PERSONAL CARE
Celebrating 20 years of excellence in clinical testing Future Cosmetics has played a significant role in pioneering commercial clinical testing in South Africa. Over the past two decades, the company has delivered a continuous, personalised service to its customer base, utilising world-renowed, well-published and accepted instrumental systems to ensure innovative efficacy and claim substantiation testing for cosmetics and related products. By Abby Vorster
E
stablished in 2001 by Heibrie le Roux, Future Cosmetics operates as a boutique clinical research organisation. The company specialises in upfront consultation and protocol design in order to provide robust scientific substantiation for the applicable claims. The company’s holistic approach to clinical studies is complemented by Heibrie’s in-depth knowledge of the cosmetics industry. Her many years of experience in SPF ring testing and her involvement in various technical committees associated with ISO have provided an indispensable body of knowledge to the South African cosmetics industry. Future Cosmetics
is considered by many as being at the forefront of developments in commercial SPF applications, providing expert advice on sunscreen product development and SPF testing methods. Heibrie has also harnessed her industry knowledge to expand into clinical testing for ethnic skin, establishing appropriate test methods that yield the best results for customers. “At Future Cosmetics we keep abreast of global test method developments and harmonisation efforts and all our clinical testing is performed in line with international standards. We also focus on quick turnaround times to ensure our customers can meet their commitments,” she explains.
VOLUNTEERING UPLIFTS COMMUNITIES Because of the nature of Future Cosmetics’ business, it is imperative that the company operates in line with the highest ethical standards. This is made possible by automated work processes and utilising technologically advanced lab equipment. These processes also facilitate appropriate volunteer selection to ensure Future Cosmetics meets and exceeds its social entrepreneurship and upliftment commitments. Extending beyond its social entrepreneurship approach, the company has partnered with NGOs and social development entities to uplift communities by providing volunteering opportunities. “These NGOs are mainly concerned with abandoned and abused pregnant women, whom we provide with financial support,” says Heibrie. “We also offer them training and development opportunities, ultimately helping the women integrate themselves back into a working environment and society in general. The compensation our volunteers and recruitment partners receive goes towards their children’s education, to beautifying themselves and their family members, providing food for their families and uplifting the general community.” Humbled by their gratitude, Heibrie recalls receiving letters from volunteers in the past thanking Future Cosmetics for the difference the company has made in their lives.
OPERATIONAL UPGRADES AND EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT Even after 20 years, Future Cosmetics is still an agile business that is able to adapt in
20
OCTOBER 2021 // WWW.PHARMACOS.CO.ZA
