NYSCC Suppliers’ Day 2025, held June 3 and 4 in New York City, gave a panoramic view of today's hottest topics and trends in cosmetics and personal care R&D. This year’s show spotlighted a blend of science and emotion, with a notable emphasis on the mind-skin connection, biodegradable innovation and performance + experience.
Following, we run down the main themes we saw and heard — which is just a sampling of where the industry is headed and how suppliers are helping shape a more resilient and responsible future for beauty.
1. Neurocosmetics and the Mind-Skin Connection
-Relaxation and sleep
-Well aging
-Acne care as an approach to mental wellness - big opportunity
-Slow aging
-Neuroesthetics
-The role of fragrance
-Somatosensory metrics
-Dopamine release from product application (even from touch alone)
-Oxytocin boost (a dormant hyacinth bulb-derived active)
-The new era of seeing, touching and feeling (emotionally)
-Neurotrophins
2. Longevity and Pro-aging
-"Better aging" focus on protecting skin proactively rather than reactively addressing hallmarks with actives
-Melatonin and NAD+ as "longevi-genes"
-Tech neck
-Skin glow, radiance
-Peptides
-"Slow aging" - Gen Z leading the charge
-UV and ozone protection
-Sunscreen sensory and dispersion
-Barrier repair
-Anti-inflammation
-Skin brightening from mushroom
-Skin smoothness and firmness
3. Hair Health, Bonding and Shine
-Bonding hair deeper within strands to improve strength
-Hair protection (as a wellness and longevity approach)
-Cuticle sealing for a more surface-level treatment (or combined with bonding)
-Focus on hair density (and mushroom extract for such)
-Ceramides and phytosphingosine; biomimetic blends; long chain fatty acids
-Dry scalp/flaking
-Exosomes for hair and scalp
-Hair smoothness and shine
-UV and ozone protection
-Glass hair
-Hair fall
-Hair vitality
4. Biodegradable and Biotech
-Biodegradation a bigger focus than "sustainability"
-Certification of green claims (Forestry Council)
-Biotech-derived materials as eco-friendly approach to naturals
-Bio-based PDRN (and other bio-based alternatives)
-Plant stem cells
-Exosomes
-Endophytes
-Microplastic replacements
-EU regulations
-Precision fermentation
-Yeast extracts
5. Advancing Color Cosmetics
-Soft focus in color cosmetics
-Non-nano solutions
-Talc replacement and compressibility
-Longer wear, film forming
-Care benefits plus color (multifunctionality)
-High gloss in lips (silicones)
-Actives for dehydrated lips
-Cream for "smokers' lines" and wrinkles
-Dispersion
-Good payoff
-Even coverage
6. Ingredient Upgrades
-Emulsifiers focus; changing only the emulsifier changes the whole sensory profile
-Stabler
-More sustainable/bio-based feedstocks
-Plant-based alternatives
-Modified starches and oils
-Functionalized pH buffer (not yet launched)
-Modified cellulose esters
-Compatibility
-Extracting botanicals together
-Purity level
-New and deeper data on existing products
7. Honorable Mentions
-Performance + experience for consumers (they want both)
-Sensory in sunscreens
-Non-whitening on deeper skin tones
-AI-aided formulating tools (several were demonstrated)
-Testing for hypoallergenic claims/safety (heavy metals and microbio are critical)
-Misinformation in the market; "infodemic"
-Visible as well as tactile texture
-Porphyrin reduction
-Addressing visible and invisible damage or imbalances
-Food-inspired innovation
-K-Beauty
