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Membership Information

The Dermal Toxicology Specialty Section (DTSS) brings together scientists studying skin exposure, dermal absorption, and the safety of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and consumer products affecting the skin.

Who Should Join DTSS

DTSS membership is open to SOT members interested in dermal toxicology and skin exposure science, including, but not limited to:

  • Academic researchers studying skin biology, dermal toxicology, and skin barrier function
  • Scientists working in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and consumer product safety
  • Regulatory scientists involved in dermal risk assessment and safety evaluation
  • Experts in dermal absorption, exposure science, and pharmacokinetics
  • Toxicologists developing new approach methodologies (NAMs) and alternative skin models
  • Graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and trainees interested in dermal research

Benefits of Joining DTSS

  • Networking with scientists specializing in dermal toxicology and skin exposure science
  • Opportunities to present and discuss research at the SOT Annual Meeting
  • Eligibility for DTSS travel awards and trainee awards
  • Participation in webinars and scientific discussions organized by the section
  • Opportunities to collaborate on emerging dermal toxicology topics
  • Mentorship and career development opportunities for trainees

How to Join

  1. Visit the SOT website
  2. Navigate to Members & Groups
  3. Select Join an SOT Component Group
  4. Click “Join Now” and if you are currently an SOT member, you can add the Dermal Toxicology Specialty Section (DTSS) through the SOT Online Membership Renewal Form

Contact SOT HQ at sothq@toxicology.org for more details.

Get Involved

Members can contribute to DTSS activities by:

  • Participating and/or present in webinars and scientific discussions
  • Volunteering to organize sessions proposals or workshops
  • Volunteer to judge travel award applications
  • Mentoring trainees interested in dermal toxicology

Member Perspective

Members were asked, “Why did you join DTSS?”

“DTSS is a great forum for discussing dermal exposure science and connecting with experts working on skin models, dermal risk assessment, and regulatory science. It’s directly relevant to my work evaluating the safety of cosmetics, OTC drugs, and medical devices, where understanding dermal exposure and skin biology is essential.”

~AJ Cuevas | Combe Inc.

“The DTSS topics are highly relevant to my work. The learning and networking opportunities DTSS membership provides have helped me stay current with the science and solve work-related challenges.”

~Stefanie O’Neal | Kao USA Inc.

“I joined the Dermal Toxicology Specialty Section of the Society of Toxicology to connect with skin-exposure experts, stay current on dermal research, contribute to risk assessment discussions, and support Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology.”

~A. Wallace Hayes | University of South Florida and Michigan State University.

“As a consultant who provides broad-spectrum regulatory and toxicology support to cosmetic product development, I joined DTSS to refine my risk assessment expertise for dermally applied formulations.”

~Scott F. Sadoff | Personal Care Regulatory & Safety Services, LLC

“DTSS offers a valuable platform to engage in discussions on dermal exposure science and connect with experts focused on skin models, risk assessment, and regulatory science.”

~Sara Farahmand | The Honest Company, Inc.

2026 Annual Meeting San Diego CA—DTSS Reception | Photo courtesy SOT 2026 Annual Meeting San Diego CA—DTSS Reception | Photo courtesy SOT

Questions about DTSS membership?

Contact SOT HQ at sothq@toxicology.org for more information.