✛ Barrier & Longevity
Barrier Repair Is the Dominant Theme
Formulation direction in 2026 has shifted away from aggressive resurfacing toward barrier support, hydration, and long-term skin health. Ingredients gaining traction in this space include beta-glucan (a hydrating, barrier-supportive polysaccharide), ceramide systems, and postbiotic/prebiotic actives that support the skin microbiome.
Beta-Glucan
A barrier-supportive, hydrating polysaccharide seeing strong search growth across skincare.
Postbiotics & Prebiotics
Microbiome-friendly actives positioned for hydration, barrier strength, and sensitivity comfort.
Ectoin
A protective amino acid used for hydration and environmental defence claims.
Stabilised Vitamin C
Updated delivery systems addressing the historical stability challenges of vitamin C.
✛ Biotech & Regenerative
Biotech-Derived Actives Are Moving Into Mainstream Formulation
Exosomes, PDRN (polynucleotides), and NAD+ precursors such as NMN are increasingly appearing in serums and professional treatment formulations, positioned around regeneration and cellular repair claims. These ingredients carry more formulation and claims complexity than traditional actives, so substantiation and labelling need particular care.
- Exosomes — cellular signalling, marketed for regeneration and repair
- PDRN (polynucleotides) — popular in Korean-influenced formulation for repair claims
- NMN / NAD+ precursors — positioned around cellular energy and longevity
- Retinol alternatives (e.g. bakuchiol) — retinol-like benefits with lower irritation profiles
✛ Sourcing & Sustainability
Upcycled and Plant-Derived Ingredients
Upcycled ingredients — made from material otherwise discarded by other industries, such as berry oils from juice production — are a growing category as brands look for credible sustainability stories. Plant-derived oils like camellia, baobab, and sea buckthorn continue to trend for barrier support and antioxidant content.
A Word on Claims
Regenerative and biotech-adjacent ingredients (exosomes, PDRN, NAD+ precursors) tend to invite stronger marketing claims than the formulation can always substantiate. If you're considering one of these actives, plan your claims and safety substantiation alongside the formulation — not after.
Considering a Trend-Led Launch?
Talk to our formulation team about which 2026 ingredient trends make sense for your product and market.
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