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Predictive, Protective, Planet-Positive: Redefining Color Cosmetics for 2026

Featuring: Jane Palmer, CEO, Nature Coatings; Elodie Carpentier, General Manager & Co-Founder, Le Rouge Français; and Shiyan Zering, Senior Research Analyst, Mintel

Summary

The color cosmetics sector is entering a new phase of transformation. While creativity, self-expression and trend-led innovation remain central to the category, brands are increasingly navigating economic uncertainty, changing consumer expectations, sustainability demands and evolving regulations.

In this episode of In Conversation With, industry experts discuss how value, trust, ingredient transparency, artificial intelligence and regulatory change are reshaping the future of makeup and creating new opportunities for brands that can successfully balance performance, sustainability and consumer confidence.

Value and Performance Are Becoming Non-Negotiable

Consumers remain engaged with color cosmetics, but purchasing decisions are becoming increasingly selective.

According to Mintel's Shiyan Zering, value today extends far beyond price. Consumers are evaluating products based on:

• Performance
• Longevity
• Ease of use
• Reliability

As beauty routines become more streamlined, consumers are less willing to experiment with products that fail to deliver immediate results.

Pull quote: “Growth will come from solving everyday frustrations rather than chasing trends.” — Shiyan Zering

For brands, this creates opportunities to focus on wear performance, comfort, shade matching and products that simplify daily routines.

Clean Beauty Moves Further Into the Mainstream

Demand for natural, transparent and non-toxic formulations continues to grow, particularly among younger consumers who are becoming increasingly knowledgeable about ingredients.

Jane Palmer believes sustainability and safety are no longer premium differentiators but baseline expectations.

Consumers increasingly expect:

• Ingredient transparency
• Evidence-based claims
• Sustainable sourcing
• Performance without compromise

Pull quote: “Consumers want proof, not promises.” — Jane Palmer

Elodie Carpentier adds that color cosmetics still lags behind skincare when it comes to certified natural and organic formulations, creating opportunities for further innovation.

AI Is Reshaping Discovery and Development

Artificial intelligence is transforming both the consumer experience and product development process.

On the consumer side, technologies such as:

• AI-powered shade matching
• Virtual diagnostics
• Personalised recommendations

are helping reduce purchasing uncertainty and improve confidence.

Behind the scenes, AI is accelerating innovation by helping brands:

• Analyse consumer demand
• Identify ingredient opportunities
• Shorten product development timelines
• Improve formulation efficiency

Pull quote: “Technology works best when it removes friction and helps consumers make confident decisions.” — Shiyan Zering

Sustainability Must Deliver Performance

While sustainability remains important, consumers increasingly view it as an expectation rather than a differentiator.

The panel agrees that performance remains the primary driver of purchase decisions.

Poor-performing products that are abandoned before use create unnecessary waste and undermine sustainability efforts.

For ingredient suppliers, this means delivering sustainable alternatives that match or exceed conventional performance standards.

Jane Palmer highlights growing interest in:

• Bio-based pigments
• Traceable supply chains
• Regulatory-ready ingredients
• Sustainable color technologies

Pull quote: “Price, performance and transparency have to work together.” — Jane Palmer

Regulation Is Driving Innovation

The industry continues to adapt to increasing scrutiny around:

• Microplastics
• PFAS
• Talc
• Environmental claims
• Ingredient safety

Rather than slowing innovation, the panel views regulation as a catalyst for change.

New regulatory requirements are encouraging suppliers and brands to develop safer, more sustainable alternatives while improving transparency across the value chain.

Pull quote: “Regulatory pressure is forcing the industry to innovate faster and more responsibly.” — Elodie Carpentier

Looking Ahead: The Future of Color Cosmetics

The panel identified several themes likely to shape the category in 2026 and beyond:

• Higher-performing products that deliver consistent results
• Greater adoption of bio-based pigments and natural color technologies
• AI-powered formulation and product discovery
• Increased integration of skincare benefits into makeup
• Stronger demand for ingredient transparency
• Growing regulatory pressure on controversial ingredients and environmental claims

Together, these trends point towards a color cosmetics market where trust, performance and sustainability must work hand in hand.

Why Listen

This discussion explores how the color cosmetics industry is evolving beyond trends, with expert insights into consumer behaviour, clean beauty, artificial intelligence, sustainable innovation and regulatory change. For brands, suppliers and formulators, it offers a valuable look at the forces shaping the category in 2026.

Predictive, Protective, Planet-Positive: Redefining Personal Care for 2026

 

In this episode of In Conversation With, Global Cosmetics News turns its focus to the global personal care market—a category forecast to reach US$167bn between 2023 and 2028, but one now operating in an increasingly volatile and resource-constrained environment. Just months into 2026, geopolitical disruption, inflationary pressures and supply chain instability are already reshaping how brands source, formulate and scale products.

Against a backdrop of rising raw material costs, oil price volatility and growing sustainability expectations, the industry is being forced to rethink efficiency, resilience and long-term value creation. The conversation explores whether this moment could accelerate a more circular, lower-impact approach to personal care.

This Month’s Expert Panel

• Jo Chidley – Founder, Beauty Kitchen UK & Reposit
• Richard Cope – Founder, EcoVox UK
• Vincent Enaux – Chief Commercial Officer, GF Biochemicals

Key Takeaways for B2B Leaders

1. Sustainability Is Becoming Personal

Consumers may not always describe their purchasing decisions as “sustainable,” but Cope argues they are increasingly experiencing climate change and environmental degradation through a personal lens—whether through rising costs, pollution exposure or disruptions to everyday life.

“People are experiencing climate change as an economic threat and an existential health threat.”
– Richard Cope

This is fuelling what Cope describes as the “meconomy”: consumers embracing lower-impact products when there is a clear personal benefit, such as saving money, reducing waste or improving wellbeing. Rather than rejecting sustainability, consumers are demanding solutions that feel tangible, local and immediately relevant to their lives.

2. Multifunctionality and Simplicity Drive Ingredient Innovation

From the ingredient perspective, Enaux says brands remain committed to carbon reduction goals and are increasingly scrutinising product carbon footprint (PCF), biodegradability and bioaccumulation.

“The challenge today is to keep the function while reducing the carbon impact.”
– Vincent Enaux

This is accelerating demand for bio-based, multifunctional ingredients capable of delivering multiple formulation benefits at once—reducing complexity, lowering transport impact and improving efficiency. Suppliers are also responding to growing instability in fossil-derived supply chains by developing more predictable, bio-based sourcing models less exposed to geopolitical disruption.

At the same time, both consumers and formulators are moving towards “less but better” product design, favouring concentrated formulas, fewer fillers and more performance-led ingredients.

3. Circularity Requires Systems, Not Just Better Products

For Chidley, the biggest opportunity lies not in isolated product innovation, but in redesigning the systems surrounding consumption.

“The risk with technology is that we use it to make an old system go faster.”
– Jo Chidley

Drawing on her experience with refill and return systems through Reposit, Chidley argues that many technically successful refill models fail because the wider infrastructure—collection, convenience and standardisation—has not been built to support scale adoption.

She believes the next phase of circularity will depend on industry-wide collaboration, moving beyond single-use packaging towards systems that reward participation, strengthen loyalty and create measurable commercial value. Beauty Kitchen’s retail partnerships, for example, have demonstrated that return systems can drive repeat visits and increase customer spend without additional discounting.

4. Waterless, Concentrated and High-Performance Formats Gain Momentum

Innovation in personal care is shifting away from constant newness and towards efficiency, concentration and resource reduction. Cope highlights growing consumer interest in waterless and highly concentrated formats that position sustainability as a performance advantage—not a compromise.

“There’s no water, no filler—consumers are paying for more active ingredients.”
– Richard Cope

This aligns with broader consumer expectations around value and intentional purchasing, as brands increasingly frame lower-impact formulations as superior, more potent and more economical to use.

5. Trust, Transparency and Regulation Become Competitive Assets

The panel agrees that consumer trust is becoming increasingly tied to transparency and credible sustainability communication. Cope points to rising demand for clearer, more standardised environmental labelling—similar to nutrition scoring systems—while Enaux warns that sustainability claims must move beyond offsets and vague messaging.

“Consumers want to feel they are paying for something real—not paperwork.”
– Vincent Enaux

Meanwhile, Chidley argues that regulation should not be viewed as a burden, but as a framework for redesigning systems more effectively. She stresses that the industry already understands many of its core sustainability challenges and should move proactively—rather than waiting for legislation to force change.

“Progress is still fragmented because businesses are responding individually rather than aligning around shared solutions.”
– Jo Chidley

Looking Ahead: Personal Care Beyond 2026

The panel predicts the next phase of personal care growth will be shaped by:

Intentional consumption, driven by value, durability and reduced waste
System-led innovation, where refill, reuse and infrastructure outperform constant product launches
Bio-based and multifunctional ingredients that lower carbon impact while maintaining performance
Greater industry collaboration, particularly around circular systems and shared sustainability standards
Clearer consumer communication, with simpler, more visible sustainability metrics and claims

Chidley also predicts that collective action—not just individual brand responsibility—will become a core competitive advantage, particularly as regulation and consumer expectations intensify.

Bottom line: Personal care in 2026 is being reshaped by geopolitical disruption, rising operational pressure and growing sustainability expectations. The brands best positioned to succeed will be those that combine efficiency, transparency and circular thinking—while proving that lower-impact products can also deliver stronger value and performance.

Predictive, Protective, Planet-Positive: Redefining Sun Care for 2026

In this episode of In Conversation With, Global Cosmetics News turns its focus to the global sun care market—a category that remains central to beauty, but is becoming more structured, disciplined and strategically driven. Valued at US$14.6bn in 2026 and projected to reach US$22bn, sun care growth is being shaped less by hype and more by strong portfolio management, retail execution, regulatory compliance and dependable seasonal demand.

As the category evolves, brands are being challenged to balance performance, sensory appeal, transparency and compliance—while responding to rising consumer expectations around sustainability, trust and everyday usability.

This Month’s Expert Panel

Jennifer O’Hara – Director of Technical Marketing and Commercialisation, INOLEX

Dr Inna Szalontay – Dermatologist & Founder, Libi & Daughters

Maggie Spicer – Founder, Source Beauty ESG

 

Key Takeaways for B2B Leaders

1. Sun Care Moves from Basic Protection to Daily Skin Strategy

Consumers are no longer satisfied with seeing “SPF 50” on-pack and taking it at face value. According to Dr Inna Szalontay, today’s more skin-literate consumer wants to know how a product protects, what else it does for the skin, and how it supports long-term skin health.

“They do not ask for sunscreen anymore. They want sun strategy products that work.”
– Dr Inna Szalontay

This is pushing the category beyond basic sun protection and into skin longevity, with rising demand for multifunctional formats including tinted SPF, barrier-support SPF, antioxidant-led formulas and products designed for specific use cases such as post-treatment skin, pigmentation-prone consumers and everyday urban wear.

2. Sensory Performance Is Now a Compliance Issue Too

Jennifer O’Hara argues that one of the biggest barriers to better sun care adoption is not just innovation, but education. Consumers want safe, reliable sunscreens, but confusion around filters and misinformation continues to affect uptake—particularly in the US.

“The best sunscreen is the one that you’re going to use.”
– Jennifer O’Hara

For suppliers and formulators, this makes sensory performance critical. If a sunscreen feels heavy, chalky or greasy, consumers are less likely to apply it consistently. The opportunity lies in creating lighter, more elegant and multifunctional formats that fit seamlessly into everyday routines and encourage habitual use.

3. Multifunctional Innovation Is Reshaping Product Development

Innovation in sun care is increasingly focused on efficiency, formulation quality and usability, rather than constant novelty. O’Hara points to growing interest in hybrid sunscreen systems, improved film formers, solubilisers and biodegradable performance ingredients that can deliver better wear, water resistance and comfort.

Szalontay adds that the next phase of formulation is about more than UV filters alone. New product development is increasingly incorporating DNA-repair enzymes, advanced antioxidants, encapsulation technologies and other ingredients aimed at supporting broader biological protection.

“Sun care is no longer just about filters. It’s about complete biological protection of the skin.”
– Dr Inna Szalontay

At the same time, simplification is becoming more important: fewer ingredients, fewer steps, but smarter and more purposeful formulation.

4. Sustainability Demands More Than ‘Reef-Safe’ Language

Environmental scrutiny is intensifying across the category, especially around reef impact, packaging, lifecycle transparency and ingredient sourcing. Maggie Spicer notes that while consumers increasingly want “reef-safe” sunscreen, the term itself remains poorly standardised and scientifically contested.

“Consumers really want to see brands talk about this. We’re just still at a very early stage of having the right information and discourse.”
– Maggie Spicer

This leaves brands navigating a complex middle ground: consumers are asking valid questions, but the industry is still developing the tools and language needed to answer them credibly. As a result, ESG strategy in sun care is shifting towards broader transparency, with greater attention on biodegradability, lifecycle assessments, responsible ingredient sourcing and backend manufacturing impact—not just end-of-life packaging claims.

5. Regulation Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage

Sun care remains one of the most highly regulated categories in beauty, and complexity is only increasing. Differences in approved UV filters across markets, stricter testing requirements and growing scrutiny of both performance and sustainability messaging are all shaping NPD timelines and portfolio strategy.

“Strong brands that invest in clinical data and transparent communication will stand out.”
– Dr Inna Szalontay

For O’Hara, regulatory alignment is also opening new formulation pathways, especially in the US market where the anticipated approval of new UV filters could significantly expand innovation opportunities. But as Spicer points out, claims governance must extend beyond SPF efficacy alone.

“Brands need a universal claims validation system—not one standard for performance claims and another for sustainability.”
– Maggie Spicer

That means marketing, regulatory and operational teams must work more closely together to ensure claims are robust, credible and globally defensible.

 

Looking Ahead: Sun Care Beyond 2026

The panel agrees the next phase of growth will be shaped by:

Daily-use SPF that integrates seamlessly into skin care and skin longevity routines
Hybrid protection combining UV filters with antioxidants, barrier support and repair claims
Smarter simplicity, with fewer but more intelligent ingredients and product formats
Stronger lifecycle accountability, driven by ESG data, supplier transparency and global compliance pressures

O’Hara also sees room for more playful, sensorial product forms that still meet strict regulatory requirements, while Szalontay predicts sun care will become increasingly embedded into broader skin health protocols rather than remain a standalone seasonal category.

“Simplicity will be with purpose.”
– Dr Inna Szalontay

 

Bottom line: Sun care in 2026 will be defined by precision protection, disciplined innovation and rising accountability. In a category where compliance, consistency and trust matter as much as novelty, the winners will be brands that combine strong fundamentals with better sensory experiences, clearer communication and credible environmental strategy.

Predictive, Protective, Planet-Positive: Redefining Skin Care for 2026

 

In this episode of In Conversation With, Global Cosmetics News turns its focus to the global skin care market—long considered the engine room of the US$450bn beauty industry—now entering a more cautious, value-led phase of growth in 2026. After several years of rapid expansion driven by premiumisation, price increases and constant innovation, the category is being reshaped by economic uncertainty, market saturation and rising consumer scepticism.

As growth moderates, skin care success is becoming less about hype and more about proof, trust and measurable value—with consumers expanding their definition of beauty to include wellness, prevention and aesthetic treatments.

This Month’s Expert Panel

Florence Roghe – Founder, Collateral Projects
Dr Carol Treasure – Founder & CEO, XCellR8
Daniella Close – Founder, My Skin Feels

Key Takeaways for B2B Leaders

1. Proof Replaces Promise in a Post-Hype Market

Consumers are more informed—and more cautious—than ever. Rougue notes that shoppers are no longer persuaded by vague “clean” positioning or unsubstantiated claims. Instead, they expect science-backed efficacy, transparent storytelling, and brands with clear authority.

“Consumers want products that work, but also a journey they believe in—built on credibility.”
– Florence Roghe

Personalisation is also rising in importance, with consumers looking for routines tailored to their specific needs—fuelled by AI-enabled analysis and diagnostic-led recommendations.

2. Claims Substantiation Becomes a Core Capability

Dr Treasure argues that the consumer “thirst for knowledge” is forcing brands to strengthen not only the science behind claims—but also the way evidence is communicated.

“Claims need to be supported more robustly than ever—and explained in a way non-scientists can understand.”
– Dr Carol Treasure

She highlights a growing industry shift towards tiered substantiation, where mechanistic in vitro data is paired with clinical and user trial results to demonstrate both how a product works and what it delivers. She also flags a weak point in the current system: efficacy is often measured when products are freshly made, with less attention paid to whether performance holds throughout shelf life.

3. Emotional Beauty Gains Ground Alongside Efficacy

At brand level, Close suggests the market is splitting into two distinct consumer mindsets: highly educated shoppers demanding evidence, and an increasingly vocal segment that is simply overwhelmed by complexity, trends and constant “fixing”.

“There’s a shift happening—from changing how you look to changing how you feel.”
– Daniella Close

This creates an opening for brands to build emotional relevance through simplicity, comfort, sensoriality and confidence—without abandoning credibility.

4. Tech-Powered Personalisation Must Be Useful, Not Gimmicky

AI is shaping skin care across diagnostics, routine-building, retail support and product development—offering new routes to personalisation and responsiveness. However, Roghe stresses that brands must balance innovation with trust, including ethical and privacy considerations.

“It can’t just be fun—it needs to support real performance and credible claims.”
– Florence Roghe

Dr Treasure adds that advances in in vitro testing are expanding the innovation toolkit, enabling brands to validate activity in more human-relevant ways. She also points to a major next step: developing more diverse skin models (by ethnicity, age and skin biology) to better reflect real consumers—bringing personalisation into testing, not just marketing.

5. Sustainability and Regulation Move Upstream

Sustainability is now a baseline expectation, but Roghe argues it must be embedded far earlier in NPD—from sourcing and traceability to lifecycle design. She points to rising EU pressure and the growing relevance of tools such as the Digital Product Passport, alongside ongoing interest in refillables, waterless formats and upcycled ingredients.

“Sustainability can’t sit on the surface—it has to be built into every stage of the product cycle.”
– Florence Roghe

Dr Treasure offers a cautionary view of the “natural” bias, highlighting batch variability, land-use competition and the trade-offs of crop-based ingredients—suggesting the industry may need to consider whether controlled cultivation (including hydroponics) or biomanufactured alternatives can offer more consistent and sustainable outcomes.

On compliance, Roghe warns that tighter restrictions and ingredient bans—particularly in the EU and US—are increasing the cost of reformulation and slowing speed to market for those who aren’t prepared.

“Regulatory readiness needs to be embedded early—otherwise it becomes an expensive disruption.”
– Florence Roghe

Looking Ahead: Skin Care Beyond 2026

The panel agrees the next phase of growth will be shaped by:

• Emotional beauty that connects mood, memory and sensorial experience with efficacy
• Prevention-first skin health, aligned with “healthspan” thinking rather than quick fixes
• Beauty–health convergence, including inflammation, hormones and metabolism-linked skin changes
• A renewed push for simpler routines, as consumers reject trend overload

Close highlights a key tension: consumers may swing away from extreme minimalism, but they will want products that do more—while remaining stripped back, transparent and genuinely effective.

“Trend-led skin care is short-sighted. Consumers are clocking onto it.”
– Daniella Close

Bottom line: Skin care in 2026 will be defined by predictive insight, protective science and planet-positive accountability, but growth will increasingly reward brands that can prove value, simplify complexity, and build trust—without losing emotional relevance.

Predictive, Protective, Planet-Positive: Redefining Hair Care for 2026

In this episode of In Conversation With, Global Cosmetics News turns its focus to the global hair care market—one of beauty’s fastest-evolving categories. Valued at approximately US$110bn in 2025 and forecast to reach US$151bn by 2030, hair care is being reshaped by shifting consumer expectations, scientific advances, sustainability pressures and tightening regulation.

As the industry moves into 2026, hair care sits at the intersection of wellness, performance and planet-positive innovation, forcing brands and suppliers to rethink how products are formulated, positioned and brought to market.

This Month’s Expert Panel

• Mallory Huron – Director of Beauty & Wellness, Future Snoops
  
  
• Jennifer O’Hara – Director of Marketing & Commercialisation, Inolex
  
  
• Patricia De Moraes – Senior Director of Consumer Market Insights, Not Your Mother’s Hair Care
  
  

Key Takeaways for B2B Leaders

1. Hair Health Becomes a Wellness Priority

Hair care is increasingly treated through a skin care and wellness lens, with consumers prioritising scalp health, hair retention, growth and barrier protection. Huron highlights how TikTok and peer-led education have fuelled a cultural obsession with hair health—positioning routines as both preventative care and emotional self-care.

“Elaborate routines aren’t just about results—they’re about ritual, wellness and control.”
– Mallory Huron

With economic uncertainty extending time between salon visits, consumers are investing more heavily in DIY education and at-home maintenance, reinforcing demand for high-performance products that protect long-term hair health.

2. Performance, Transparency and Value Drive Loyalty

From a brand perspective, De Moraes stresses that Gen Z expectations are uncompromising. Products must deliver consistent, visible results and clearly substantiate their claims—without premium price inflation.

“Sustainability is expected, but performance and affordability still come first.”
– Patricia De Moraes

Consumers are increasingly proactive in questioning ingredients, sensitivities and safety—often influenced by social media narratives—making clear, educational communication across all brand touchpoints essential.

3. Biotech, Bond Repair and Multifunctionality Lead Innovation

Ingredient and formulation innovation is accelerating, particularly in biotechnology, bond repair, peptides and proteins. Huron notes growing interest in hair plumping and volumising technologies that deliver results without structural damage.

O’Hara adds that suppliers are prioritising multifunctional ingredients that balance performance, sensory experience and safety—while reducing formulation complexity.

“Performance is king—but it has to feel good, be safe, and do more than one job.”
– Jennifer O’Hara

AI is increasingly used to accelerate ingredient and concept development, though panellists agree it must complement—not replace—human insight, creativity and real-world testing.

4. Sustainability Shifts from Differentiator to Baseline

Sustainability is no longer a selling point—it is a minimum requirement. Younger consumers expect recyclable packaging, cruelty-free positioning and responsible sourcing as standard, excluding brands that fail to meet the baseline from consideration altogether.

“Consumers may not say sustainability is the reason they buy—but if it’s missing, they won’t buy at all.”
– Patricia De Moraes

Concentrated, waterless and solid formats continue to gain traction, though adoption remains gradual due to entrenched consumer habits and perceptions of value. Education, rather than innovation alone, is now the key barrier to scale.

5. Regulation and Claims Scrutiny Intensify

Regulatory pressure is rising around ingredient safety, salon-use chemicals and hair growth claims, particularly in Europe. Huron predicts tighter enforcement on marketing language as scalp care and growth categories expand.

O’Hara notes growing demand for alternatives to silicones, phenoxyethanol and certain quats, positioning suppliers that anticipated regulatory shifts ahead of the curve.

“Being ahead of regulation protects both brand equity and speed to market.”
– Jennifer O’Hara

Looking Ahead: Hair Care in 2026

The panel agrees that 2026 will be shaped by:

• Wellness-integrated hair care blending efficacy, emotion and ritual
  
  
• True multitasking products that simplify routines without compromising results
  
  
• Lower-impact formats, including concentrates and waterless solutions
  
  
• Rising opportunities in inside-out hair health, including supplements and life-stage-specific innovation
  
  

“Hair care is no longer just cosmetic—it’s preventative, emotional and increasingly personal.”
– Patricia De Moraes

Bottom line: Hair care in 2026 will be defined by smarter science, stronger protection and planet-positive progress, as brands navigate rising consumer sophistication, regulatory complexity and sustainability expectations—without losing sight of performance.

2026 Predictions: The Future of the Global Cosmetics Industry

In-Conversation With – Global Cosmetics News Podcast

Navigating the Year Ahead for the Global Cosmetics Sector

In this flagship episode of In Conversation With, Global Cosmetics News host Siobhan Murphy is joined by leading B2B journalist Julia Wray to map out the business-critical forces that will define cosmetics innovation, regulation, sourcing, and consumer demand in 2026.

Whether you’re formulating, manufacturing, marketing, or retailing cosmetic products, this conversation delivers expert insight into the converging macro shifts—economic, technological, regulatory, and consumer-led—that will shape your next strategic move.

“Cosmetics in 2026 won’t be defined by isolated trends, but by how well businesses adapt to their convergence.” — Siobhan Murphy

 

Sector Signals to Watch

Consumer Demands Evolve

• Preventative and multifunctional products are now mainstream, with rising expectations around skin health, longevity, and sensorial experience.
• Consumers are prioritizing routine relevance over product novelty — favoring simplicity, emotional well-being, and long-term efficacy.
• The rise of South Asian and K-Beauty crossover brands is setting new benchmarks in format innovation and visual appeal, particularly in color cosmetics.

Longevity & Nutricosmetics

• Interest in future-proofing skin and hair health has catalyzed growth in nutricosmetics, biotech-derived actives, and hybrid formats that merge functionality with indulgence.
• Younger consumers are embracing early-intervention strategies, including prejuvenation and skin barrier-focused solutions.

 

Innovation Through Technology

AI at Scale

• AI is becoming central to cosmetic R&D, marketing, content creation, and retail personalization.
• 2026 will see the commercial scaling of AI-led commerce (e.g. ChatGPT-powered shopping), enhanced ingredient discovery, and smart visual merchandising.

“AI must be explained, not just used. Transparency builds trust in cosmetic innovation.” — Julia Wray

Clinical-Grade Devices

• Expect growth in cosmetic tools co-developed with formulations, such as nano-resurfacing devices, wearable trackers, and metabolic monitoring tools for skin and scalp.
• Demand for sensorial, playful packaging and emotive technology will shape cosmetic device design and user experience.

 

Regulatory and Supply Chain Landscape

Environmental Compliance Tightens

• New EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), EPR laws, and fragrance allergen disclosure rules will require cosmetics brands to revamp product development and labeling.
• Brands must prepare for proof-based sustainability, not greenwashing — including lifecycle accountability and material traceability.

Trade, Tariffs & Risk Strategy

• 15%+ import tariffs on key cosmetic markets (France, Korea) and aluminum packaging materials are reshaping sourcing and pricing strategies.
• Smart players are adopting regionally optimized manufacturing, supply chain agility, and alternative compliance tactics to mitigate costs.

 

Strategic Movements & M&A Outlook

• Major acquisitions (e.g. Kenvue by Kimberly-Clark, Rhode by ELF, Coty’s review of its consumer business) point to strategic repositioning in cosmetics portfolios.
• Fragrance is emerging as a growth driver, with big players investing in upstream manufacturing and celebrity-backed brands seeing strong M&A interest.

 

Key Takeaways for 2026

1. Longevity Moves Center Stage
   Cosmetic brands will lead with evidence-backed, age-agnostic innovation, spanning skincare, body care, and wellness.
2. South Asian Color Cosmetics Surge
   Expect a wave of youth-led, globally appealing brands redefining inclusive product design and marketing.
3. AI Goes Operational
   From R&D to retail, AI integration is no longer a concept — it’s a business requirement. But its ethical use and transparency will separate leaders from laggards.

 Listen to the Full Episode

Gain strategic foresight into how the cosmetics sector will evolve across regulation, technology, sustainability, and consumer expectation.

2025 Beauty Industry Review – Trends, Tech & Regulation

How science, policy, and consumer shifts shaped a transformative year in cosmetics

Welcome to our Year-in-Review podcast episode where we explore the seismic changes that reshaped the global beauty and personal care industry throughout 2025. In a landscape defined by rapid technological advancement, policy reform, and evolving consumer values, our expert guests—

How science, policy, and consumer shifts shaped a transformative year in cosmetics

Welcome to our Year-in-Review podcast episode where we explore the seismic changes that reshaped the global beauty and personal care industry throughout 2025. In a landscape defined by rapid technological advancement, policy reform, and evolving consumer values, our expert guests—Amarjit Sahota, Founder of Ecovia Intelligence, and Maggie Spicer, Founder of Source Beauty—join host Siobhan Murphy to unpack the critical forces that are setting the stage for 2026.

Key Themes That Defined Beauty in 2025

Sustainability Becomes Non-Negotiable

Environmental concerns such as carbon footprint, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss remained top of mind for both consumers and regulators. With inflation and the cost-of-living crisis squeezing purchasing power, brands had to deliver affordable sustainability—value-aligned offerings that meet performance expectations without greenwashing.

Scope 3 emissions reporting became the new norm, driven by ingredient suppliers offering life cycle analysis data. Meanwhile, refillables, bioplastics, and waterless formats solidified their place in packaging innovation pipelines.

Biotech and AI Go Mainstream

From precision fermentation to plant cell technology, biotech reached commercial scale—powering novel actives and alternatives to ingredients like palm and coconut oil.

Artificial Intelligence reshaped:

• Formulation development via platforms like Covalo and PotionAI
• Personalized beauty through generative tools like Perfect Corp’s SkinGPT
• Supply chain transparency, enhancing risk management and resilience

Regulation Tightens – and Fragments

This year marked a shift from voluntary sustainability to regulatory obligation.

In the EU:

• Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
• Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation
• EU Deforestation Regulation

While the Green Claims Directive was delayed, its intention signaled a hardening stance on greenwashing and eco-label proliferation.

In the US:

State-led frameworks drove enforcement in the absence of federal policy:

• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) took full effect in multiple states, demanding granular packaging data
• Patchwork legislation around clean beauty, ingredient transparency, and marketing claims created compliance headaches but also revealed opportunities for operational efficiency and brand trust-building

Supply Chain Resilience: A Strategic Imperative

Tech-enabled upstream visibility helped brands of all sizes identify risks related to:

• Geopolitical instability
• Climate-vulnerable sourcing regions
• Packaging costs and tariffs

Maggie Spicer emphasized that this visibility is now as much about business survival as it is about compliance.

What’s Next in 2026?

Consolidation Over Acceleration

With a year of disruption behind, 2026 is shaping up as a year of consolidation, where beauty companies will:

• Refine packaging design with recyclability and compostability front of mind
• Move beyond carbon to embrace nature-based solutions and biodiversity storytelling
• Double down on trust-building, as consumers demand clearer proof of purpose and performance

A Divided Path Ahead

Europe is doubling down on green regulation, while the US sees a regulatory pullback under current political leadership. The result? A growing divergence in sustainability standards and reporting norms—placing a premium on agility and localized compliance.

About the Series

In-Conversation With ... is the flagship podcast from Global Cosmetics News, exploring how innovation, regulation, culture, and sustainability are reshaping beauty and personal care.

Innovating for Gen X – The Future of Beauty in 2025

Rethinking Beauty for the Overlooked Powerhouse Consumer

In this episode of In Conversation With, Global Cosmetics News turns its attention to Generation X—a demographic commanding 25% of beauty category spend, representing a staggering US$1.5 trillion globally. While most brands pursue Gen Z, Gen X remains critically under-addressed—despite their high expectations, spending power, and growing interest in science-backed, purpose-driven beauty.

This Month's Expert Panel:

• Florence Roghe – Founder & Director, Collateral Projects
• Debbie Thomas – Founder, D.Thomas Clinic & Skincare Brand Cellis, Advanced Skin Expert
• Wizz Selvey – Founder, WIZZ&CO; Co-Founder, Wellness Brand Valerie

Key Takeaways for B2B Leaders

1. Gen X Wants Science, Simplicity & Longevity

Florence Roghe explains that Gen X consumers are educated, brand-aware, and focused on visible results. They seek high-efficacy products backed by transparent claims—not trendy marketing. There’s increasing demand for hybrid beauty solutions that integrate skincare, wellbeing, and hormonal health.

“They don’t want youth-targeted formulas—they want products made for them.”
– Florence Roghe

2. A New Era of Skin Longevity

Debbie Thomas, a leading advanced skin therapist, advocates a “skin health first” model. Her approach blends proven dermatological technologies with new-age metabolic innovations, like mitochondrial support and barrier signaling, all aimed at long-term results over quick fixes.

“We’re shifting from aggressive anti-aging to strategic longevity. Delivery systems are key.”
– Debbie Thomas

3. Perimenopause-Driven Innovation

Wizz Selvey shares how Valerie, her wellness brand, is bridging the education gap for women entering perimenopause. Gen X wants practical, science-informed solutions—especially when it comes to supplementation, hormonal balance, and daily self-care routines.

“Innovation must be empathetic, evidence-led, and easy to use—not overwhelming.”
– Wizz Selvey

Tech Meets Real Life: From AI to Wearables

The panel agrees that AI, at-home diagnostics, and smart wearables can empower Gen X, but must be intuitive and human-centered. Technology must simplify—not complicate—already demanding lifestyles.

“It needs to bring real value—not gimmicks.”
– Florence Roghe

Sustainable Innovation with Transparency

Across the panel, there’s consensus that Gen X demands authentic sustainability—beyond buzzwords. Whether it’s refillable packaging, local sourcing, or smarter delivery formats, eco-claims must be substantiated and accessible.

• Debbie redesigned her skincare range with larger, multi-benefit formats to reduce consumption.
• Wizz formulated Valerie’s supplements with liposomal delivery to replace multiple pills with one shot—offering better efficacy and less waste.

Regulatory Reality Check

With evolving global regulations, particularly in retinol usage and claim substantiation, Gen X-focused brands are under pressure to balance compliance with performance.

“Regulation should be seen as reassurance, not resistance.”
– Florence Roghe

Emerging Opportunity: Color Cosmetics for Mature Skin

One underserved area? Make-up innovation for aging skin. Florence calls for more brands to address mature skin with creamy textures, flexible pigments, and barrier support—not just coverage.

Listen Now

Discover how Gen X is redefining the beauty narrative—demanding smarter innovation, longer-term solutions, and real representation in product design, brand voice, and marketing.

Innovating for Millennials – The Future of Beauty in 2025

Innovating for Millennials – The Future of Beauty in 2025

How brands are redefining beauty to meet the expectations of an informed, evolving millennial audience.

 

A Podcast for Beauty Industry Leaders

As the beauty industry continues to chase Gen Z, has it forgotten the powerhouse that is the millennial consumer? Once the dominant voice in beauty culture—driving YouTube reviews, nostalgic collaborations, and the rise of indie brands—millennials are now in their late 20s to early 40s. They're parents, professionals, and wellness-driven shoppers with mature values, discerning tastes, and spending power.

In this episode of In Conversation With, Siobhan Murphy is joined by two leading voices in beauty strategy and formulation:

• Mallory Huron, Director of Beauty & Wellness at Future Snoops
• Alec Batis, Co-Founder and Cosmetic Chemist at Sweet Chemistry

Together, they examine the real-time shifts in millennial consumer behavior and how beauty brands can recalibrate to meet them in 2025 and beyond.

 

Key Takeaways for Industry Decision-Makers

1. Healthy Aging and “Mature Innovation”

Millennials are rewriting the aging narrative. No longer obsessed with anti-aging, this cohort embraces “healthy aging”—seeking skincare that evolves with them. Brands must now design products that balance functional efficacy with emotional relatability.

“It’s all about aging alongside the consumer,” says Mallory Huron. “We’re seeing demand for effective, inclusive products that reflect lived experiences—not unattainable ideals.”

2. Transparency is the New Luxury

Forget smoke and mirrors. Today’s millennial wants science-backed, transparent formulations. Alec Batis recounts his days inside corporate R&D, where marketing claims often took precedence over efficacy—and how today's consumer now sees behind the curtain.

“They want what they thought they were getting in the first place,” says Batis. “Formulas that actually deliver, without the fairy dusting.”

3. The Role of Biotech and Device Culture

Millennials—especially early adopters—embrace the intersection of biotech and beauty gadgets. From personalized skincare to lab-grown actives, innovation isn’t just skin deep—it’s data-rich, clean-tech infused, and sustainability-driven.

 

Redefining Sustainability: What Millennials Expect Now

The millennial conversation around sustainability has matured from “natural = better” to evidence-based environmental responsibility. Mallory Huron explains how the definition of “clean” has shifted—rejecting greenwashing in favor of biotech innovation, ethical sourcing, and verified lifecycle claims.

Batis adds:

“The beauty industry once defined sustainability around packaging—glass over plastic. But it's more complex than that. Carbon impact, ingredient upcycling, and transparency all matter.”

 

Regulation and Risk in Product Innovation

As regulatory landscapes shift, both speakers point out how millennials are influencing legislation on ingredient safety, youth-targeted marketing, and broader consumer protection. They're not just consumers; they’re activists, educators, and policy drivers.

 

What’s Next? A Future of Purposeful Beauty

Millennial beauty isn’t just about products—it’s about purpose, cultural relevance, and identity. Whether it’s nostalgic advent calendars or biotech-powered actives, the opportunity for brands lies in crafting experiences that feel real, resonant, and responsibly made.

 

Why This Matters for B2B Stakeholders

If you're a brand leader, product developer, R&D strategist, or investor—this conversation offers a blueprint for how to future-proof your business for a millennial-driven 2025:

• Build innovation pipelines around healthy aging, not anti-aging
• Adopt full-spectrum transparency in formulation and marketing
• Invest in ethical biotech and next-gen sustainability
• Understand that consumer trust now equals brand equity

Innovating for Gen Z (Adults) — The Future of Beauty in 2025

Redefining Beauty for a Digital-First Generation

In this episode of In Conversation With, Global Cosmetics News explores the dynamic preferences and evolving expectations of Gen Z adults—a digitally native, values-driven generation poised to reshape the future of the beauty industry.

Hosted by Siobhan Murphy, the episode features insights from:

• Georgia Stafford, Senior Research Analyst, Beauty, Personal Care, Health & Wellbeing at Mintel

• Trishna Daswaney, Director at Kohl Kreatives

• Disha Daswaney, Chief Operating Officer at Kohl Kreatives

Key Themes & Insights

1. Preventative Aging & Skin Longevity

Gen Z is redefining "anti-aging" through a preventative lens. Georgia Stafford explains how brands like Glow Recipe and Neutrogena are embracing “slow aging,” focusing on long-term skin health rather than immediate results. This shift also promotes lower-concentration actives, hydration, and patience—counterbalancing Gen Z’s historical preference for intense, fast-acting ingredients.

2. Community & Customization

At Kohl Kreatives, Trishna and Disha Daswaney are building private channels and WhatsApp communities to offer Gen Z personalized interactions and direct involvement in product creation. This audience craves peer-to-peer validation, creator-led education, and brands that feel like friends—not authorities.

3. Tech That Empowers

From AI-enhanced tools to gaming and metaverse activations, Gen Z’s embrace of technology opens new avenues for beauty brands. Brands are investing in multi-function skincare devices, menstrual-cycle-based product routines, and digital-first experiences on platforms like Roblox.

4. Sustainability & Human Ethics

Sustainability matters—but human ethics and brand purpose come first. Gen Z wants products that work, but will choose companies aligned with their values. Georgia notes that 57% of Gen Z prioritize human ethics over environmental ethics. Transparency, biotech innovation, and community empowerment are key.

5. Regulations, Retinol & Science

With EU retinol regulations tightening, Gen Z is driving demand for proven retinol alternatives. Georgia emphasizes the need for diverse testing and science-led storytelling, while brands like Róen and Tiaq are setting the bar for transparent efficacy.

6. Playful Expression & Fragrance Futures

From charm accessories to signature scent bundles for people, pets, and pillows, the panel closes with a celebration of creativity. Trishna highlights the rise of “looksmaxxing” and male beauty, while Disha nods to smart SPF stickers and quick-to-use “Quickie Stickies.”

Listen Now:

How is Gen Z reshaping the beauty space? What does personalization really look like? What’s next for product innovation?
This episode delivers practical insights, data-led foresight, and creative inspiration to guide brands into 2025 and beyond.