9th International Cosmetics Congress Held in Antalya Under the Theme "Holistic Cosmetics"

The 9th International Cosmetics Congress, organized by the Cosmetics Manufacturers and Researchers Association (KÜAD), took place under the theme "Holistic Cosmetics" from 15–17 December 2025 at Antalya Titanic Deluxe Belek. The congress brought together over 900 participants, more than 60 stands and sponsors, and provided a comprehensive platform featuring more than 50 presentations and over 50 papers addressing the industry's scientific, sustainable and innovative direction. The event illuminated the future of the cosmetics sector and created a strong foundation for knowledge and collaboration among national and international stakeholders.

Holistic Approach, Science and Experience Under One Roof
In the congress sessions focused on holistic beauty, Prof. Dr. İbrahim Adnan Saraçoğlu, Op. Dr. Rüya Acaroğlu and Dr. Anna Erat, moderated by Prof. Dr. İffet İrem Çankaya, addressed scientific, medical and holistic approaches from different perspectives. Phytotherapy, epigenetics, personal care rituals and current developments in cosmetic science were comprehensively evaluated across the academic and applied dimensions. In sustainability-themed sessions, Dr. Barbara Olioso, Mathilde Guyader and Dr. Ömer Özdinç, moderated by Prof. Dr. Ender Suvacı, addressed green chemistry, environmental impact management, sustainable R&D and artificial intelligence applications. International examples and practice-oriented approaches shed light on the industry's transformation journey. In sessions examining next-generation consumer preferences and market dynamics, Merve Gökmen, Pınar Köseoğlu, Berk Kuşaksız and Cem Demiroz, moderated by Bülent Konca, evaluated insights in the cosmetics sector, digitalization and changing retail dynamics. Data-driven analyses and field examples provided guidance for industry professionals.

E-Commerce Processes Discussed at KÜAD Talks Stage
The KÜAD Talks Stage, specially designed for the congress, became an inspiring platform addressing different dimensions of the e-commerce ecosystem. With Serdar Mutaf, Deputy Chair of the KÜAD Board of Directors, moderating the sessions, Brand Planet & Munchbites Founder Şahin Sezer Dinçer, Trendyol Corporate Relations, Export Sales and Business Development Manager Gökan Kurtuluş and Usersdot Co-Founder and CEO Şevin Ballıktaş shared their experiences on operational and strategic aspects of e-commerce processes. In sessions focused on production technologies, Prof. Dr. Deniz Aktaş Uygun, Laurent Thevenot and Yağmur Eroğlu, moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Figen Çalışkan, addressed cosmetic biotechnology, holistic approaches in colour cosmetics and transformation in packaging around reusability, traceability and regulation. Academic knowledge and sectoral applications were brought together.

Inspirational Keynote Speeches and Workshop Sessions
Among the congress keynote speakers, Semih Saygıner offered an inspiring perspective through personal discipline, focus and success culture, while Prof. Dr. Murat Aksoy addressed the relationship between individual choices and long-term health within a scientific framework in his speech titled "Our Choices in the Struggle for Healthy Living." The keynote sessions also emphasized that success on digital platforms depends not only on price advantages but also on reliable operational processes, customer experience and sustainable business discipline. In the workshop sessions organized as part of the congress programme, participants had the opportunity to gain practical knowledge and experience on numerous topics ranging from formulation development processes to sustainable raw material use, regulatory compliance, quality standards in production and applied cosmetic technologies. Distinguished by their interactive structure, the workshops were among the most heavily attended sections of the congress with content directly addressing current needs of industry professionals.

Innovation Zone, Upcycle Projects and Award Ceremonies
The Innovation Zone created during the congress enabled the showcasing of innovative ideas and advanced technology-focused projects, while the Upcycle Project Competition, which encouraged creative work focused on sustainability, highlighted projects shedding light on the industry's future. Following votes among participants within the Innovation Zone, first prize was awarded to Entekno Materials, second prize to Createkno and third prize to The Purest Solutions. In the Upcycle Project Competition, Polisome won first place, New Raw Materials by TALYA – Black Cumin won second place and Pim Grup won third place by popular vote. In the Oral Presentation category, in which scientific contributions were evaluated, Erciyes University won first place, Pim Grup Consulting won second place and Dokuz Eylül University won third place, while in the Poster Presentation category, İstinye University & Mersin University won first place, Süleyman Demirel University won second place and Eskişehir Technical University won third place.

KÜAD Continues its Active Role in Sector Transformation
In his assessment as part of the congress closing, KÜAD Congress Chair Fuat Arslan, emphasizing that the cosmetics sector is being reshaped along the axes of science and sustainability, stated: "The cosmetics sector has today moved beyond being merely aesthetics-focused. We are undergoing a multidimensional transformation that addresses human health, environmental responsibility and social benefit together. This transformation is reshaping the entire value chain from production to R&D, from content development to relationships with consumers. The 9th International Cosmetics Congress was a powerful meeting point where we addressed this process with scientific data, international experience and the sector's collective wisdom. The sessions held within the congress framework clearly set out the sustainable growth potential of the cosmetics sector and its roadmap for the future. As KÜAD, we are committed to continuing to support innovative production approaches and sustainability-focused methodologies, thereby increasing our sector's global competitive strength and contributing to its future."

The 9th International Cosmetics Congress concluded as a strategic meeting point bringing together all stakeholders of the industry, strengthening knowledge sharing, encouraging collaboration and directing the future of the cosmetics sector.