Professional association benefits from AECI expertise
Charmaine Du Preez, Product Manager: AECI Specialty Chemicals, is the President of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists South Africa (COSCHEM). At the same time Jacques Strydom, Technical Manager: AECI Specialty Chemicals who was previously the Chair of the Cape Town Chapter, is a member of the Council, Chair of the Afternoon Lecture Committee and a Lecturer in Basic Chemistry and Surface Chemistry.
A professional society for scientists and other individuals in the cosmetics and allied industries, COSCHEM provides education and training to members. It is based in Johannesburg and is affiliated to the International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists. A two-year Diploma in Cosmetic Science is available to students across South Africa and is an industry-recognised qualification.
Charmaine is enthusiastic about her role as the Society’s President. “We are a family that learns together and grows together,” she says. “Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, we have changed the way we do things, connecting virtually for the most part. As an example, we hosted this year’s two-day conference virtually for the first time.”
Some of the interesting topics covered were:
48-hour hydration
Corn-derived bio polymer in hair-styling
Fighting digital aging – blue light protection
Natural ingredients and raw materials
Next generation green dandruff control
Reducing eczema using succulents
Sun care and tanning
Charmaine Du Preez
Product Manager: Personal Care and Homecare
An R&D Chemist and Packaging Engineer with Diplomas in Cosmetic Science and Packaging Engineering, she also studied Beauty Technology and Production Management at the Tshwane University of Technology. She has 22 years’ experience in the industry and is a qualified Zumba fitness instructor!
Jacques Strydom
Technical Manager: Personal Care and Homecare
Jacques completed his degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Stellenbosch where he focused on Microbiological Engineering in the field of biofuels, studying microalgae conversion to biodiesel and starch conversion to bio-ethanol. His career took a turn when he started working as an R&D Manager at an FMCG manufacturing company in Cape Town in 2016. Other than his professional aspirations in science, Jacques loves creating art, music, photography and woodwork.