relating to chemicals and cosmetic ingredients and promoting our communications on the safety of cosmetics.

I currently represent CTPA on several committees at Cosmetics Europe and I chair the UK cosmetics committee under the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).

After completing a degree in Medical Biochemistry and after a short time working for the NHS, I discovered the world of cosmetic science – joining Boots, now the No7 Beauty Company in early 2002. I started my career formulating lipsticks and since then I have been fortunate enough to work on a number of different brands and technologies across colour, skin care and bath, body and hair. I have remained working in formulation for the majority of my career, but in that time have also had the amazing opportunity to lead the setting up and organisation of our science apprenticeship scheme. That is what has given me the passion for supporting the education and coaching for those joining or already in the industry.

I am a Programme Director for the science courses in London College of Fashion (University of the Arts London, UAL) and an Honorary Lecturer in the Department of Computer Engineering (University College London, UCL).

I obtained a degree in Chemical Engineering with a specialisation in the technology of cosmetics and fragrance materials in Bulgaria, and after moving to the UK worked in technical roles in fragrance companies and a raw material supplier.

I then became involved in setting up the first UK degree course in cosmetic science at the UAL and have taught cosmetic science and technology for over 20 years. I now lead academic teams in the planning and delivering of academic programmes, curriculum development and strategic partnerships.

I am also involved in research projects focused on cosmetic innovation and technology, as well as inclusivity in cosmetic product design. I have published and given talks on these and other cosmetic related topics at industry and scientific events and am passionate about raising the profile of the cosmetic science education and careers and enhancing further the scientific standing of the industry. This is my first year on Council.

I am a Chemical Engineer with over 10 years’ experience in technical sales of cosmetic ingredients, currently working as a Sales Account Manager for the UK territory. Although I started my career in technical roles, I quickly discovered a passion for sales, relationship-building, and helping bring innovative concepts to market.
Having worked across both Latin America and the UK, I have developed an international and collaborative perspective, working closely with customers, suppliers, and colleagues from diverse backgrounds. What I value most about the industry is the sense of community and the opportunity to learn from others.

I am joining Council because I would like to contribute to the continued engagement and inclusivity of the Society, helping ensure SCS remains a welcoming and valuable network for all members.

I graduated with a Masters in Chemistry from the University of Nottingham in 2018 and went on to attain the SCS Diploma in 2020. I have been in the cosmetics industry since graduating, starting with roles where I worked with waxes, and then moving on to product formulation in various labs in the South East of England. I am a big advocate for FutureSoc and form part of the committee – I believe being a Council Member will encourage further participation of our members with all things SCS. I am also part of the Scientific Programme Committee and hope to bring valuable insights to both the Council and our Society.

I joined the cosmetics industry after completing my degree in Pharmacy at the University in Barcelona, specialising in Industrial Applications and Healthcare Law.

My initial steps in were taken in Spain supporting companies in achieving GMP compliance, providing training and helping to adapt products for international markets. After moving to the UK, and holding positions within a manufacturer and brand perspective, I joined the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) in 2021, where I am now the Director of Regulation and Sustainability.

In my current position I am involved in the work of the association under the new UK Cosmetics Regulation and delivering on an ambitious Sustainability Strategy for a net positive cosmetics industry. I also lead our international engagement programmes seeking to promote the UK industry, and I support the UK Government as a member of advisory groups for the Department of Business and Trade.

I am an accomplished Product Innovation Leader with over 15+years of global experience in the beauty and personal care industry. I have successfully led multi-million-pound projects across 14 countries, delivering over 490+ high-performance products in skincare, colour cosmetics, bath & body, and homecare. With deep expertise in both waterfall and agile product development models, I am known for my strategic vision, innovation excellence, and hands-on leadership in New Product Development (NPD).

Currently serving as Director of Innovation & Product Technology at Urenew Beauty UK (Muscle Doc Ltd.), I drive the end-to-end innovation pipeline – combining cutting-edge formulation science with commercial strategy, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. My work is guided by Lean Six Sigma and ISO methodologies, ensuring process excellence, cost optimization, and quality across the product lifecycle.

My strengths include creating globally compliant and commercially viable products, leading cross-functional teams, managing suppliers and co-manufacturers, and delivering business-critical initiatives. I am highly skilled in end to end product lifecycle management, critical path planning, business case development, and global compliance – all while staying ahead of trends through technology convergence and competitive intelligence.

A strong advocate for education and mentorship, I founded INCI with RINKI, a digital platform dedicated to demystifying cosmetic science for students and professionals. My content has reached over 60,000 followers on Instagram and 6000+ YouTube subscribers, with more than 500,000 views across platforms underscoring the growing demand for accessible, science-led education in the industry.

I am a Biotechnology Engineering gold medallist and hold an Executive Management Certification in Operation & Value Chain Management from MIT Sloan School of Management.

My unique blend of scientific depth, strategic thinking, and passion for knowledge-sharing positions me as a dynamic leader committed to shaping the future of cosmetic science.

I am a Product Development and Innovation leader with over 10 years’ experience in the beauty industry, specialising in bringing ideas to life through end-to-end product development. I combine creativity, technical excellence and commercial insight to deliver high-performing, consumer-focused innovation across multiple personal care categories, with a strong focus on skincare innovation and consumer-led development.

I hold a degree in Cosmetic Science from the London College of Fashion and began my career as a beauty therapist, an experience that continues to shape my passion for creating effective, consumer-led products grounded in real skin needs.

As a member of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists Council, I contribute to initiatives that support both the industry and its future talent.  I previously spent six years as part of the SCS Social Committee, supporting the organisation and delivery of key industry events, including the Annual Dinner at SCS Formulate.

Passionate about innovation, education and collaboration, I  am particularly driven by making cosmetic science more accessible and inspiring the next generation of talent to explore careers within the industry.

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