An award-winning cosmetic chemist and speaker, science communicator, educator, leader, and avid proponent of transparency in the beauty industry, Valerie George formulates for and lends expertise to beauty brands as CEO and Chief Creator at Simply Beauty Group. Previously, she worked on the latest research in hair care and hair color formulations as Executive Vice President of R&D at a leading salon brand. Valerie is currently a national board member for the Society of Cosmetic Chemists and was the past chair for their Committee on Scientific Affairs. She additionally volunteers on the Governance and Regulatory Committees for the Independent Beauty Association. With more than 15 years of beauty industry experience as an ingredient expert, she is a contributing writer at Happi Magazine and is the co-host of The Beauty Brains podcast, recently listed as the top beauty podcast by the New York Times. You can find Valerie on Instagram at @cosmetic_chemist.