The skin care briefs a cosmetics factory receives next year are being discussed by dermatologists this year.
Written & researched by Fenny Yip, Contributing Writer · Reviewed by Creaton Poh · Published by Dr Orizi (M) Sdn. Bhd., ORIZI Group · Last reviewed September 2026
Disclosure: This article is published by Dr Orizi and describes a conference our team attended. Dr Orizi is a cosmetics manufacturer, not a medical provider; nothing here is medical advice. External factual claims are supported by cited sources.
Quick Answer
Our team attended the 51st PDM Annual Dermatology Conference & Annual General Meeting (PDM ADC & AGM 2026), held on 10–13 September 2026 at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre, Penang. Organised by Persatuan Dermatologi Malaysia under the theme “Innovating Dermatology: Advancing Care, Bridging Gaps, Inspiring the Future”, the conference put skin-barrier repair, atopic dermatitis and itch relief at the centre of its talks and exhibition. For a cosmetics manufacturer, those topics translate directly into the formulas, tests and claims brand owners will ask for.
Key Takeaways
- PDM ADC & AGM 2026 was the Dermatological Society of Malaysia’s 51st annual conference, 10–13 September 2026, in Penang.
- Barrier repair, eczema-prone skin, itch relief and aesthetic after-care were the recurring themes on the exhibition floor.
- Dermocosmetic trends reward gentle, well-tested formulas — and demand careful cosmetic claims.
- In Malaysia a cosmetic may care for eczema-prone skin, but may not claim to treat eczema.
Scope of this article
This is a first-hand record of a professional dermatology conference our team attended, written from a cosmetics-manufacturing perspective. It describes what we observed and what it means for skin care product development at a plant like ours. It does not report the scientific content of the sessions in detail and does not speak for Persatuan Dermatologi Malaysia; the society’s own materials are linked below.
What is the PDM Annual Dermatology Conference?
The PDM Annual Dermatology Conference is the yearly national meeting of Persatuan Dermatologi Malaysia (PDM), the Dermatological Society of Malaysia, which was formed in 1974 by a small group of Malaysian dermatologists. It runs together with the society’s Annual General Meeting. According to the PDM events listing, the 2026 edition — the 51st — was held on 10–13 September 2026 at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre.
What did the conference focus on?
The sessions and booths we visited kept returning to the skin barrier. One industry symposium walked through the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis; exhibitors showed ceramide-based barrier repair, anti-itch body care for dry and sensitive skin, and aesthetic procedure lines that need gentle after-care.
What do these trends mean for a cosmetics brief?
Here is how we translate what we saw into product development decisions for brand owners:
| What we saw at ADC 2026 | What it means for a cosmetic product | Claim guard-rail |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramide & barrier-repair focus | Barrier-support moisturisers and cleansers with skin-identical lipids | “Supports the skin barrier”, not “repairs eczema” |
| Itch relief for dry, sensitive skin | Fragrance-free, soothing, cooling textures; patch-friendly formats | “Soothes dry, itchy-feeling skin”, not “treats itch” |
| Atopic dermatitis science | Gentle daily care for eczema-prone skin between medical treatments | “Suitable for eczema-prone skin” only with testing support |
| Aesthetic procedures | Post-procedure hydration and calming care | Cosmetic care claims; no wound-healing claims |
| Data-led booths | Plan dermatological, HRIPT or in-use testing into the timeline | Claim only what the test report supports |
The guard-rail column matters. In Malaysia, cosmetics are notified with the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), and a cosmetic may not claim to treat, cure or prevent disease. Getting this right at the brief stage saves a relaunch later — it is part of what our OEM services cover.
The Dr Orizi perspective: dermocosmetics are won in the lab and the test report
Based on our experience manufacturing skin care for brand owners, the “dermatologist-inspired” products that last are the ones built on a boring foundation: a gentle, stable formula; a realistic test plan; and claims written to match the evidence. Conferences like ADC show us where the science is heading; our job is to turn it into products that can be notified, manufactured consistently and sold honestly. That is why our R&D and quality teams will be reviewing the literature we brought home before the next round of product development.
Limitations
- Attending a conference is participation only; it is not an endorsement of Dr Orizi or its products by Persatuan Dermatologi Malaysia or any exhibitor.
- Observations reflect the sessions and booths our team visited, not the full scientific programme.
- The claim examples in the table are general guidance for cosmetic products in Malaysia, not legal or regulatory advice for a specific product; check each claim against the current NPRA guidelines.
- Event details (dates, venue, theme) are as displayed at the event and on the PDM events listing, September 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is PDM ADC & AGM 2026?
PDM ADC & AGM 2026 is the 51st Annual Dermatology Conference and Annual General Meeting of Persatuan Dermatologi Malaysia, held on 10–13 September 2026 at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre under the theme “Innovating Dermatology: Advancing Care, Bridging Gaps, Inspiring the Future”.
Can a cosmetic claim to treat eczema in Malaysia?
No. A cosmetic notified with the NPRA may cleanse, moisturise, protect or soothe the skin, and may be described as suitable for eczema-prone skin when supported by evidence, but it may not claim to treat, cure or prevent eczema. Treatment claims require medicine registration.
What is a barrier-repair or ceramide moisturiser?
A barrier-repair moisturiser is a skin care product formulated with lipids similar to those naturally found in the skin, such as ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids, to help the outer skin layer retain moisture. As a cosmetic, it supports the skin barrier; it is not a medical treatment.
Can Dr Orizi manufacture sensitive-skin or barrier-care products?
Yes. Dr Orizi (M) Sdn. Bhd. develops and manufactures OEM/ODM skin care for brand owners, including gentle and fragrance-free formats, with testing and claim advice built into the project — see our services or contact us.
Sources & references
- Persatuan Dermatologi Malaysia — events listing — 51st PDM ADC & AGM 2026 dates and venue.
- Persatuan Dermatologi Malaysia (Dermatological Society of Malaysia) — society background, formed 1974.
- Persatuan Dermatologi Malaysia official Facebook page.
- National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) — cosmetic notification in Malaysia.
Update history
September 2026 — First published, recording our team’s attendance at the 51st PDM ADC & AGM on 10–13 September 2026. No press coverage of the conference had been published at the time of writing; links will be added if coverage appears.
Related from Dr Orizi: Dr Orizi at QIU Industry Day 2026, ISO 22716 GMP awareness training, about us, our social responsibility and join our team. Adapted for Dr Orizi from the group announcement published by ORIZI Group.
