As a new year starts, a new you starts as well. We take time to reflect on the previous year and how we can do better for ourselves and for the people around us. We make resolutions and set goals. Let’s reflect and recap some major trends from 2025 and talk about new things to look for and how we can be our best self in 2026.
Trends from 2025
With social media, trends come and go so fast it’s hard to keep up. Below are some trends that dominated 2025; some good, some bad and some that will trickle over into 2026.
- New ingredients: There will always be new and exciting ingredients that come to market (PDRN, NAD, exosomes, etc.) but because they are new, there is often limited data. Time will tell if these ingredients are truly as effective as they are marketed.
- At-home devices: There was quite an uptick in interest and use of red-light face and neck masks, microcurrent devices and at-home facial devices that heat, cool and vacuum-clean the skin. I don’t anticipate these going away anytime soon. As technology advances, I expect to see more new and exciting devices (and hopefully supporting data) to hit the market.
- Skin minimalist routines and multifunctional products: We saw a big push for simplified skincare routines and the use of products that tackle multiple issues. I envision this approach to skincare and products to extend into 2026.
- Importance of sunscreen: Thanks to social media and the younger generations, the importance of sunscreen is finally starting to be widely recognized. With more attention to this topic, we will see more innovation and better products. Plan to see this theme carry into 2026 with more focus on lip, body and scalp protection!
- "Clean beauty”: This phrase had a unique path in ‘25. Initially it had substantial positive momentum— clean beauty was all anyone talked about or wanted. But as time went on, more people realized that “clean beauty” didn’t really have much meaning and that it wasn’t all it was hyped up to be. People learned that this category of products often means that very important, effective ingredients aren’t used, making some products less safe and effective.
- Ingredient ranking apps: Apps that rank ingredients were very popular in 2025. It allowed consumers to feel more confident and knowledgeable in the products and ingredients they were purchasing. Unfortunately, like most quick fixes, the information these apps put out are often highly inaccurate and misleading. This is one that it would be in everyone’s best interest to leave in 2025!
New things to keep an eye out for in 2026
Each year brings new, innovative things in the beauty industry. And while there were a lot of exciting things in 2025, 2026 is going to be even better!
- Bemotrizinol: While not officially approved yet, there is a new sunscreen filter that will most likely be approved for use in the US mid-2026. This is a huge step and would be the first filter to be approved in the US since 1999! The FDA is also reassessing their guidelines for approval meaning 2026 could bring a lot of exciting new changes!
- Science > Trendiness: Plan on (and demand!) the continued efforts of the industry to develop and rely on science, not just trendiness. Look for clinical testing of products and ingredients and brands that utilize scientific experts to help drive their momentum and choices!
- AI: This is an area with a lot of pros and cons. AI can be a very useful tool to help save time, help with brainstorming and provide a good starting place but know its limits. This is just the beginning with AI so be smart and consume everything with a grain of salt.
- Microbiome: The science and importance of the microbiome will continue to expand and grow with time. I expect to see more brands and products focused on this in 2026 but be mindful that this is a very complex area where scientists are still learning new things every day! Microbiome marketing is something to watch out for— this is a space where almost every claim isn’t quite valid yet.
Being our best in 2026
A new year means we can reflect on the previous and be better in the current.
- Ask questions: With social media we have access to so many experts in this industry. It provides us with the opportunity to reach out and ask questions. Let’s all try to ask more questions before we jump on the next bandwagon. We can all help prevent misinformation from being spread!
- Leave DIY skincare in the past: Cosmetic formulation is a unique skillset that is acquired through schooling and years of hands-on experience. While of course anyone can mix things up in their kitchen, it’s best to leave formulating to the experts with access to all the best ingredients, machinery and instrumentation. Safety is a real issue with DIY skincare.
- Embrace your beauty: Don’t forget the difference between healthy skin and unrealistic expectations. In 2026, focus on appreciating your natural beauty. Strive for healthy skin that makes you feel your best. Don’t feel like you need make-up to be beautiful because you don’t! You are beautiful!
