The International Fragrance Association North America took a break from its higher-stakes advocacy work Nov. 1 to give lawmakers and congressional staffers a "scent experience." Perfumers from six of the group's biggest members were on hand with "Scents of Home," joined by Monell Center researchers to educate attendees on the mechanics of scent and the important role it plays in people's lives.

NSF International has put its cosmetic product verification program on ice due to lack of interest since its launch in April 2017. Meanwhile, more than 1,000 products from 75+ brands have earned the "EWG Verified" mark, and the NGO says interest is higher than ever following Walmart's announcement in September that it will begin pushing vendors to pursue the verification.

Alexandra Kowcz is the Personal Care Product Council's new executive VP for science, effective Jan. 29, 2018. She brings to the trade association extensive experience from R&D and manager roles at Beiersdorf and P&G, as well as drug firms and cosmetic ingredient supplier Centerchem.