It has been a while since my last update about my PhD. I think I posted about my PhD journey more than one year ago and now I am actually already in my fourth and last year. A quick re-introduction into my PhD topic: In my research I study the (flow) behaviour of complex fluids (like shampoos and creams). Understanding the interaction of the various ingredients that build up the complex structure of cosmetic products is critical since it reveals why the system behaves the way it behaves under various conditions and leads to the required modifications needed to formulate new and improved products. One of my projects was to study the effect of hyaluronic acid on the flow properties of a cream. When you add HA to a cream it behaves differently, the cream became for example much more stringy. Another project was to study and understand the mechanism of a new type of emulsion stabilizer. Creams are a mixture of water and oil (an emulsions). Water and oil don’t mix so we need to add a stabilizer (surfactant) which can bind to both phases and creates a stable emulsion. In this work we now used particles to stabilize emulsions. Next to their different stabilizing mechanism these particles also create a different feel on the skin. In the coming months I will still work on one new project and also start writing my thesis. I will probably defend (the defence day) my thesis at the beginning of next year. That ‘big day’ is the day the PhD candidate defends its dissertation during a traditional public ceremony. During this ceremony, you present your work and the committee will ask you (critical) questions about your research. When completed, this allows you to bear the title of a doctor. Let me know in the comments if you have a question about my research, PhD or earlier studies.