Beauty has always moved quickly, but the pace of change is accelerating. AI is changing how brands create content and engage consumers. Skincare science continues to evolve. Sustainability expectations are rising, while retailers and consumers are placing greater emphasis on transparency, value and authenticity.
These developments are creating new opportunities, but they also make it harder for brands to know where to focus.
Against this backdrop, the 14th Annual Beauty Trends & Innovations Conference, taking place on 22 September in London, brings together more than 40 senior leaders from leading beauty brands, retailers and innovators to discuss the ideas and strategies shaping the industry's next chapter.
Turning trends into action
This year's programme focuses on turning emerging trends into practical ideas that brands can apply. Delegates will explore everything from AI-powered consumer engagement and scientific product development to changing retail expectations, health and wellness, sustainability, social media and regulatory developments.
Alongside these themes, speakers will share how they're approaching customer loyalty, accessibility, innovation and long-term brand growth, offering practical insight from teams working at the forefront of the industry.
Learning from industry leaders
The conference brings together senior decision-makers from organisations including Unilever, L'Oréal, TikTok, Procter & Gamble, No7 Beauty Company, Wella, Medik8, Kenvue, Coty, Shiseido, Benefit Cosmetics, LOOKFANTASTIC, Selfridges, Superdrug, The Boots Group, Bath & Body Works, Lush Cosmetics and many more.
Together, they bring expertise across marketing, scientific affairs, product development, retail, sustainability and regulation, giving delegates the opportunity to hear how different organisations are approaching many of the same challenges.
The conversations shaping beauty in 2026
Several themes run throughout the agenda.
Artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation into practical applications across content creation, diagnostics and customer education. Sustainability continues to evolve, with greater attention on packaging innovation, ingredient sourcing, transparency and regulatory compliance.
Retail leaders will also share first-hand insight into changing shopper behaviour, helping brands better understand what influences purchasing decisions both online and in store.
Sessions throughout the day also explore health and wellness, skincare innovation, ingredient science, social media strategy, product development, accessibility and customer loyalty, reflecting the areas many brands are investing in as consumer expectations continue to evolve.
More than presentations
Alongside keynote sessions, the conference includes interactive panel discussions, informal breakout sessions and dedicated networking throughout the day, giving delegates the opportunity to exchange ideas with peers from across the industry.
Whether your focus is marketing, NPD, scientific affairs, regulation, retail partnerships, product development or brand strategy, the event offers practical insight, fresh perspectives and valuable connections that delegates can take back into their organisations.
Register with discount code NEXT to save £225 (≈ €260) on your delegate pass.