June 2026 Chapter Meeting
This session aims to demystify silicones through a scientific and application‑focused lens, examining why silicones continue to play a critical role in modern formulation.
Demystifying Silicones: Where Science Meets Real Performance
Silicones remain one of the most debated ingredient classes in the beauty & personal care industry, often shaped by perception rather than performance. This session aims to demystify silicones through a scientific and application‑focused lens, examining why silicones continue to play a critical role in modern formulation.
Drawing on Dow’s robust technical data and application expertise, the presentation will highlight:
- The role of silicones in heat protection and damage mitigation in hair care
- How silicones can enhance delivery, stability, and sensorial experience when formulating active‑rich skincare products
- Common misconceptions and how formulators can communicate ingredient benefits more effectively
Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of when—and why—silicones make sense, backed by data and real‑world application insights.
Date & Time: June 18th, 2026
Cocktails: 5:30 PM, Dinner: 6:00 PM, Speaker: 7:30 PM, Afters: 8:45 PM
Location: REVANCE
1222 Demonbreun St, 20th Floor, Nashville, TN 37203
Travel Tips
For travel and preferred accommodations in Nashville, TN:
- W Nashville
- The Caption
- The Thompson
- Grand Hyatt
- Canopy Nashville
Other convenient options:
- Fairfield Inn
- Homewood Suites
- The Virgin Hotel
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About the Speakers:
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Paige Engerer is a technical service and application development scientist at Dow in Midland, Michigan. For over a decade she has supported beauty and personal care customers in North America and globally through formulation development, product service, application testing, and training. She serves as Dow’s hair care application leader in North America. She also supports stewardship for our products and environmental health and safety evaluations, focusing on science advocacy and a deep understanding of safe-for-the-environment and safe-for-consumer materials. She holds a BS in chemistry and two minors; biology and political science, from Saginaw Valley State University. Previously, Paige spent six years with Dow Corning. Her roles included synthesis in front-end innovation research, new product development, formulation and application testing for the solar industry, new business and market discovery, as well as application engineering for personal care.
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Rene Knez holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a concentration in Cosmetic Science and Formulation Design from the University of Toledo, as well as a Master’s in Cosmetic Science from the University of Cincinnati. During her academic career, she conducted undergraduate research focused on caffeine delivery systems using Franz cell diffusion studies. Following graduation, she joined Gattefossé Corporation as an Application Chemist in the Personal Care Division, where she spent three years developing and optimizing formulations across skin care and hair care applications. In this role, she gained hands-on experience in ingredient functionality, formulation troubleshooting, and translating customer needs into innovative solutions. She currently works as a Technical Account Manager at Univar Solutions in the Beauty & Personal Care Division, supporting customers across the Northeast and South Atlantic regions. She partners closely with clients to provide technical guidance, drive formulation development, and support business growth through strategic ingredient and application expertise.
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