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
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
Sponsored
Remastered Fragments™: Smart, Ethical Innovation in Skincare
Fragments remastered™ fuses biotech and sustainability to deliver biomimetic protein fragments via vertical farming. These actives boost collagen, elasticity, and skin structure—clinically proven, ethical, and eco-conscious skincare innovation.
Jun 26th, 2025
The site is expected to produce 66,000 metric tons of Qira, using corn grown primarily within 100 miles of the site, which is approximately 70 miles southeast of Des Moines.
Qore is Turning Iowa Corn Into Sustainable Beauty and Packaging
This alternative to fossil-derived BDO can be used in the manufacture of PVP, a water-soluble polymer used as a film former in cosmetics like mascara and eyeliner.
Jul 10th, 2025
The founding family executives of the house, Nestor Francisco Mendes and Rinaldo José Mendes, will continue to lead Vollmens.
Givaudan Acquires Majority Stake in Vollmens Fragrances to Strengthen Presence in Latin America
Vollmens Fragrances is based in Saltinho, Brazil and has been operating since 2004.
Jun 27th, 2025
Stacks Of Coins Growing Green Plants Investment Concept Adobe Stock 854630698
Astorg Backs Solabia’s Next Chapter with Strategic Investment and €600 M Financing Package
Astorg has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Solabia, a global leader in natural biotech ingredients for cosmetics and other markets, from TA Associates. The acquisition is backed by a €600 million financing package led by Goldman Sachs and Arcmont.
Jun 25th, 2025
Ooka holds a PhD in chemistry and has over 20 years of experience in the CPG industry.
Independent Beauty Association Appoints Interim CEO
Akemi Ooka, Ph.D., will succeed CEO Don Frey, effective July 1.
Jun 25th, 2025
Cellugy team
Cellugy Secures $9.25M to Eliminate Microplastics in Personal Care with Biobased Innovation
“Our end goal is sweeping petrochemicals from an industry worth billions, and we now have the backing and the partnerships to make it happen.”
Jun 24th, 2025
Woman Smiling In Mirror Happy Heart Fingers Adobe Stock 452483001
Unilever Links Skin Microbiome to Mental Well-being in Landmark Study
“This marks a shift toward skin care that is not only cosmetic but also therapeutic,” Unilever noted, highlighting future potential for microbiome-targeted solutions to enhance quality of life.
Jun 23rd, 2025
The brand, which markets natural and scent-forward soaps and body washes, deodorants, hair care, skin care, and other men’s grooming products, retails at Walmart and Costco, but has notably built a strong direct-to-consumer business.
Unilever is Acquiring Dr. Squatch for $1.5B: Report
A natural, scent-forward take on men's care has been snapped up by the global giant.
Jun 23rd, 2025