Left Brain laments…
This article about the level of respect given to cosmetic science left me feeling a little blue. It seems academia doesn’t respect the work that I and my fellow cosmetic scientists do. Dr. Robert Lochhead (a wonderful man 
who I’ve met) observes that the most successful cosmetic industry experts are known for work other than cosmetics.
Unfortunately, we work for companies and are not always allowed to publish the great scientific research we do. We’re stuck with keeping trade secrets and filing the occasional patent. Sadly, the allure and glamor of the Nobel Prize is out of our reach.
On the other hand, at least we make practical products that people can touch and feel. At least we create products that make people’s lives better. At least the public appreciates our products & maybe us!
For you budding young cosmetic scientists out there, don’t give up. The beauty problems of the world are not solved. We still need smart people to make better cosmetics. We need you to help make people look and feel happier. And someday we may even need someone to take over the mantle of The Beauty Brains.
If you are interested in becoming a cosmetic scientist read this post about being a cosmetic chemist.
I wonder. Who is the most famous cosmetic chemist that you know? Does anyone know any?
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I know a few (although not personally).
Mary Kay Ash
Elizabeth Arden
Hazel Bishop
Helena Rubenstein
Charles Revson
Estee Lauder
I don’t know if he’s famous or not but Mark Potter is an absolute rock star. Works out of Texas (I think), genius behind original Donna Karan treatment line (which is no more but was about ten years ahead of its time in the mid-90s) and now doing the Cosmedicine skin care products.
I wish I was good at chemistry that would be a very cool job. I do respect cosmetic chemists because they have high safety standards, and I really like the beauty brains because it separates me from the money grabbing “organic” cosmetic marketing scheme and lets me know that despite what the elitist media says its just as well to buy covergirl instead of MAC.
@Rozy: Thanks for the kind words!