The Eco Well podcast Truth in Beauty - Surfactants Edition! World Surfactants Conference Panel Replay
May 13, 2025
Dennis Abbeduto, with 30 years in the surfactant industry, Neil Burns, a veteran with over 40 years of experience, and Claire McGahan, a passionate advocate for women in chemicals, discuss the impact of misinformation on the surfactants sector. They tackle misconceptions in beauty products, the influence of consumer demand for 'free-from' labels, and the need for better communication to promote understanding. The conversation highlights how cultural perceptions shape industry practices and the importance of collaboration for transparency.
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Misinformation Spurs Ingredient Stigma
- Consumer fear drives avoidance of ingredients based on misleading labels like "free from" without understanding the chemistry.
- This creates a stigma that limits options despite some avoided ingredients being mild and environmentally friendly.
Educate and Simplify Science Communication
- Simplify scientific communication to engage and educate consumers better.
- Invest in educating young generations about chemistry and chemical industry for long-term understanding.
Market Driven by Consumer Apps and Trends
- Market behavior is influenced by consumer use of apps and certifications that often lack full scientific backing.
- Large brands chase trends like sulfate-free driven by anticipated return on investment despite scientific uncertainty.