2026 Beauty Preview: from Neuro Skin Aging to Cautious Shoppers

Predictions are notoriously difficult, and no less so in the age of accelerating AI advancements, whiplash TikTok trends, and ever-evolving regulatory and economic conditions. But, if you look closely at the trendlines and the narratives behind emerging innovations, a wide range of trends and industry-shaping forces begins to emerge. As we head into a new year, Global Cosmetic Industry assembled thought leaders in the worlds of ingredients, marketing, packaging, manufacturing and more to decode where product innovation and consumer behaviors are heading in 2026. Taken together, these voices highlight an array of growth opportunities and challenges facing beauty in the year to come. 

• Flashback: 7 Beauty Predictions for 2025

The 2026 Beauty Innovation Agenda

The Brain-Skin Connection: Neuro Skin Aging, Emotional Wellness and Multifunctional Formulations

Amandine Scandolera, head of biological evaluation, Givaudan Active Beauty

Amandine Scandolera, head of biological evaluation, Givaudan Active Beauty.GivaudanIn 2026, neuro-skin aging will gain momentum as a research-driven beauty frontier. Research conducted by Givaudan Active Beauty shows that the decline in sensory neurons with age has a direct impact on the vitality and connectivity of the skin across its different layers. By bridging dermocosmetics and neuroscience, we can design next-generation ‘pro-sensation’ actives that preserve both skin function and sensory acuity, redefining the science of skin longevity.”

Michael Lull, director of marketing, Ashland

Michael Lull, director of marketing, Ashland.AshlandAs today’s beauty and personal care consumers become increasingly informed, engaged, and intentional, their evolving expectations are reshaping the innovation landscape. We're seeing a strong shift toward wellness-driven solutions—where mental wellbeing and holistic health are central to product value.

Looking ahead, I anticipate a surge in demand for products that not only support skin health but also enhance mood and reduce stress—positioning emotional care as a functional benefit. From a formulation standpoint, multifunctional ingredients will be key. These materials empower brands to create differentiated, effective products that deliver elevated, seamless, and more gratifying user experiences across a wide range of applications.

Beyond Anti-Aging: Longevity & Prejuvenation

Chris Valencius, chief marketing officer, Evolved By Nature

Chris Valencius, chief marketing officer, Evolved By Nature.Evolved By NatureIn 2026, we expect a continued shift from “anti-aging” to “longevity” and “prejuvenation,” with consumers seeking products designed to proactively support healthy skin processes before they become compromised.

This shift is influencing a wide range of consumer behaviors, driving the "skinification" of everything, from makeup to body care, as people look for skin care benefits across all product categories. At the same time, modern lifestyles and environmental stressors are making sensitive skin the norm, prompting innovation in gentle yet effective formulas.

Within this longevity mindset, consumers are also gravitating toward biotech-driven solutions that align with both skin health and sustainability. They recognize that long-term personal wellness isn’t possible if the planet is on fire.

Even the growing popularity of aesthetic procedures like fillers and microneedling, especially among younger consumers, reflects the overall longevity and prejuvenation trend. These treatments blur the lines between cosmetics and dermatology, increasing demand for science-backed, high-efficacy products that can extend or even replace in-office procedures with visible results at home.

Longevity’s Frontier: Navigating Fair Product Claims in a Rapidly Evolving Market

Alec Batis, co-founder of Sweet Chemistry Labs

Alec Batis, co-founder of Sweet Chemistry Labs.Sweet ChemistryWith more and more interest in the term “longevity” vs. “anti-aging,” new technologies will continue to focus on, and expand further into some of the trendy concepts that have been popping up such as the following (with the industry trying it's best to validate several of these technologies faster than the field of regenerative medicine can): exosome therapies, growth factor development, advanced peptide engineering, microbiome diversity support, nanotechnology delivery systems, NAD cellular energy boosters, and biotech actives that replace ones found in nature.

Marketers will need to be very careful with claims veering into drug claims, but it's fairly certain they will make every attempt to get creative.

The End of 'More Is Better': Biotech, Skin Care & Precision Dosing

Joshua Britton, Ph.D., founder and CEO, Debut

Joshua Britton, Ph.D., founder and CEO, Debut.DebutBiotechnology is disrupting the “more is better” approach to active ingredient concentration that has long dominated skin care formulations. Legacy actives are being pushed to higher and higher concentrations—vitamin C at 20% and niacinamide at 10%, for example, both of which are well beyond their recommended use levels. This leads to skin irritation, inflammation and a compromised skin barrier, to name a few side effects.

By contrast, biotech-derived molecules are engineered for precision and potency, delivering measurable effects at dramatically lower concentrations, typically below 0.5%. This approach mirrors pharmaceuticals, where the precise dosage is critical: too much ibuprofen can be harmful, but a carefully determined amount provides real benefit.

The same principle applies to skin care. With biotechnology, active ingredients are optimized for efficacy at the lowest effective dose. By designing molecules with precision at the molecular level, scientists can create actives that target specific biological pathways in the skin with far greater accuracy than traditional ingredients. The result is optimal performance with minimal exposure to the harshness that often accompanies high percentages.

As regulators in the EU continue to tighten restrictions on legacy ingredients such as retinol and kojic acid, and consumers increasingly identify as having sensitive skin, the demand for high-performing, gentle and targeted solutions will only intensify. Biotechnology answers that demand, delivering smarter, safer, science-backed ingredients validated by rigorous clinical testing and data.

The Rise of Post-Procedure Skin Recovery Products

Anna Balaguer, global trend manager, Provital 

"In a world of immediacy where we do not have any patience for anything, products that accelerate the recovery of skin after any procedure—surgery,  lasers, injections—will grow in options, formats and results," says Anna Balaguer, global trend manager, Provital.ProvitalIn a world of immediacy where we do not have any patience for anything, products that accelerate the recovery of skin after any procedure—surgery,  lasers, injections—will grow in options, formats and results. As all these procedures have become more affordable and popular, consumers welcome these post-clinic products that work from the inside, enhancing skin recovery, reinforcing the barrier and reducing scars appearance so that all the irritation and impact is not that visible. In China, this is a huge trend, with brands creating specific packs for this fast recovery to be used one or two weeks after procedure, which cover the whole beauty routine during this specific period.

Biotech’s Credibility Advantage

Michelle Chavez, chief commercial officer, Accupac

Michelle Chavez, chief commercial officer, Accupac.AccupacBiotech has officially graduated from curiosity to credibility, and in 2026 it takes center stage as beauty’s most exciting frontier. Consumers no longer see lab-grown actives as artificial—they see them as advanced, sustainable, and in many cases superior to natural alternatives. From lab-grown collagen and keratin that replace what the body loses over time, to microbiome ferments that restore balance, to exosome-inspired systems that amplify repair, biotech is transforming what’s possible in everyday formulations. The message resonates: these are not ingredients designed to mask age or fatigue, but to work with biology to reinforce resilience and extend vitality.

This shift represents a profound change in the story beauty tells. Bio-innovation reframes personal care as part of the wellness and vitality movement, tapping into cultural momentum around healthspan and preventative care. For brands, this means moving from novelty claims to biologically aligned solutions that promise real restoration and resilience. Consumers increasingly see biotech as the trusted partner that can future-proof their skin and hair, making bio-innovation not just a scientific advance, but a redefinition of what beauty means in the decade ahead.

Skin Care's New Superheroes

Jeffrey Martin, director of marketing, FP Labs and Federal Package

"A range of exciting new ingredients like exosomes, peptides, adaptogens, glycogen and more will provide skin care brands and manufacturers with a new world of high-tech possibilities," says Jeffrey Martin, director of marketing, FP Labs and Federal Package.Anusorn at Adobe StockA range of exciting new ingredients like exosomes, peptides, adaptogens, glycogen and more will provide skin care brands and manufacturers with a new world of high-tech possibilities. Not only do these ingredients provide a fantastic range of benefits themselves, but many have the capacity to amplify the effects of other hero ingredients. By boosting the bioavailability of active ingredients, brands and formulators may be able to actually decrease the amount of hero ingredients while maintaining optimum effectiveness for consumers looking for the next big thing.

Proof Over Promise: Evidence-Based Beauty

Michelle Chavez, chief commercial officer, Accupac

"It’s no longer enough to focus on long-term outcomes; products must deliver instant sensorial proof—a cooling sensation, a visible glow, or a firming effect—while also carrying the weight of clinical data over time," says Michelle Chavez, chief commercial officer, Accupac.8pCarlos Morocho at Adobe StockIn 2026, beauty isn’t just about aspiration—it’s about evidence. Consumers have moved beyond being impressed by glossy marketing or high price tags; they want to see and feel results for themselves. A serum that plumps skin in minutes, a cleanser that leaves an unmistakable smoothness after one wash, or a cream that measurably boosts hydration—these have become the new markers of trust. Social media has turned before-and-after transformations into the industry’s most powerful form of advertising, and the rise of at-home skin diagnostics has put lab-style validation right in the consumer’s hands. Proof has become the new luxury, and anything less risks being dismissed as empty promise.

This is changing the way brands formulate. It’s no longer enough to focus on long-term outcomes; products must deliver instant sensorial proof—a cooling sensation, a visible glow, or a firming effect—while also carrying the weight of clinical data over time. Consumers expect both the “wow” they can feel in the moment and the results they can measure weeks later. For brands, the opportunity is enormous: turn proof into a differentiator, design every texture and effect as a trust signal, and communicate in the language of results, not rhetoric. In today’s market, proof isn’t just a feature—it’s the foundation of loyalty.

Science-Driven IP is the Next Frontier

Alec Batis, co-founder of Sweet Chemistry Labs

"[T]he concept of 'science-backed' came to be where brands needed to show their expertise went further than 'no' lists, creating formulas with active ingredients that had proven efficacy," says Alec Batis, co-founder of Sweet Chemistry Labs. "That resulted in many new brands essentially donning a white lab coat in marketing photos in order to appear 'science-backed.'”WinWin at Adobe StockIn the past, the clean beauty movement propagated because of the public’s need for increased transparency and also because of the need for new brands to somehow stand out from existing ones—basically to instill fear of existing brands so that new ones could have strong points of difference. Then to further differentiate, the concept of “science-backed” came to be where brands needed to show their expertise went further than “no” lists, creating formulas with active ingredients that had proven efficacy. That resulted in many new brands essentially donning a white lab coat in marketing photos in order to appear “science-backed.”

Now, the shift has evolved towards “science-driven,” which means that brands will increasingly need to own their IP. The reason for this is because with the advent of AI, savvy content creators and consumers will be able to easily find out if a company is creating “marketing complexes” of existing ingredients and calling them “proprietary” vs. having their own technology. Having owned IP may be one of the only ways to demand higher prices vs. commodity prices.

In order to have your own IP, brands will need to either have true R&D, or purchase technologies with exclusive rights from suppliers and different biotech popup companies.

2026 Consumer Perspectives

Smart Shoppers, Tight Budgets: AI and Hero Products Are Shaping Spending

Christine Staples, CEO, Cohere Beauty

Christine Staples, CEO, Cohere Beauty.Cohere BeautyEconomic pressures will force consumers to splurge only on hero products that deliver results while trading down or cutting everything else. Dupes will continue to thrive, forcing brands to prove their worth in pared-back routines.

With economic pressures mounting and consumer sentiment declining (-18.45% annualized drop since Jan 2024, according to the University of Michigan), shoppers will be hyper-focused on value. Armed with AI tools that compare formulations and ingredients in seconds, consumers are increasingly laser-focused on finding products that are truly efficacious and prove performance at the right price.

Beauty & Sustainability: Consumers Demand More

Jeffrey Martin, director of marketing, FP Labs and Federal Package

Beauty consumers are incredibly savvy when it comes to sustainability. In the coming years, the conversation will continue to evolve. Environmentally friendly initiatives will become far more nuanced as consumers dig deeper into the nature of individual ingredients, packaging, sourcing, and demand hard data and accomplishments on sustainable practices from companies, not just promises.

The "Sephora Kids" Have Arrived: Gen Alpha is Taking Over the Beauty Industry

Christine Staples, CEO, Cohere Beauty

"Gen Alpha is no longer an emerging consumer segment," says Christine Staples, CEO, Cohere Beauty. "At ages 7-14, they're already driving nearly half of skin care sales growth, with the average Gen Alpha consumer spending $324 annually on beauty."Olha Tsiplyar at Adobe StockGen Alpha is no longer an emerging consumer segment. At ages 7-14, they're already driving nearly half of skin care sales growth, with the average Gen Alpha consumer spending $324 annually on beauty. By 2029, their economic footprint will reach $5.5 trillion, rivaling millennials and Gen Z combined. What sets them apart is their innate algorithmic sophistication that makes them powerful brand influencers powered by trends and data. This generation doesn't just buy beauty products; they shape the conversation around them.

The Underserved 50-Plus Consumer

Christine Staples, CEO, Cohere Beauty

"Women over 50 represent 40 million U.S. consumers with $15 trillion in purchasing power, yet they remain largely invisible in beauty marketing," says Christine Staples, CEO, Cohere Beauty.Matilda Wormwood at PexelsWomen over 50 represent 40 million U.S. consumers with $15 trillion in purchasing power, yet they remain largely invisible in beauty marketing. When they are represented, 28% of portrayals are negative, depicting them in isolated situations or as care recipients rather than as active, confident consumers. This is a massive miss for our industry. The reality: at 50, she’s in the prime of her life and at the peak of her career. She knows exactly who she is and what she wants. According to AARP, the 50-plus population contributed $8.3 trillion in economic activity in 2018. That figure will more than triple to $26.8 trillion by 2050. This isn't just about representation; it's about capturing the world's wealthiest age cohort with products, messaging, and brand experiences that reflect their reality, not outdated stereotypes.

2026's Top Category Growth Opportunities

K-Beauty: Reshaping Beauty from Head to Toe

Addison Cain, senior insights and marketing lead, Spate

"K-beauty, with +30.2% predicted YoY growth, has already redefined skin care globally—snail serums and pimple patches put it on the map," says Addison Cain, senior insights and marketing lead, Spate. "But it’s no longer just about the 10-step routine."AnuaK-beauty, with +30.2% predicted YoY growth, has already redefined skin care globally—snail serums and pimple patches put it on the map. But it’s no longer just about the 10-step routine. We’re seeing its influence spread into makeup (lip stains, eye makeup), hair (innovative shampoos and treatments), and soon body care, as consumers extend face-first formulas to full-body rituals. K-beauty’s next chapter is cross-category, and it’s reshaping beauty from head to toe.

The Inside-Out Glow-Up: Two Are Better Than One

Lorne Lucree, founder, Quiet Coyote

"One of the biggest shifts I see ahead is the continued emergence of inside-out systems: topical and ingestible products intentionally developed to work in tandem," says Lorne Lucree, founder, Quiet Coyote.Lorne LucreeOne of the biggest shifts I see ahead is the continued emergence of inside-out systems: topical and ingestible products intentionally developed to work in tandem.

Consumers are no longer just dabbling in supplements—they increasingly believe in the power of ingestibles to influence skin, scalp, and overall beauty outcomes. The next step is ingredient alignment: the same actives delivered through both a topical serum/cream and an ingestible capsule/powder, sending a unified signal of support to the body.

Each format can be powerful on its own—but the magic happens when they’re designed together. A topical serum that hydrates and brightens the skin, combined with a companion supplement that nourishes from within, creates results neither could achieve alone. It also gives consumers clarity and confidence: instead of piecing together a mix of products, they can trust a paired system that feels purposeful, simple, and elevated.

In 2026, I expect to see more brands invest in this “strong alone, better together” strategy, reframing beauty not as isolated steps, but as connected pathways that unlock visible, holistic results.

From Scalp to Strand: Science is the Future of Hair Care

Addison Cain, senior insights and marketing lead, Spate

"Hair health, with +45.2% predicted YoY growth, is quickly moving to mainstream as concerns rise from scalp to tips," says Addison Cain, senior insights and marketing lead, Spate.SpateHair health, with +45.2% predicted YoY growth, is quickly moving to mainstream as concerns rise from scalp to tips. It’s all about holistic wellness—dandruff care, scalp treatments, and nourishing formats like collagen hair masks are gaining ground. With the focus on both internal and external health, healthy scalp care and everyday staples like scalp-care shampoos and hair serums will become non-negotiable in shower routines.

Manessa Lormejuste, beauty scientist and product developer, LORM·CO

I predict hair care in 2026 will follow a similar path as skin care, with brands leaning into science-backed positioning. Science and clinical performance will become the anchor for brand identity. Brands will increasingly lead with clinical studies, proprietary molecules, and performance-driven claims to stand out in a crowded market and provide clarity for users across hair types. Over the last decade, the category leaned heavily on natural and plant-based positioning, but that often compromised performance. Consumers, especially those with textured and natural hair, are now demanding products that truly deliver results.

"Brands like K18, Redken, Kérastase and Olaplex dominate because users recognize their consistent efficacy across hair types and textures," says Manessa Lormejuste, beauty scientist and product developer, LORM·CO.Manessa LormejusteThis shift is already visible on TikTok, where the conversation centers on products that put science first rather than just clean or botanical stories. Brands like K18, Redken, Kérastase and Olaplex dominate because users recognize their consistent efficacy across hair types and textures. Performance will increasingly be measured by outcomes such as curl retention, breakage reduction, frizz control, and strengthening, validated through instrumental testing, rather than only before-and-after photos or consumer panels.

The brands that win will invest in true clinical validation and communicate results with the same rigor we expect in skin care. There is an opportunity to co-create with dermatologists, trichologists, and cosmetic chemists to reinforce the value of expert-led development. Offering consumers a salon-level experience at home, backed by science, is what will define the next generation of leaders in hair care.

Body Care's Main Character Moment

Christine Staples, CEO, Cohere Beauty

The body care category is having its skin care moment. Consumers now expect the same active ingredients, clinical efficacy, and results-driven formulations for their entire body that they've come to demand from their facial regimens. This isn't just ingredient migration. It's a fundamental shift in how we define efficacious body care, creating growth opportunities across every price point as high-performance actives become democratized beyond the face.

Consumers are strategically curating high-low beauty routines, mixing luxury formulations with accessible everyday products as high-performance ingredients migrate across all price points. Shoppers will splurge on hero treatments while filling in with affordable ingredient-forward essentials, creating a democratization opportunity that drives simultaneous growth in both prestige and mass body care markets.

The Fragrance Boom’s Next Chapter

Christine Staples, CEO, Cohere Beauty

While other segments plateau, fragrance is accelerating. We're seeing 12% growth in 2024, with fragrance now commanding 28% of total prestige beauty sales. The opportunity extends beyond traditional formats: body sprays are up 94%, hair fragrances up 32%. Perhaps most striking, teenage boys drove 26% of this growth, with TikTok becoming the primary purchase driver for Gen Z at 66%. This isn't a trend; it's a fundamental shift in how consumers discover, purchase, and engage with fragrance across demographics we previously underserved.

Erin Harmon, director of marketing, North America, Aptar

"EuroMist’s versatility supports everything from lightweight mists to oil-based formulas, enabling dupe brands to deliver a luxurious sensory experience at an accessible price point," says Erin Harmon, director of marketing, North America, Aptar.AptarFine fragrance dupes are set to be a defining trend of 2026, as consumers increasingly prioritize performance and affordability over the “concept of brand” itself. In today’s market, a “dupe” is no longer seen as a compromise; it’s a smart, savvy choice. Consumers view dupes as cost-effective alternatives to high-end products that deliver comparable results, reflecting a broader cultural shift across all categories of consumer goods. Fueled by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and a growing desacralization of prestige brands, shoppers are embracing value-driven purchases with pride. Worldwide, 63% of global consumers believe that premium beauty products do not outperform their mass-market counterparts.

This shift is amplified by the rise of influencer culture, which has transformed discount shopping from shameful into a celebrated lifestyle. Social media platforms have not only made dupes acceptable but in some cases, the preferred choice, with 32% of consumers reporting that they purchased a dupe due to influencer recommendations. One standout example is Dossier, a brand that rose to fame through TikTok for its “Impressions’ line, which offers affordable alternatives to designer scents. In a major move that signals the mainstreaming of dupes, Dossier opened its first physical store in New York. This transition from digital to brick-and-mortar retail reflects the growing legitimacy and demand for dupe fragrances in mainstream beauty culture.

"Body mists are also seeing renewed interest, especially among younger consumers who favor layering, lightness and affordability," says Erin Harmon, director of marketing, North America, Aptar.AptarFragrance, once dominated by prestige, is feeling the impact most acutely. In the U.S., mass fragrance sales surged by 17%, compared to the 6% growth seen in prestige fragrance. Influencers now play a pivotal role in fragrance discovery, with nearly half of consumers (49%) saying they’ve purchased a scent they first encountered through an influencer. The fragrance dupe market is no longer defined by cheap imitations; it’s evolving into a space of innovation and quality. Dupes now account for 20% of the global fragrance market, representing a $10 billion segment. These products offer similar scent profiles, long-lasting wear, and joyful packaging, all without the luxury pricing. As consumers continue to seek smart and affordable beauty experiences, fragrance dupes are not just a passing trend; they’re a reflection of a new era in consumer values.

As fragrance dupes gain traction in 2026, packaging innovation is playing a critical role in elevating consumer experience. Aptar’s EuroMist sprayers are a standout of this shift, offering high-performance, fine mist dispensing rivals’ prestige packaging, without the luxury price tag. These sprayers are engineered to deliver consistent dosage, compatibility across a wide range of formulations, and customizable aesthetics, making them ideal for both mass and premium dupe brands. EuroMist’s versatility supports everything from lightweight mists to oil-based formulas, enabling dupe brands to deliver a luxurious sensory experience at an accessible price point.

Body mists are also seeing renewed interest, especially among younger consumers who favor layering, lightness, and affordability. These formulations offer a casual, everyday approach to fragrance that aligns with the rise of dupes and the decline of prestige exclusivity. 65% of consumers say they purchase these for the sake of variety. Mists are increasingly positioned as fragrance staples, allowing users to switch scents based on mood, occasion, or season, without the commitment or cost of traditional perfumes.

In parallel, travel-size formats are emerging as a major force in the fragrance category, driven by consumer preferences for convenience, affordability, and personalization. Today’s consumers are increasingly on-the-go and selective, seeking products that fit seamlessly into their fast-paced lifestyles.

Compact bottles offer more than just portability, they represent a low-risk, high-reward entry point for scent exploration. Consumers can experiment with new fragrances without committing to full-size prices, making minis ideal for both discovery and convenience.

Unit sales of mini and travel-size fragrances grew by 15%, nearly four times faster than other product sizes. This surge reflects a broader shift toward flexible beauty routines and impulse purchasing, especially among younger demographics and online shoppers.

The 2026 Beauty & Personal Care Packaging Agenda

What Consumers Want from Today’s Packaging

Sue Nichols, ICONS Group CEO

"As we look toward 2026, beauty brands are increasingly investing in custom tooling and exclusive primary packaging designs to create a more distinctive on-shelf presence and deeper sensory connection with consumers," says Sue Nichols, ICONS Group CEO. Pictured are ICONS America custom in-mold pattern aluminum sticks.ICONS AmericaICONS America’s newest collection of innovation spotlights the future of beauty packaging through smart functionality, sustainable materials, and engaging, playful designs. Today’s consumers are looking for more than just packaging performance, they want packaging that is experimental and goes beyond function to deliver an experience. Our latest innovations reflect this new era of beauty offering multi-functional formats, accessible design and a new level of interactivity.

Men's Grooming: Trends in Elevated Packaging

Melanie Gaudun, business development and marketing manager, Viva Healthcare Packaging (Canada) Ltd.

wViva Healthcare PackagingAt Viva, we’re seeing continued growth in men’s grooming across haircare and body care categories, paired with rising demand for elevated packaging and decoration, including:

• Extra-large tubes and wide sticks that project a masculine, modern aesthetic.
• Durable, travel-ready formats—deodorant sticks, tubes and jars—designed for active, on-the-go lifestyles.
• Premium decoration including matte and soft-touch finishes, bold metallic accents, and in-mold label graphics that reinforce a lifestyle-driven, elevated look.

In men’s care, packaging that blends practical performance with a touch of premium appeals to consumers seeking products that feel both functional and like a small, everyday indulgence.

What’s Ahead: Tubes, Sticks, and Tactile Designs

Sue Nichols, ICONS Group CEO

Sue Nichols, ICONS Group CEO.ICONS AmericaAs we look toward 2026, beauty brands are increasingly investing in custom tooling and exclusive primary packaging designs to create a more distinctive on-shelf presence and deeper sensory connection with consumers. In particular, we expect to see an increase in packaging featuring tactile in-mold designs and patterns, from minimalist in-mold embossed or debossed logos in caps to more intricate, tactile in-mold patterns that span from cap to base.

"We are ... seeing a surge in demand for tube packaging, with innovative applicators and custom designs for formulations spanning all product categories, from color cosmetics, skin care and sun care to hair care," says Sue Nichols, ICONS Group CEO. Pictured is an ICONS America tube with a pump and custom in-mold pattern aluminum sticks.ICONS AmericaWe are also seeing a surge in demand for tube packaging, with innovative applicators and custom designs for formulations spanning all product categories, from color cosmetics, skin care, sun care, to hair care. The momentum behind stick packaging is also showing no signs of slowing down, especially when it comes to customs designs incorporating playful, nontraditional shapes and designed with recyclable mono-materials, combining sustainability with standout shelf appeal.

100% PCR PET: The Future of Sustainable Cosmetic Packaging?

Amy Pan, Epopack

By 2026, 100% PCR is likely to play an increasingly important role in sustainable cosmetic packaging.

Rising demand for sustainable packaging is positioning 100 % PCR (post-consumer recycled) plastic as a likely preferred solution by 2026. The global PCR plastic packaging market is on a strong growth trajectory, driven by increasing environmental awareness, the need to reduce virgin plastic use, and supportive government regulations.

Advances in PCR materials are overcoming historical limitations: clarity, durability, and visual appeal are now approaching the high standards expected by premium cosmetic brands. While cost and margins remain considerations, they are becoming more manageable as supply chains mature and production efficiencies improve.

Epopack is ready to help brands, contract manufacturers, and packaging traders embrace the next generation of sustainable packaging. All PET components can be crafted in 100% PCR PET bringing eco-conscious luxury to every detail. Our mono-material jars stand apart, made entirely in 100 % PCR PET for a seamless, sustainable solution that outshines multi-material alternatives. With competitive pricing and effortless integration into existing product lines, we make the transition to sustainability smooth, stylish, and cost-effective.

Domestic Manufacturing and Global Flexibility

Sue Nichols, ICONS Group CEO

"In 2026, we foresee one of the most significant trends in beauty packaging to be an increase in demand for domestic manufacturing, paired with global flexibility, ensuring brands’ stable supply and broader options," says Sue Nichols, ICONS Group CEO.Kalyakan at Adobe StockIn 2026, we foresee one of the most significant trends in beauty packaging to be an increase in demand for domestic manufacturing, paired with global flexibility, ensuring brands’ stable supply and broader options. At ICONS America, we are embracing this movement at our North Carolina HQ factory where we produce our injection-molded, in-mold label tubes and caps, with domestically sourced resin and labels. We are also in the process of expanding our capabilities at our 160,000 square foot facility to include a wider range of rigid packaging including extrusion blow molding (EBM) and injection molding.

At the same time, we provide a wide range of Asian manufactured primary packaging through our Taiwan branch. We prioritize a global approach combining our domestic U.S. manufacturing with the flexibility and breadth of options from our international supply—providing a strategic balance to meet the evolving demands of our clients worldwide.