3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Session J: Science of Skin Longevity

Neutralizing Lifestyle-Induced Skin Aging: An Innovative Cyclic Peptide Targeting HMGB1 to Reverse Environmental and Stress-Related Inflamm-aging

Presented by Junxiang Li

Dr. Junxiang Li is Deputy Director of the AGECODE R&D Center at the Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University. He earned his Ph.D. from the School of Life Sciences at Tsinghua University in 2017 and completed postdoctoral training there. His research background spans bioinformatics, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Since 2018, he has focused on discovering, developing, and applying active ingredients for efficacy-driven skincare, using AI-enabled computational biology to advance ingredient innovation. Dr. Li has extensive experience in the development and translation of innovative protein, peptide, and other bioactive ingredients. He has published nearly 20 SCI-indexed papers and holds nearly 20 granted invention patents. He is a member of the International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC).

Oral Supplementation with Recombinant Type XXI Signaling Collagen for Reliable Skin Benefits

Presented by Jose M Melo Barcelos (Geltor)

José Melo Barcelos is Vice President of Product at Geltor, a biodesign company pioneering polypeptides and peptides engineered for cosmetic benefits across topical and ingestible applications. At Geltor, his leadership spans Applications, Efficacy, and Program Management, translating molecular innovation into ingredients built to integrate easily into formulations and deliver demonstrable performance. José holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of São Paulo, Brazil, and a master's degree in process engineering from ENSGTI, France. Prior to Geltor, he led research projects in formulation and process technologies at L'Oréal, and has since advanced through roles across product development, innovation management, and strategic partnerships.

Next Gen Biotech Human Identical Milk Oligosaccharides for Sensitive Skin

Presented by Mathias Gempeler (dsm-firmenich)

Mathias holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacy from the University of Basel and a postgraduate degree in Marketing from KS St. Gallen. He joined DSM through the acquisition of Pentapharm in 2017 as Head of Global Marketing for Skin Care at dsm-firmenich, where he led the definition and execution of the global growth strategy. He currently leads global research for bioactives and vitamins, driving innovation across multidisciplinary teams. In parallel, he provides scientific leadership for dsm-firmenich’s personal care activities in the fields of skin longevity, microbiome, and biotechnology, advancing cutting-edge solutions in these areas.

Targeting Mitochondrial Skin Aging: Restoring Bioenergetics and Barrier Function Through Keratinocyte–Microbiome Interactions

Presented by Philip Ludwig (Croda)

Philip holds an M.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology from Michigan State University and joined Croda in 2026, where he drives strategic growth for bioactives by partnering with R&D and customers across North America to translate technical insights into commercial opportunities. During his time in R&D, his final three product launches collectively earned five international awards at PCHi and In-Cosmetics, recognizing them as either Best New Ingredient or Most Innovative. Philip is the author of multiple patents and more than a dozen research publications in the field of personal care ingredients. He has presented at numerous industry conferences and seminars and was honored with the Hans Schaeffer Award in both 2020 and 2021 for delivering the most innovative cosmetic science paper.