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PObukowho_Karl Laden, PhD

We are saddened to share news of cosmetics and personal care industry veteran, Dr. Karl Laden's passing on February 19, 2025. Karl was born in 1932 and laid to rest at the age of 92. He entered the personal care industry in 1960 when he landed a job at the Gillette Company Research Institute in Rockville, MD. Karl engaged in scientific studies for Gillette and undertook contract research from corporations, trade associations and government agencies for 16 years until being promoted to president of the Research Institute in 1971. 

Active member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists since 1965, Karl served as editor of the Journal of Cosmetic Science (1971-1976), and as president and chairman of the National SCC Board of Directors (1977-1978). He achieved emeritus and fellow status in the Society, and recieved numerous awards including the SCC Merit Award (1972) and the Society's highest honor, the Maison G. deNavarre Medal Award (1979), to name a few.

Between the years 1987-1993, he worked as a private consultant, sharing his knowledge with leading companies such as; Unilever, Carter-Wallace, Israel Chemical, Beiersdorf, Revlon, Gillette, The Estee Lauder Cos., Mennen, BASF, Colgate, Giulini, and Complexx. He also developed novel solutions to odor problems as cofounder of InnoScent and created a line of Dead Sea Cosmetics called Mineral Spa.

Later in life, he joined Alpa Cosmetics in Israel as a technical manager. He managed matters relating to regulatory, and products imported and manufactured by brands from multinationals including; Beiersdorf, Chanel, Elizabeth Arden, Givenchy, MAM Baby, Coty and others. It was not until January 2025 that he concluding his time with Alpa Cosmetics after more 30 years.

He wrote 50+ publications and was a regular columnist for Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine. His latest column was published just days before his passing.

Karl loved his wife for 66 years until her death in 2023. They raised five sons together, leaving behind 12 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. 
 
Further details about Karl can be found at Cosmetics & Toiletries: in Memoriam.