The future of skincare in 2026: between cellular resilience and emotional well-being

Facial care enters an era of maximum sophistication. According to the latest data from Spate, the consumer is no longer satisfied with superficial results; they seek formulas that work at the cellular level and, at the same time, act as a shield against the impact of modern lifestyle on the skin.'Lip Care': the axis of the facial routineLip care has stopped being a one-off gesture to become a strategic category, with projected growth of 89% in searches. This phenomenon responds to the 'skinification' of color: the consumer seeks treatment actives (peptides, hyaluronic acid) in traditionally cosmetic formats. The rise of Lip Serum: driven by the TikTok ecosystem, lip serum is positioned as an essential step that blurs the line between treatment and makeup. Brands like Laneige, Neutrogena, and Makeup by Mario capitalize on this demand for deep hydration and repair. Not only is care spoken of, but also beautification, and thus, in this way, the line that separates makeup from skincare is blurred. Among the main trends that will be followed this year, 'Statement Lips' are spoken of. From You Are The Princess, they affirm that the trend that is strongly coming this year is this. Raquel Linde, the Marketing Manager of the cosmetics firm, says that this 2026, lips are flooded with color, with fiery reds, deep burgundies, electric raspberries, and dark wine or cherry tonesThe well-being factor: from 'Cortisol Face' to barrier healthOne of the most revealing trends for 2026 is the direct connection between emotional state and skin appearance. The term 'Cortisol Face' is consolidating in search metrics, reflecting concern about the effects of stress (inflammation, puffiness, and fatigue). Specific solutions: the sector's response focuses on the well-being of the skin barrier. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) becomes an essential ingredient; its ability to mimic the body's immune response makes it ideal for soothing redness, treating post-workout skin, and keeping the microbiome intact. Focus on forgotten areas: care for the neck and specific treatment for marked dark circles, as a sign of fatigue, are gaining prominence, driving the relaunch of under-eye masks. Key ingredients: the NAD and collagen eraIn the laboratory, innovation focuses on cellular longevity and high-efficacy botanical ingredients: NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide): is the ingredient that gets "the lion's share of the pie". This coenzyme is crucial for cellular energy production (ATP) and DNA repair, positioning itself as the star active ingredient for regulating aging from the ground up. Collagen and turmeric: while collagen regains its status as the gold standard for dermal structure, turmeric continues to rise thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties and its alignment with K-Beauty-inspired routines. Although we previously associated it more with products related to nutricosmetics, it is now also present in products such as eye contour creams or depigmenting creams. Hypochlorous acid: it was discovered on social media in 2024 and by 2026 it will reach a popularity comparable to that of lip balm. Hypochlorous acid is similar to a substance that white blood cells produce to fight infections that are compatible with the skin. It is used, mainly, as a post-workout product as it cleans sweat and eliminates bacteria without the need to wash your face. It is also used as a setting spray and refresher to keep makeup intact throughout the day and calm redness. And, finally, it is also useful as a treatment for the skin's barrier function, as it is usually formulated with niacinamide and peptides. Beef tallow: yes, you read that right, cow fat. A trend that we already saw on social media a couple of years ago continues strongly. According to Spate, this year, this ingredient is in the top 10 ingredients that will generate the most interest among consumers. Tallow fat is closely related to the 'tradwife' movement: women who follow the lifestyle of women in the 1950s. The fat from this animal can be used in ultra-hydrating products such as lip balms or moisturizers. Textures and finishes: The search for healthy skinThe aesthetic ideal remains the 'glass skin', skin that radiates health and juiciness. To achieve this, consumers are turning to products that improve texture through deep cleansing and respectful exfoliation. The objective is clear: skin that not only looks young but also reflects a state of internal balance and vitality

The future of skincare in 2026: between cellular resilience and emotional well-being

Spate's trend analysis for 2026 outlines an ecosystem where skin barrier health, applied biotechnology, and the "skinification" of adjacent categories set the pace for cosmetic innovation