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.

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