“A lot of women and women of color may not know that cosmetic science is an option,” Dr. Rolanda Wilkerson, Cosmetic chemist and Scientific Communications fellow for Olay, tells CEW, in our report on the brand’s new collab with online educational platform Coursera. The aim of the partnership is to diversify and empower the next generation of beauty innovators, with Dr. Wilkerson – who has been with P&G for 20 years and counts Olay’s game-changing Solid Cleansing Melts among her innovations – at the helm. 

Also at CEW, reporter Paige Herman-Axel talks to Savannah Sachs about her new role as CEO of Eighth Day, following her five-year tenure taking the digitally native TULA Skincare to new heights. “For a skin care brand to win, it needs two things: deep clinical credibility and innovative, next-generation formulas,” said Sachs. “We’re seeing a return to science, especially in the luxury category.”

Speaking of inspirational industry trailblazers, CEW pays tribute to Thia Breen this week, the much loved and respected beauty and retail executive, who died at the age of 73 last Friday.  “Breen was an enormous figure in the beauty and retail industries; for more than 40 years Breen helmed the C-suite at The Estée Lauder Companies,” writes Andrea Nagel of Breen, who retired in 2017. “Breen will be remembered as a mentor, confidante, and friend to many, and for her innate ability to empower those around her, to nurture talent, and to inspire greatness.”

In breaking news, Sarah Creal, a veteran product developer and beauty brand builder who has worked with the likes Tom Ford, Prada and Victoria Beckham, has launched her eponymous range. “I couldn’t think of a single luxury brand specifically creating products for women like me,” said Creal of the inspiration behind the luxury makeup and skin care range, which aims to meet the needs of women aged 40-plus.

In market news, The Estée Lauder Companies has completed its acquisition of Deciem, which includes The Ordinary and Niod in its beauty portfolio. Meanwhile, in fragrance, Michael Edwards’ new book, American Legends, showcases the most iconic U.S. scents – from Number Six by Caswell-Massey, in production since 1772, to Le Labo, launched in 2011.

Catch up on these and other stories at the links below.

Olay’s Program To Encourage Diversity In Cosmetic Science. Dr. Rolanda Wilkerson, Cosmetic Chemist at Olay, is spearheading a collab between the brand and the online education platform Coursera, to inspire and empower women of color and the next generation of beauty innovators. (CEW)

A Tribute To Thia Breen. CEW bids farewell to the much-loved beauty trailblazer. (CEW)

Savannah Sachs’ Talks Business With Eighth Day. The company’s new CEO discusses her new role at the helm of the luxury skin care company. (CEW)

Sarah Creal Debuts Her Own Brand. The veteran beauty brand builder and product developer has launched her own cosmetics and skin care range, aimed at women aged 40-plus. (VOGUE)

The Estée Lauder Cos. Completes Deciem Aquisition. The company counts The Ordinary and Niod in its portfolio. (WWD)

Michael Edwards Celebrates American Legends. His new book covers iconic U.S. scents, spanning from 1772 to 2011. (PERSOLAISE)

Pat McGrath Labs Launches Lip Pencil. “The weightless yet long-lasting formula has intense color payoff and will leave your lips hydrated all day long,” said Pat McGrath. (HAPPI)

The Inkey List Introduces Spot Patches. The new patches contain hydrocolloid, salicylic acid and ectoin. (COSMETICS BUSINESS)