Free Webinar

2025 Applied Research Award Winner
If Malassezia wasn't the only determining factor in dandruff: the role of scalp bacterial profile and ethnicity
Dr. Jolanta Idkowiak-Baldys,
Director of Ingredients Innovation for Advanced Research at L'Oréal

Wednesday, 4 February 2026
6h West Coast USA – 8h Mexico City / Chicago – 9h East Coast USA / Bogotá – 11h São Paulo – 14h London – 15h Central Europe / 16h South Africa / Tel Aviv – 19h30 New Delhi – 22h Singapore / HK / China / Taipei – 23h Korea / Japan
​​​​Thursday, 5 February 2026
1h Melbourne – 3h Wellington

About the Webinar

Presentation will explore groundbreaking research into the scalp microbiome, expanding the traditional Malassezia-centric view of dandruff. By examining 212 subjects across four distinct ethnicities, the study provides a comprehensive look at how bacterial communities and microbial functions—specifically virulence factors—contribute to scalp health and pathology. The findings highlight a critical correlation between Staphylococcus aureus and dandruff severity, suggesting that future hair care innovations must move toward more holistic approaches that address both fungal and bacterial imbalances tailored to ethnic specificities.​​​​​​​

This study received the award for best Applied Research paper at the IFSCC 2025 Congress in Cannes.

About the Speaker

Scientist, leader, and innovator currently serving as the Director of Ingredients Innovation for Advanced Research at L'Oréal. In this pivotal role, dedicated to translating scientific findings into novel skincare bioactive discoveries and driving strategic collaborations in North America to support L'Oréal's global ingredients portfolio for skin and scalp health.

Extensive experience includes leading microbiome discovery programs for L'Oréal North America, fostering internal and external partnerships for upstream innovation. Prior to the current roles at L'Oréal, spent over a decade at Avon Products, leading skincare biology projects, identifying novel skin health biomarkers, and managing numerous external collaborations with a strong focus on scientific rationale and business value.
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Expertise in dermatological science, particularly in areas like photoaging, acne, pigmentation, skin disorders, and the critical interplay of the microbiome and hormones in skin homeostasis. Adept at communicating complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences with a strong record of achievements, including multiple publications, industry patents, and awards. Academic background includes a Ph.D. in Biology from Utah State University and postdoctoral fellowship from Medical University of South Carolina.​​​​​​​

  • Dr. Fan Yang, IFSCC Education Chair

    Moderator

  • Dr. Jolanta Idkowiak-Baldys, Director of Ingredients Innovation for Advanced Research at L'Oréal

    Presenter

  • Mònica Morales, IFSCC Secretary General

    Host

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