Superdrug’s Shona Bear appointed President of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists

Shona Bear, Quality and Technical Manager at Superdrug has been appointed as President of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists (SCS).

Shona’s new role will form part of the team at the SCS who look to inspire, inform and connect with the next generation of cosmetic scientists, from school level to lifelong learning. In the next year the society will continue to promote education, research, and collaboration to advance the science of cosmetics and will look to work more closely with other industry groups to make progress on joint concerns that are affecting the industry.

Shona commented “I’m delighted to be taking on the President role at the SCS and am very much looking forward to helping the society to achieve its mission to inspire, inform and connect. I am truly passionate about cosmetic science, and I want to make sure that it is accessible to everyone. Last year we launched the Introduction to Cosmetic Science Course, which is a module designed for people with a non-scientific background who want to learn about the real science of the cosmetic industry. In my new role, I’m keen to continue to support and promote this course and help more people have a scientific understanding of the beauty products they use every day.

The SCS have also launched a subgroup called Future Soc aimed at our new young members and I want to support them so that they can have the great industry experience I have had. One of the biggest things I have gained from the society is friendship, I have been lucky enough to meet many interesting people through the society and have learnt so much from them.

I would also like to thank everyone at Superdrug for their continued support throughout my career and in my role at SCS.”

The SCS has been a constant throughout Shona’s career, and she became a member shortly after she first joined the cosmetic industry in 1989. Initially this was through education when she studied for the Diploma in cosmetic science, but in more recent years she has been actively involved in the society on several committees.

Shona will also be working closely with members of her Superdrug team at the society, with colleague Monika Szymanska, who has previously sat on several SCS committees, elected as a member of the SCS council. The council works with the President to deliver the goals of the society. Amber Duke- Cohen at Superdrug is also actively involved in the society as a member of the social committee and will work closely with Shona to develop a plan for the SCS’ social program in the coming year and Betty Cheng from Superdrug will also be joining the SCS as part of the Membership Committee.

In her role as President, Shona will be working with immediate past President, Sam Farmer, to push forward the 5-year strategy to modernise the SCS and ensure that the society delivers benefits long into the future. The aims of the society include promoting high ethical standards in cosmetic science, advance the science of cosmetics and toiletries and maximise the accessibility of society activities and encourage participation throughout the profession.

Simon Commins, Chief Commercial Officer at Superdrug commented “We are delighted for Shona as she takes on her new role as President. Superdrug as a retailer is really dedicated to investing in the development and support of the next generation, and so to have several members of the team going out and doing that in other areas of the industry is great to see. We congratulate Shona, Monika and Amber on their new roles and look forward to seeing the work that the SCS delivers over the next year.”