The Society of· Cosmetic Chemists announced it will award its highest honor to Dr. Peter T. Pugliese, whose Milmark Research Inc. in Muhlenberg Township has developed a thigh creme to reduce cellulite.

The society's Maison G. deNavarre Medal will recognize Pugliese for his contribution to the art and science of cosmetic research, the society announced.  The award will be presented on Dec. 12 at a formal ceremony in New York.

Pugliese has published or presented 57 papers on skin physiology, and published a textbook, "Advanced Professional Skin Care," which has become the industry standard.

Pugliese spent 20 years in private practice and in 1978 began research to develop ethical skin care products and to educate the public through skin care professionals.

He is a member of eight societies in the skin care industry, including the Society of Investigative Dermatology and the American Academy of Dermatologists.

He currently holds three patents for his inventions, which include an instrument for measuring the moisture content of skin.

Pugliese founded Milmark on a farm near Bernville, and moved it over the past year to the Muhlenberg Industrial Mall West.

He has said the concept behind its thigh creme, Exquisite Thigh Contouring Lotion, has been known for years, but was further developed and tested by Milmark.

Pugliese is a graduate of Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster, and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia.

A story on Pugliese's company and thigh cream products was published on July 17, 1994 in the business section of the Reading Eagle.