International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Every year on February 11th, the world celebrates International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a day dedicated to raising awareness of gender equality and empowering women and girls in STEM disciplines. Established by the United Nations, this day encourages us to break down barriers and stereotypes that have historically kept women from pursuing careers in science and technology.

At THG LABS, we’re proud to recognise the incredible women driving innovation across every corner of our business – from cosmetic chemists and lab technicians to experts in systems, finance, supply & demand, quality control, regulations, packaging, and beyond. This International Day of Women and Girls in science we’ve been highlighting just some of the brilliant women, with diverse backgrounds and disciplines, who play a crucial role in driving innovation and shaping the science that powers the products we create for the beauty brands we partner.

Louise Tidbury – Regulatory Technologist, THG LABS

Describe your journey to working in Regulatory Science

It’s been a winding path! I wanted to learn how cosmetic products work, but careers advisors, teachers, and family steered me toward pharmacology. I completed three degrees in the field but never lost interest in cosmetics. After postgraduate studies, further academia and pharma didn’t excite me, so I pursued my passion, starting as a lab technician at a global FMCG company. Then at THG Labs, working closely with the Regs team sparked my interest in claims and regulations. A secondment led to a permanent move—I love the variety, and the role really suits my strengths.

Was there a pivotal moment or experience that confirmed you’d taken the right career path?

The defining moment for me was seeing a newly launched product on the shelves that I had worked on only a few months before. That would never happen in pharma!

What’s the most rewarding part of your work?

The most rewarding part is when I really get to know the details of a regulation or certification and what we need to do to comply, and I’m able to define or adjust a process for the team to manage it in in the most efficient way.

Charley Bush – Chemist, THG LABS

Describe your journey to working in Cosmetic Science.

My path to cosmetic science was a little bit more convoluted than most. I went to university to study medicine and learned a lot about abnormal physiology. Dermatology was definitely my favourite topic. I then studied Life Sciences at Bristol and really enjoyed my research on plants. I took both of those interests and realised that I could combine my joy of these two topics by pursuing cosmetic science.

What first sparked your interest in cosmetic science?

I am a self-confessed product junkie. I have loved skincare products from as far back as I can remember. Saturdays as a teen were spent in a large Boots store in Bath trying all the testers. One day when I was a university student, I saw a Lancome advert- with the tag line ‘Created by Scientists’. It had never crossed my mind that there was science involved in cosmetic product creation. After seeing this advert, I researched the industry and discovered that there were manufacturing sites in Trowbridge, and here I am today!

What’s the most rewarding part of your work?

I work with some very talented people in a well-structured environment. Everyone’s path to cosmetic science is unique - and therefore we all bring different strengths to the team. It’s fun working with so many different scientists. There is also nothing quite like the sense of achievement when a product you have formulated reaches the market and you see it on the shelf.

Jess Trim – Testing Lab Manager, THG LABS

Describe your path to working in cosmetic science

Although I’ve always loved cosmetics, I never saw it as a career! I studied Event Management at Uni but found a role in the cosmetics industry where I could put my transferable skills to use. Since then, my role has evolved, and no two days are the same. I work closely with different teams and juggle multiple projects— It’s fast-paced and ever-changing, which keeps things interesting and always gives me something new to learn.

What skills do you consider essential for succeeding in your role?

The skills I use most day-to-day are organisation and communication. My role is all about being the middle-woman between teams like Commercial, Technical, and Supply, so keeping everything running smoothly is key. With hundreds of products in testing at any given time, staying organised is essential to keeping everything on track.

What advice would you give someone from a non-traditional STEM background who is interested in a career in your field?

Go for it! There are plenty of opportunities available, even if you don’t have a specific background in the industry. Transferable skills are just as valuable and can help you carve out a successful career. Many companies also offer training and qualifications to support your growth and development.

Caoimhe Simon – Chemist, THG LABS

Was there a defining moment or experience that led you to this career path?

Yes! Embarrassing or not, I have TikTok and Covid to thank for my current career! I followed the curly girl movement on TikTok and got skincare advice from a “Skinfluencer” on the platform – seeing how both methods greatly improved my hair, skin, and wellbeing made me very interested in the science behind it all. It was very much a moment of “wait… this is chemistry… and I’m a chemist! – Can’t I make products too?” As sappy as it sounds, I truly love my job and wouldn’t change it for the world – I’ve joked that even if I won the lottery, I would still have the desire to formulate products 24/7!

What’s the most rewarding part of your work?

Seeing your product on the shelf for sure. Of course there is a huge team behind each product launch, but as the formulator you certainly feel like the proud parent of your product.

What advice would you give someone from a non-traditional STEM background who is interested in a career in your field?

It’s not a hindrance at all! I feel like 60% of people I meet in the field never studied cosmetics. If you want to formulate there are so many resources out there that do not require a full degree in STEM subjects (although they do help). If formulating isn’t your thing there are so many different roles you can do that support a product launch – marketing, regulatory, product management, design, packaging; the list is endless! I am supremely biased, but I think working in cosmetics is the most fun job you can have.