I think it’s fitting that I sit to write my first editor’s note in my hotel room in Paris, relaxing and recuperating from day two of in-cosmetics Global 2026. My feet may be a bit sore, but I’m feeling so incredibly inspired by all of the innovations. This is my first major event since switching into the cosmetic ingredient side of the beauty industry (I was previously editor of our sister publication, Perfumer & Flavorist+); talk about diving in head first.
I also think it’s fitting that my first issue as managing editor is centered around neurocosmetics and wellness. This is an area I’m truly passionate about: how products can impact our psychology and provide feel-good benefits. Consumers are seeking cosmetics that serve as emotional regulators and agents of self-care. Maybe this means a cooling effect or an ingredient designed to calm the nervous system. This area of the industry is just beginning to make its mark, and we are paying attention to this issue.
Gopaul explains the “mind-skin” connection and how formulators can harness this connection for stress-smart innovations. Plus, our experts at Bloom Regulatory set the scene for neurocosmetics and some of the regulatory conversations needed to make these ingredients more prevalent in this month’s Industry Insights Column.
In Expert Opinions, we asked our partners across the industry about the shift from anti-aging to well-aging, signalling a more regenerative and restorative approach to skincare.
Garnica and Cubillos provide an unexpected but fun article – how to use food and fashion adjacencies in projective testing methods for the cosmetics industry. Plus in research, Krispin et al. discuss a new ingredient derived from algae that can outperform traditional hyaluronic acid.
And, of course, we are getting ready for the 2026 C&T Allē Awards, our opportunity to celebrate cosmetic science excellence. If you haven’t bought your tickets for the awards luncheon yet, what are you waiting for?
I have had such a warm welcome during my time at in-cos, and I truly can’t wait to keep diving into this industry full of innovators and changemakers. There is an opportunity to use cosmetics to help consumers feel better in every sense of the word. The challenge now is to quantify it and optimize it.
