2017 SCC National Poster Competition First Place Winner.
Hi! I’m Dr. Xuzi.
I am a PhD cosmetic scientist with over 10 years of experience, specializing in hair and skin science and an expert in formulation strategy, claims substantiation, and evidence-based evaluation.
I help beauty and personal care brands shape formulation concepts and define credible, science-backed product claims by aligning formulation intent, scientific evidence, and consumer communication. My work focuses on early-stage scientific decision-making, helping brands determine which formulation approaches support performance goals, what evidence is needed, and how to translate science into defensible claims.
I work closely with existing data, third-party test results, and published literature, providing rigorous scientific interpretation and clear guidance that supports compliant, trustworthy claims. My approach bridges formulation design concepts, performance rationale, and market-facing language, ensuring that scientific decisions are intentional and aligned across R&D and marketing.
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Now
Founder & Scientific Lead → EXKAI Labs
EXKAI Labs: Unlocking Beauty Through Science
EXKAI Labs provides science-driven consulting for emerging beauty and personal care brands, with a focus on formulation development, claims substantiation, and sensory science.
Work includes formulation troubleshooting, stability and compatibility assessment, fit-for-purpose instrumental and sensory method design, and translating technical data into clear, consumer-relevant insights.
I collaborate with early-stage brands, R&D teams, and innovation groups to deliver solutions that are both scientifically rigorous and commercially practical.
Past
Staff Scientist → TRI Princeton
Conducted high-quality research and developed innovative claim testing methods for personal care products targeting hair and skin, utilizing:
- Mechanical testing techniques to evaluate the performance of cosmetic products such as hair fixatives, conditioners, lipsticks/foundation/serums sticks.
- Analytical chemistry to investigate the effects of personal care products on scalp and hair lipids and proteins.
- Novel methods to assess the efficiency of depilatory products in disrupting the epidermis.
- ...and more…
Cosmetic Chemist → University of Cincinnati
- Developed innovative skincare and sunscreen formulation technologies by complexing acne-active molecules with macrocyclic hosts, dramatically improving product stability, safety, and skin compatibility.
- Designed and synthesized macrocycle-UV filter complexes to enhance photostability and minimize degradation; established analytical characterization protocols (NMR, FT-IR, TGA, UV-Vis) to elucidate mechanisms and support scientific results.
- Created a skin penetration evaluation protocol for sunscreen actives and demonstrated that supramolecular encapsulation can reduce dermal absorption, paving the way for safer and more efficacious sunscreen products aligned with global regulatory and consumer health expectations.
Education
- Ph.D. in Cosmetic Science/Pharmaceutical Sciences | University of Cincinnati, 06/2021
- M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences | University of Cincinnati, 04/2017
- B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences | Shenyang Pharmaceutical & Purdue University, 07/2014
Recognition & Awards
- CDR Conference Poster Winners awards, Center for Dermal Research (CDR), 09/2023
- 3rd Place in SCC Annual Poster Competition, Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC), 12/2019
- 1st Place in Poster Competition, Ohio Valley Society of Cosmetic Chemists (OVSCC), 11/2019
- Pinnacle Award, University of Cincinnati College of Pharmacy, 10/2019
- 1st Place in SCC Annual Poster Competition, Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC), 12/2017
Publications
- Kang, Xu, Andrew Eisenhart, Ajaz Ahmad Dar, Ramana Reddy Mittapalli, Alexander Greenwood, Lama Alsheddi, Thomas L. Beck, S. Kevin Li, and Harshita Kumari. "A novel inclusion complex of oxybenzone with C-methylresorcin [4] arene deters skin permeation." RSC advances 13, no. 37 (2023): 25846-25852. (IF 3.9) https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2023/ra/d3ra01890c
- Kang, Xu, Ajaz Ahmad Dar, Ramana Reddy Mittapalli, Andrea Carrao, Arnab Dawn, and Harshita Kumari. "Modifying and Taming Photoactive Compounds Using Synthetic Macrocycles as Supramolecular Hosts." ChemistrySelect 8, no. 30 (2023): e202300894. (IF 1.9) https://chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/slct.202300894
- Kang, Xu, Jiange Qiu, Qianqian Li, Katherine A. Bell, Yifeng Du, Da Woon Jung, Jae Yeol Lee, Jiukuan Hao, and Jianxiong Jiang. "Cyclooxygenase-2 contributes to oxidopamine-mediated neuronal inflammation and injury via the prostaglandin E2 receptor EP2 subtype." Scientific reports 7, no. 1 (2017): 9459. (IF 4.3) https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-09528-z
- Dey, Avijit, Xu Kang, Jiange Qiu, Yifeng Du, and Jianxiong Jiang. "Anti-inflammatory small molecules to treat seizures and epilepsy: from bench to bedside." Trends in pharmacological sciences 37, no. 6 (2016): 463-484. (Co-first author, IF 17.6) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27062228/
- Xuzi Kang at TRI Princeton has reintroduced the rarely used three-point bending test to evaluate hair softness and damage. Her work demonstrates that this method can effectively measure damage-induced changes in hair properties and opens new possibilities for claims related to damage repair, styling hold, and humidity resistance. https://www.triprinceton.org/post/exploring-the-potential-of-the-three-point-cantilever-bending-test
- In collaboration with her intern, Holly Honoré, Dr. Xuzi Kang explored the use of the three-point bending test to assess wet lubrication effects in real time. Unlike comb or friction tests that disturb the conditioner film, this non-invasive method allows repeatable measurements throughout the wash cycle. https://www.triprinceton.org/post/dynamic-wet-lubrication-studies-three-point-bend-test-for-conditioner-rinsability-on-wet-hair
- Together with her coworker Leila Sorrells, Dr. Xuzi Kang developed two complementary in vitro test methods to evaluate both the efficacy and potential skin damage of depilatory products. These methods are now available at TRI Princeton for client claims support and product development. https://www.triprinceton.org/post/two-new-complimentary-tests-for-depilatory-products
- Xuzi Kang, alongside Dr. Ernesta Malinauskyte and Dr. Marcella Gabarra, investigated how materials such as pillowcases, hair ties, and scarves interact with hair fibers. Their work provides quantifiable data supporting claims related to the gentleness and frictional properties of fabrics on hair. https://www.triprinceton.org/post/the-fabric-factor-the-role-of-your-pillowcase-and-hair-accessories-in-hair-care
- Xuzi Kang developed realistic, tribology-based methods using a texture analyzer to evaluate lipstick performance. This approach simulates real-life applications by measuring friction, lubrication, and product payout, offering a scientific basis for claims on smoothness, comfort, and glide. https://www.triprinceton.org/post/beyond-the-tube-unlocking-the-fascinating-science-behind-your-lipstick-s-performance
- In a feasibility study involving 18 participants aged 24–68, Dr. Xuzi Kang applied corneometry to measure upper and lower lip hydration across five test points. This non-invasive method allowed precise quantification of moisture retention and set the foundation for claims about lipstick-induced hydration. https://www.triprinceton.org/post/beyond-the-tube-ii-exploration-of-lip-hydration-and-the-impact-of-lipsticks-on-moisture-retention
- Xuzi Kang explored how lipstick shades appear differently across various skin tones. Her study focuses on the visual interaction between product color and skin undertones, helping to explain consumer perception and shade compatibility, advancing a more personalized approach to color cosmetics. https://www.triprinceton.org/post/the-art-of-lipstick-how-skin-tone-influences-your-favorite-shades
Interviews & Features