Cosmetic science is a fascinating intersection of the disciplines of chemistry, physics, biology, physiology, and psychology. By integrating these fundamental areas, cosmetic science is able to advance our basic understanding of personal care and beauty, and the application of cosmetic science continually drives innovation across a wide range of markets and product categories. 

The Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) is a vibrant community of members actively working for finished goods houses, raw material suppliers, academic institutions, government, contract manufacturing, and consulting companies. Membership in the Society provides access to a network of industry and subject matter experts.

When you make the decision to join the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC), then you'll be joining over 5,000 other industry professionals who already call us their professional home. 

See below for Membership Dues and Membership Type descriptions. Membership Dues are non-refundable.

Expired Membership?
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Returning members can sign in, or reset their password if needed, via the button above. Once signed in, you will see an option to reactivate your membership.

If you need to activate an account on the SCC website (i.e. you have not logged in since July 2020), you can do so here.

Member Dues

Membership year is based on the calendar year (January through December); dues below shown in US Dollars.

Professional 
Membership

(Affiliate/General/International/Fellow)

$170.00

Join As Professional

Academic
Membership

(Educator)

$85.00

Join As Academic

Post-Graduate
Membership

(Junior)

$85.00

Join As Post Graduate

Undergraduate
Membership

(Student)

$0

Join As Undergraduate

Member Types

The SCC is a vibrant community of members actively working for finished goods houses, raw material suppliers, academic institutions, government, contract manufacturing, and consulting companies. Membership in the Society provides access to a network of industry and subject matter experts.

Join as a General Member if you are:

Engaged in scientific or technical work in the cosmetics and toiletries industry or in related governmental or academic areas. In possession of at least a Bachelor’s Degree in chemical, physical, medical, pharmaceutical, biological or related sciences and technology.  General members pay  100% of annual dues.

Join as an Affiliate Member if you are:

Interested in the objectives of the Society, but do not currently meet qualifications for General Membership. (Please note: After five consecutive years in good standing, Affiliates are automatically transferred to General Members).  Affiliate members pay 100% of annual dues.

Join as a International Member** if you are:

A member meeting the General or Affiliate member eligibility requirements but primarily located outside the U.S. or Canada. International members will receive electronic communications only.  International members pay 100% of annual dues.

Join as an Educator Member* if you are:

Any person who is a full-time educator who is a dean, teacher, professor or general educator from an accredited educational institution related to the cosmetic sciences, including, but not limited to the disciplines of chemistry, pharmacy, chemical engineering, business law or general business.  Educator members pay 50% of annual dues.

Join as a Junior Member* if you are:

Any person interested in a career in the cosmetics and personal care industry, who holds an undergraduate degree and currently pursuing a post-graduate degree.  Junior members pay 50% of annual dues.

Join as a Student Member* if you are:

A fully matriculated undergraduate student at a recognized college/university in a cosmetic science or related degree program. Student membership in the SCC is free throughout a student's undergraduate career.

*Entitled to all member benefits, except these member types are ineligible to vote or hold any elected office.

**Members shall have one vote on each matter put forth to the membership for a vote, except that they shall not be eligible to hold elected office within the Society or its Chapters.

Membership Status Changes Upon Request & Approval

Request Emeritus Member Status if you:

Have reached the age of 65 years AND have been a dues-paying member in good standing for 25 consecutive years ("buy-back" of years is not allowed if your membership lapsed). You may request Emeritus status by emailing the Membership Department. Emeritus status requests are considered once per year by the Board and must be received, in writing, by June 1st.   Upon approval by the Board, you'll be conferred status within 30 days of their decision and immediately thereafter entitled to all privileges of a General Member for life except that you may not hold any elected office within the Society or its Chapters.  Emeritus members do not pay dues; however, you cannot revert back to any other membership class for any reason.

Request Retired Member Status if you:

Have retired from the cosmetics and personal care industry, are over 55 years of age, AND have been a dues-paying member in good standing for 15 consecutive years ("buy-back" of years is not allowed if your membership lapsed). You may request for Retired status by emailing the Membership Department.  Upon approval by the Board, you'll be entitled to all privileges of a General Member, except that you may not hold any elected office within the Society or its Chapters.  Retired members pay 50% of annual dues; however, you cannot revert back to any other membership class for any reason..

Apply for Technical or Marketing Fellow Status if you:

Have achieved full maturity in the profession, as evidenced by a record of outstanding achievement and leadership. You may be elected a Fellow (Technical or Marketing) of the Society by the Board of Directors upon recommendation by the Fellow Certification Committee. For more information about Fellowship, click here.  Fellows pay 100% of annual dues.

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SCC Policy for Members-in-Transition:  For any member in good standing for 5 or more years, SCC will consider a waiver the then-current renewal dues for the membership year upon written request addressed to the Membership Department explaining the circumstances of separation from employer (termination, lay-off, or furlough) and expected duration.  No pro-ration of fees already paid for the current year shall be refunded.  If the member becomes re-employed during the year in which dues were waived, they are expected to pay membership dues in full for the year, regardless of when they become reemployed.  This waiver shall be granted on an annual basis, for a maximum of one membership year.  Should the member remain unemployed for a subsequent membership year, a written waiver request must be resubmitted prior to the end of the current membership year (Dec 31), with an explanation of current circumstances which would qualify for the waiver.  Over the lifetime of membership, no more than 3 total years of dues waivers shall be granted.