Modern anti-ageing: the trends that are changing the market
The skincare industry is currently undergoing one of the biggest transformations in recent decades. Today’s consumers want more than just smoother skin; they want holistic solutions that preserve the skin’s biological youthfulness. Current anti-ageing trends clearly show that modern formulations need to go deeper. Cell energy, senescence, barrier strength, microbiome and longevity are playing an increasingly important role.
Today, anti-ageing means nothing less than:
– strengthening skin functions,
– warding off environmental stress,
– optimising cellular processes and
– supporting regeneration mechanisms at the biological level.
A key change in recent years has been the new understanding of skin ageing. The anti-ageing trends for 2026 show that the focus is on prevention, senescence management and strong cell protection. Skin care does not begin with wrinkles, but with the preservation of cell function.
1. Energy and regeneration: the basis of the new anti-ageing trends
Active ingredients that support cellular energy production are among the most sought-after innovations. NAD+ boosters, peptides, exosomes and fermented complexes improve ATP production, stimulate repair mechanisms and strengthen the skin matrix. These anti-ageing trends are scientifically measurable and provide visible vitality.
2. Resilience against environmental stress: the skin’s new protective shield
Extremolytes, antioxidants and biomimetic protection systems help to protect proteins and cell membranes from UV radiation, fine dust, blue light and temperature fluctuations. The latest anti-ageing trends combine protection and repair, thus laying the foundation for long-term skin health.
3. Personalised and biotechnological high-end solutions
Secretomes, spicule-based technologies, exosomes and individually customisable active ingredient systems are examples of the high-end innovations in current anti-ageing trends. The aim is biological communication that amplifies signals for regeneration and activates the skin’s own repair code.
4. Emerging longevity molecules: the future has begun
New anti-ageing generations act directly on autonomous processes, epigenetic markers and senescent cells. These anti-ageing trends offer long-term functional improvements instead of short-term visual optimisation.
5. Skinimalism and multifunctional cosmetics
The new simplicity is also one of the dominant anti-ageing trends. Fewer products, more effect. Peptides, ceramides, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and ferments now cover several skin needs at once.
6. Medical beauty at home – inspired by aesthetic treatments
Microneedle-inspired formulations, gentle retinoid alternatives and dermatological peptide systems bring professionally inspired effects into everyday life. They are among the fastest-growing anti-ageing trends.
7. Science, studies and evidence as standard
With the professionalisation of the industry, the importance of clinical evidence is increasing. Claims about regeneration, barrier strength or senescence must be scientifically proven. Modern anti-ageing trends are therefore based on study data on collagen density, ATP production, autophagy or mitochondrial activity.
Our active ingredient highlights
Below you will find an integrated list of all anti-ageing active ingredients mentioned in the magazine. It is perfectly suited for implementing current anti-ageing trends at the formulation and marketing level.
CycloRetin
Supplier: Lucas Meyer Cosmetics
INCI: Peptide from Prince Ginseng
Effectiveness: Retinol alternative, strengthens collagen structure, visibly smoothes, less irritating.
IBR-Snowflake
Supplier: Lucas Meyer
INCI: Leucojum Aestivum Bulb Extract
Effectiveness: Botulinum-like effect, reduces expression lines, relaxes the skin.
Celyscence
Supplier: Lucas Meyer Cosmetics
INCI: Silybum Marianum Extract
Effectiveness: Senomorph, reduces SASP factors, protects the extracellular matrix.
Progeline FF
Supplier: Lucas Meyer Cosmetics
INCI: Biomimetic peptide
Effectiveness: Reduces progerin, improves contours and firmness.
Bakuchiol salicylate (hybrid)
INCI: Bakuchiol + salicylic acid
Effectiveness: Combines skin renewal and exfoliation, ideal for retinol beginners.
Niacinamide
INCI: Niacinamide
Effectiveness: Barrier building, anti-pigmentation, soothing and moisturising.
Retinol and vitamin A alternatives
INCI: Retinol/derivatives
Effectiveness: Texture smoothing, cell renewal, anti-pigmentation – but prone to irritation.
Berberine
INCI: Berberis extracts
Effectiveness: Strong antioxidant, protects fats and proteins.
Quercetin
INCI: Quercetin
Effectiveness: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory.
Ceramides
INCI: Ceramide NP/AP/EOP
Effectiveness: Strengthens the barrier function, moisture retention.
Plant collagen
Smoothes and improves skin volume.
Peptides (various classes)
Collagen stimulation, firming, anti-glycation, anti-senescence.
Hyaluronic acid
INCI: Hyaluronic Acid/Sodium Hyaluronate
Effectiveness: Moisturising, plumping effect.
Hydrolysates (proteins/collagen)
Film-forming, protects against TEWL
Malassezin
Vitamin C alternative for sensitive skin, antioxidant, brightening.
Spicule Delivery Systems
INCI: Siliceous Spicules
Effectiveness: Micro-exfoliation, penetration booster.
Spermidine
INCI: Spermidine
Effectiveness: autophagy activator, longevity support.
NAD⁺ booster (NR/NMN):
INCI: Nicotinamide Riboside / Nicotinamide Mononucleotide
Effectiveness: energy boost, repair promotion, anti-fatigue
Conclusion: Anti-ageing trends are defining the future of skincare.
Current anti-ageing trends are bringing about lasting changes in formulation strategies. From cellular energy and longevity to extremely powerful peptide systems – modern skincare requires scientific depth, smart textures and genuine effectiveness. Brands that take advantage of these developments are setting new standards in the premium and dermocosmetics segment.
Cosmacon develops state-of-the-art, scientifically based anti-ageing formulations that are perfectly aligned with current anti-ageing trends.
Contact us – together we will bring your brand to the forefront of anti-ageing trends!