in-cosmetics Global 2026 wrap-up: A sneak peek into the Innovation Zone
Last update on Jun 1, 2026
in-cosmetics Global 2026 once again brought the personal care industry together. The event reaffirms its position as the leading event for ingredient innovation. With 1,069 exhibitors and over 5,000 products on display, the event served as a central hub for discovering new materials, technologies, and formulation approaches shaping the future of cosmetics.
A review of more than 200 innovations presented this year reveals a clear shift in formulation thinking. For material decision-makers, the question is no longer, “Which ingredient should I use?” but rather, “Which system enables me to meet performance, regulatory, and sustainability targets simultaneously?”
Let's take you through the trends, ingredients, and winners showcased at the in-cosmetics Global 2026.
Trends shaping your material selection approach in 2026
From biotech-driven actives to multifunctional polymers and circular feedstocks, here are the trends shaping how formulators should approach material selection in 2026:
Sustainability is no longer a positioning claim, it's a performance spec
Suppliers came prepared with data: biodegradability rates, natural origin percentages (ISO 16128), COSMOS approvals, and renewable sourcing stories that hold up to scrutiny. If you're working on cleaner briefs, the options have genuinely expanded.
Actives are getting more targeted
Longevity science, microbiome support, scalp health - suppliers are citing specific biological pathways, not just broad anti-aging claims. Expect to see more ingredients backed by clinical data and mechanism-of-action studies this year.
Multifunctional ingredients are worth a second look
Several launches combined rheology modification, conditioning, and preservation boost in a single ingredient. For formulators under pressure to simplify formulations and reduce cost-in-use, these innovations warrant serious evaluation.
Texture is having a moment
Lighter, non-greasy, powdery-dry finishes were everywhere across both skin care and hair care. New polymer and emollient technologies are making it easier to hit these sensorial targets without sacrificing stability.
Regulatory alignment is baked in
Alcohol-free, PFAS-free, low-irritant claims - these weren't afterthoughts. Most launches were already positioned around evolving global requirements, helping you reduce downstream qualification work.