RIFM’s Isabelle Lee, PhD, to Present on Skin Sensitization Thresholds at IUTOX 17th International Congress of Toxicology in Beijing
10.6.25
Isabelle Lee, PhD, Principal Scientist and Skin Sensitization Lead at the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM), will deliver a remote presentation during the IUTOX 17th International Congress of Toxicology (IUTOX ICTXVII), taking place from October 15 to 18, 2025, in Beijing, China.
The International Congress of Toxicology (ICT) is the triennial global meeting of the International Union of Toxicology (IUTOX) and is widely recognized as the premier international event in toxicology. Hosted in partnership with the Chinese Society of Toxicology (CST), this year’s congress brings together scientists, professionals, and students from around the world under the theme: “Toxicology for Safe Environment & Healthy Life.” The program covers the latest advances in basic, applied, and translational toxicology, risk assessment, and environmental and human health protection.
Dr. Lee will present on “Thresholds for Skin Sensitization” during the session “Thresholds of Toxicological Concern – Recent Developments Across Regions and at the Interface with Computational Modelling,” scheduled for Friday, October 17, 10:30–12:00 Beijing time. Her talk will focus on dermal sensitization thresholds (DSTs), which establish safe levels of chemical exposure through the skin, enabling manufacturers to make informed, science-based decisions. She will share how scientists have identified safe limits for different types of ingredients, whether non-reactive, reactive, high potency, or complex mixtures like plant extracts. These safety thresholds show when an ingredient is used at such low levels that additional testing isn’t needed. This approach helps avoid unnecessary animal testing while ensuring safety decisions are both ethical and grounded in the best science. (RIFM does not perform animal testing for any of its human health endpoints.)
Dr. Lee will also highlight the use of in silico modeling tools, including Derek Nexus, to refine DSTs and identify high-risk chemicals, demonstrating how computational and in vitro approaches can complement traditional testing.
“Dermal sensitization thresholds are a powerful tool for ensuring consumer safety while reducing animal testing,” said Dr. Isabelle Lee. “I’m excited to share how DSTs, combined with computational and in vitro approaches, can provide practical, science-based guidance for fragrance ingredient evaluation worldwide.”
Dr. Lee’s participation underscores RIFM’s leadership in innovative, data-driven approaches that advance fragrance safety while promoting ethical toxicology worldwide.