Innovation and uncertainty are reshaping the personal care ingredients market, driven by pressures ranging from sustainability and natural ingredient demands to regulatory shifts and the opportunities presented by AI. Sunanda Desai, Vice President at Klein and Company, joins host Victoria Meyer to discuss the factors transforming the $30 billion personal care ingredients sector. They explore how consumer trends toward well-being and neurocosmetics are redefining product development, and examine the impacts of tightening tariffs, shifting regulations, and supply chain disruptions on industry strategies.

Victoria and Sunanda address how leading companies are using digitalization and AI to drive hyper-personalization and enhance ingredient efficacy assessments, even as market adoption remains uneven. From managing uncertainty with “no regret” moves to evaluating manufacturing footprints and potential M&A, this episode offers timely insights for leaders navigating a turbulent landscape. Sunanda also shares strategic advice for industry professionals and highlights opportunities for growth despite today’s volatile environment.

Learn more about these topics this week:

• Examining the personal care ingredients market and the key trends driving the $30B industry
• How top companies respond to market volatility, tariffs, and regulations with "no regret" strategic approaches to maintain agility.
• How AI technologies are revolutionizing ingredient assessment and product personalization in personal care.
• Opportunities in Disruption: Quick wins, cross-selling, and M&A possibilities as companies reformulate products and restructure supply chains (Maybe we don't want to mention M&A??)
• Sunanda Desai shares advice on seizing opportunities to pivot (roles and industries) and building a successful career in chemicals and personal care.

00:00 "Personal Care Ingredients Market Insights"

04:36 Personal Care Ingredients Market Overview

09:11 AI's Role in Personalization and Optimization

13:29 Strategic Moves for Ingredient Suppliers

14:42 Thriving Through No-Regret Moves

20:28 "Investment Challenges in Manufacturing Moves"

22:06 Seize Opportunities with Confidence

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Uncertainty is the new normal for the chemical industry, but leaders still need to make smart decisions that drive business forward. Victoria Meyer tackles the critical actions leaders should be taking at the midyear point of 2025, offering strategic advice for operating in volatile markets, maintaining resilient supply chains, and effectively communicating through change. With insights from industry leaders, she highlights the importance of scenario planning, mindful diversification, and strategic cash management while emphasizing the value of strong relationships across the business ecosystem.

Victoria also spotlights the upcoming The Chemical Summit in Houston, which centers on leadership through industry transformation, and explores the internal and external moves executives are using to keep their teams focused and adaptive.

Learn more about these topics this week:

• Midyear Reset: Now is the time to pause, reassess, and recalibrate your business strategies for the rest of 2025
• Leading Through Uncertainty: Unpack the specific challenges chemical companies are facing this year
• Smart leadership moves and the five key actions that drive confident decision-making and resilient operations
• The power of strategic relationships: why reinforcing existing partnerships and building new ones across the supply chain is more important than ever before
• Seizing opportunity in change: Learn how industry leaders are preparing for the unexpected

00:00 "Chemical Summit: Leadership Through Change"

05:35 "Six Leadership Tactics for Uncertain Times"

07:53 Enhancing Internal and External Communication

12:04 Clarifying Goals and Strengthening Relationships

16:40 Refocusing on Diversified Supply Chains

17:52 Strategic Diversification in Markets

21:57 Strategic Investment and Relationship Management

25:07 Midyear Reset for Leaders

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***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com