CABR Hosts Cosmetics Innovation Forum in Partnership with Enterprise Ireland

We had the pleasure to host the Cosmetics Innovation Forum on 23 April 2026 at Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone, organised jointly with Enterprise Ireland. 

The event brought together cosmetic businesses at all stages of growth, industry experts, state business support agencies and investors to share practical guidance and real-world experience on building and growing successful cosmetic businesses in Ireland. 

The event opened with a welcome from Dr Liam Brown (Vice President Research, Development and Innovation, TUS) and Rachael James (Senior Client Adviser, Enterprise Ireland). 

Sessions covered: 

• Panel Discussion: Ingredient selection and Natural Extract Development (Moderator: Dr Hande Ermiş – CABR; Panellists: Feebee Foran – Forager; Sinead O Keeffe – BioClover; Tracey Ryan – Doctrine Skincare; Chris Mitchell – Green Angel Skincare) 

• Formulation and Manufacturing of Cosmetics Products (Siobhán Wilson – Ultrapure Laboratories)  

• Interview: Cosmetic Distribution (Moderator: Dr Tim Yeomans – CABR; Kieran Walsh – National Beauty Distribution)  

• Investing in Cosmetics: A Venture Capital (VC) Perspective (Ciara Byrne – Vestra Partners)  

• Intellectual Property Protection for Cosmetics Businesses (Joe Doyle – Enterprise Ireland)  

• Panel Discussion: Research and Development Pathways (Moderator: Dr Niall Burke – CABR; Panellists: Dr Emer Gilligan – WaterWipes; Clare Devereux – Hair Health Essentials; David Cox – Inis – Fragrances of Ireland)  

• Building a Values-Based Brand: The Ella & Jo Story (Niamh Ryan – Ella & Jo | B Corp Certified)  

• B Corp Certification Journey: VOYA (Andrew Darmody – VOYA | B Corp™)  

• Cosmetics Regulatory Outlook in 2026 (Rian Morris – ICDA, Ibec)  

• Cosmetic Claims & Scientific Communication: Translating Science into High Impact and Credible Consumer Messages (David Jameson – Oriflame R&D)  

• Panel Discussion: Buyer Insight Panel: Being Retail Ready (Moderator: Rachael James – Enterprise Ireland; Panellists: Debbie Coughlan – Meagher’s Pharmacy Group; Laura Pasquetti – Kilkenny Design) 

Thank you to all our speakers and panellists, as well as to everyone who attended the event! 

Download and view the event brochure here.