Euro Cosmetics Magazine

Theresa Callaghan

31 articles

Columns · February 19, 2026

When Claims Outpace Science: Why Cosmetics Must Reclaim Credibility

<p>In the cosmetics industry, bold claims can determine a product’s fate. Phrases such as “Clinically proven,” “dermatologist-tested,” and “science-backed” are common, yet today they often serve more as marketing tools than as genuine indicators of scientific rigour. The problem isn’t a lack of science but the tendency to alter claims to meet commercial goals, sometimes at the expense of integrity. The Evolution of Claims Over the past twenty years, cosmetics have evolved from craft-driven expertise into a fast-growing sector. As [&hellip;]</p>

Euro Cosmetics

Columns

When Raw Data Becomes a Claim: The Industry’s Growing Interpretation Gap

<p>Theresa Callaghan In today’s cosmetics industry, data is everywhere. Instrumental measurements, clinical studies, consumer perception panels, in vitro assays, and AI-driven skin analysis—brands have more raw data at their disposal than ever before. Yet despite this abundance, many brands struggle with a fundamental issue: the inability to interpret, contextualise, and translate raw data into compliant, meaningful cosmetic claims… The result is not just weak marketing—it is regulatory risk, consumer mistrust, and missed opportunities for innovation. Data Abundance Does Not Equal [&hellip;]</p>

Euro Cosmetics · January 30, 2026

Columns

Testing Isn’t Red Tape. It’s Business Strategy

<p>Theresa Callaghan, PhD “As some of you may have noticed, I’ve been releasing quite a few books recently, many of which began back to 2019. From fiction to non-fiction, it’s been a busy year for publishing. Alongside a whirlwind podcast tour across various countries discussing cosmetics and their claims, I developed and now executed a companion book. This book is tailored for those who struggle to understand why cosmetics testing require financial investment and for investors who view cosmetics merely [&hellip;]</p>

Euro Cosmetics · November 7, 2025

Columns

INCI Listings: A Blessing or a Burden for Consumers and Cosmetic Experts?

<p>Theresa Callaghan, PhD The INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) system has become the global standard for listing ingredients in cosmetics. Initially developed in the 1970s with the goal of simplifying ingredient identification for healthcare professionals, it has grown to serve a much wider role. Today, it’s central to product labeling worldwide. But is it doing enough to help consumers? While INCI offers critical benefits in transparency and safety, it can also be an overwhelming, confusing tool for everyday shoppers. [&hellip;]</p>

Euro Cosmetics · August 6, 2025

Theresa Callaghan

The Influence of Beauty Apps on Consumers: The Power of Misinformation

<p>THERESA CALLAGHAN PHD By Theresa Callaghan “Staying on top of two major hot-button topics in our industry—Misinformation and AI—I’m diving back into both of these areas that I’ve explored before. This time, I’m taking a closer look at how these themes are shaping the latest apps and their impact”. In today’s world, the beauty industry holds undeniable sway over how consumers perceive themselves and their appearance. This power has only grown in the age of technology, with beauty apps emerging [&hellip;]</p>

Euro Cosmetics · April 5, 2025

Columns

The Misinformation Challenge – Understanding It To Fight It

<p>THERESA CALLAGHAN PHD As we see reported almost daily here on LinkedIn, Misinformation is a formidable and persistent challenge for the cosmetics industry. Whether it’s claims about “miracle” ingredients, exaggerated product benefits, or misleading buzzwords, misinformation can severely erode consumer trust, lead to regulatory scrutiny, and stifle genuine scientific progress. How Much Do We Understand? For cosmetic scientists, marketing, and regulatory affairs professionals, the most important first step in addressing this issue is not simply countering falsehoods, but truly understanding [&hellip;]</p>

Euro Cosmetics · January 14, 2025

Columns

White Formulations – Do They Have a Future?

<p>THERESA CALLAGHAN PHD As 2024 ends, I thought I would give some consideration for thought on a subject which has been raised with me on and off during the year, and a little more intensely during these last months. The topic addresses the stand taken by a number of natural ingredient suppliers, that, ‘white formulations’ are now passé as todays modern consumer is more focused on product integrity and performance. Here goes… ________________________________________________________________________________ The cosmetics industry has long been dominated [&hellip;]</p>

Euro Cosmetics · December 29, 2024

Columns

In Support of Colleagues Combatting Misinformation

<p>THERESA CALLAGHAN PHD In a couple of recent postings on LinkedIn, two colleagues in particular, were tearing their hair out (I thought only I did that!), and feeling hopeless against the never ending tide of misinformation with a particular focus on pseudo scientists promoting, in particular ingredients apps. In support of them I still have confidence in Hope, and would like to offer my support here. I hope you will offer yours… Combatting misinformation in the cosmetics industry, especially that [&hellip;]</p>

Euro Cosmetics · December 2, 2024

Columns

Ai Simulations Aren’t ‘Real’ – They are Claims-Washing

<p>THERESA CALLAGHAN PHD Editor&#8217;s Note: On a recent discussion forum, the topic of using Ai simulations as a marketing tool for showing consumers how they would look after using a specific skincare product caused a stir, and I was asked for an opinion which I present here as promised… In the past, when we advertised cosmetic products, before-and-after photography was often key to sales success in the marketplace. At least, that is, until deceptive ‘airbrushing’ became more widely used, with [&hellip;]</p>

Euro Cosmetics · October 29, 2024

Theresa Callaghan

Unveiling the Stability Challenges in Cosmetic Science: A Path to Trust and Transparency

<p>THERESA CALLAGHAN PHD In the dynamic world of cosmetic science, the pursuit of product efficacy while ensuring stability is a significant challenge. With summer here, consumer groups often raise concerns about the performance of sunscreens and other products, highlighting the discrepancies between physical and chemical stability versus biochemical instability. This month’s column dives into these complex stability issues, offering actionable solutions and advocating for more rigorous, transparent testing methods to foster trust across the cosmetic industry. Understanding the Stability Spectrum [&hellip;]</p>

Euro Cosmetics · August 29, 2024

Theresa Callaghan

All That Glitters Does Not Glow

<p>THERESA CALLAGHAN PHD The trend for glowing skin this year has surged in popularity this year, driven by a cultural and social media emphasis on youthful, radiant appearances. This trend, however, brings with it several concerns and challenges, both in terms of supporting product claims and addressing some skin issues. In the ever-evolving world of skincare, the pursuit of radiant, glowing skin stands as a pinnacle of beauty aspirations. The journey to develop products that deliver this luminous quality is [&hellip;]</p>

Euro Cosmetics · July 1, 2024

The Perils of Perception* - The Consumer versus the Rest of Us Theresaa Callaghan Euro Cosmetics Magazine
Theresa Callaghan

The Perils of Perception* – The Consumer versus the Rest of Us

<p>THERESA CALLAGHAN PHD In the realm of cosmetics, there often exists a significant gap between what is stated or written on product labels or advertisements and how consumers perceive these claims. This disconnection arises due to various factors, including marketing tactics, consumer psychology, and regulatory loopholes. Why don’t consumers get what we are (trying) to say, and why do the authorities always have a different view? Are we missing something? This month I delve into the intriguing topic of perception, [&hellip;]</p>

Euro Cosmetics · May 17, 2024