2026 Beauty Innovation Starts Here: Cosmetics & Toiletries Reveals Editorial Themes

Jul 31st, 2025
Bright Orange Haired Woman Very White Skin Clean And Fresh Look Adobe Stock 72429824
Image by Kanea at Adobe Stock

The cosmetics R&D industry is setting new benchmarks for beauty, engineering ingredients to enhance cellular communication and longevity, optimizing biotech to advance sustainability, and reformulating products for higher performance — ultimately to boost skin and hair health benefits.

Finalist Shortlist

Climate-adaptive Beauty

Testing Innovations

Finalist Shortlist Plus Judges' Commentary

Zero Waste Cosmetics and Personal Care 

Anti-aging
Sub-themes may include: anti-wrinkle, lifting, brightening, anti-fatigue           

Neurocosmetics and Wellness
Sub-themes may include: mind-skin connection, anti-stress, anti-inflammation, sensitivity

Finalist Shortlist with Descriptions          

Longevity and Well Aging

Mindful Beauty
Sub-themes may include: sustainable, ethical, anti-stress, emotional

Biotechnology in Skin and Hair
Sub-themes may include: ferments, recombinant proteins, exosomes           

Celebration Issue

Biotech in Beauty

Formulating Basics   
Sub-themes may include: preservation, stability                                          

Formulating Basics

Clinical Skin Care
Sub-themes may include; dermocosmetics, post-procedure care, science-backed solutions

Slow Beauty
Sub-themes may include: growth factors, hormonal balance, sleep support  

Personalization
Sub-themes may include: predictive AI, technology and software, epigenetics

Derm-backed Beauty

Tech-driven Personalization                     

Color Cosmetic Innovations                                                                   

Safety in Beauty     Young Scientists In Lab Group Working Together Formula Adobe Stock 1344523734Image by DusanJelicic at Adobe Stock        

Log in to view the full article
More in Companies
Dyson has tapped sunflower oil due to its high omega-6 and omega-9 content, which deeply moisturizes, smooths the hair cuticle and reduces frizz.
Dyson's Latest Innovation? A Fusion of Farming and Hair Care Innovation
At the heart of the Dyson Omega collection is the Dyson Oli7 blend, a combination of seven omega-rich, plant-based oils.
Aug 5th, 2025
A 30-year-old rule could give beauty brands some tariff relief out of Europe.
Does Beauty Have a Tariff Workaround?
Under the "First Sale" rule, companies involved in multi-tiered transactions can use the price paid in the initial sale.
Aug 4th, 2025
Beyond Claims: Leveraging Life Cycle Assessment for Strategic Advantage
Sponsored
Beyond Claims: Leveraging Life Cycle Assessment for Strategic Advantage
With 80% of a product’s environmental impact influenced by decisions made at the design stage, life cycle analysis can provide valuable data to guide formulators in selecting materials that align with sustainability goals and support claim substantiation.
Jul 22nd, 2025
While stress starts in the mind, it doesn’t stay there. Chronic stress can trigger an overproduction of cortisol—the body’s stress hormone—which compromises the skin barrier, increases inflammation and leads to visible concerns like acne, dullness and premature aging.
Built for Burnout: How Potion Tackles Stress-Smart Skin Care
In an age of overstimulation and chronic stress, people need skin care that keeps up with real life. The founder of Potion Skincare explains how she did just that.
Aug 1st, 2025
The Double Standard Primer & Mascara Duo's waitlist reportedly already racked up 15,000 people.
Can DIBS Beauty Disrupt the Mascara Category? CEO Jeff Lee Says Yes.
The Double Standard Primer & Mascara Duo's formula comprises hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and shea butter for nourished lashes and buildable wear.
Aug 1st, 2025
Francisco Espinoza Grant Industries
Grant Industries Appoints Francisco Espinoza Technical Manager for Western Region
Grant Industries has named Francisco Espinoza technical manager for the company's Western region. He will relocate to Southern California to strengthen technical support for West Coast beauty and personal care brands.
Jul 23rd, 2025
Ari Venninen, managing director at CABB, and Annukka Tarvainen, technology and investment director activist, Origin by Ocean, at CABB site in Kokkola, Finland
Origin by Ocean and CABB Group to Launch Biorefinery for Invasive Sargassum Algae in Finland
Origin by Ocean and CABB Group are reportedly launching the world’s first biorefinery to turn invasive sargassum algae into sustainable ingredients for cosmetics, food and more — marking a major step toward fossil-free, ocean-friendly innovation.
Jul 22nd, 2025
'The cosmetics industry is at a turning point,' said Magdalena Koziol, head of cosmetics development at ÄIO. 'Beauty brands of all sizes now realize that sustainability isn’t just a nice-to-have, it's an essential requirement driven by increasing customer demand.'
ÄIO Secures €1M to Develop Sustainable Oils for Cosmetics
ÄIO uses precision fermentation to transform industrial side streams into nutrient-rich oils.
Jul 22nd, 2025
Carmen B. Masciantonio, currently the chief operating officer and president of the industrial solutions division, will succeed John J. Paro as CEO.
Hallstar Announces Leadership Succession: Carmen B. Masciantonio to Become CEO in 2026
“Carmen is a capable, trusted and much-admired leader and I am excited about the company’s future growth potential under his leadership."
Jul 21st, 2025
Stephen Cater Inolex 05 20 25
Inolex Appoints Stephen Carter to Lead North America Sales Strategy
In his role, he will oversee regional strategy and support customer growth across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Jul 14th, 2025
The K-Beauty World platform, from Landing International, is led by Landing CEO Sarah Chung Park, who has helped launch more than 180 K-beauty brands in the U.S. market since 2007.
Ulta and K-Beauty World Are on a Mission to Bring Korean Brands to the Masses
The product mix is intended to reflect both on-trend SKUs and legacy K-beauty offerings.
Jul 14th, 2025