Brands such as Estée Lauder and La Prairie are already investing heavily in this space, which is expected to see explosive growth in 2026. “The biggest change is the move to truly regenerative skin care,” he says. Ivan Polfacialist and founder of Beauty Sandwich, added that consumers want skincare with benefits beyond hydration and resurfacing. “They want treatments that make real structural changes, and technology is finally catching up.”
Lancôme has entered into a partnership with True Diagnostic, an Australian-based company that sells cell phone age kits. In April 2026, Lancôme counters will be rolling out cell bioprints that measure “proteomics” (in this case, the analysis of the structure of proteins in the skin). “When you get protein biomarkers, you can tell not just how your skin is today, but also the biology of your cells and what that means for tomorrow,” he says. gib baluchGlobal Vice President of Technology and Open Innovation at L’Oréal. “We are also developing a home version.” [of the test]” Baruch added that he believes many companies and startups will bring skin diagnostics to market next year.
In addition to diagnostic tests, be prepared to review formulas that feature NAD+, the body’s coenzyme responsible for cellular energy production and cell and DNA repair.
Unfortunately, this is another example of marketing getting ahead of science. “NAD+ is a large hydrophilic molecule, which makes it difficult to penetrate the skin,” Dr. King says. “Some products may use precursors such as NMN or NR, which may penetrate better and be converted to NAD+ inside cells, but there is less data, only limited human studies, and no large peer-reviewed clinical trials in humans.”
Peptides and growth factors are back in the spotlight
Because of the lack of data on topical NAD+ applications, “some brands are finding other ways to jump into the skin longevity trend,” says Dr. King. They do it using peptides and growth factors, and all the experts we spoke to say they’re smarter, more sophisticated, and still very popular with consumers.
Dr. Goldmintz says, “Peptides and growth factors are great because they truly rejuvenate the skin and activate fibroblasts.” [which help facilitate the production of collagen and other proteins]increases the turnover rate of skin cells and improves their response to UV rays and environmental damage. ”
Looking ahead to 2026, Dr. King highlights two synthetic growth factors from French biotech company Core Biogenesis, Porphoria and Porvita, as standout innovations with “good data to support them,” she says. When it comes to peptides, Dr. Gohara points out that there are three next-generation options you should be aware of. Oligopeptide-68 (the latest skin lightening peptide that reduces pigmentation pathways without irritation), and microbiome-targeted peptides (an emerging class that helps balance redness, acne, and overall skin tolerance).
This trend is also driven by the fact that people have a better understanding of these two ingredients. Peptides in particular “help grow big brands,” says Strauser, citing SkinCeuticals’ P-Tiox as an example. reason This is behind the brand’s recent growth. For Dermstore, Allies of Skin Growth Factor Serum is “No. 1 for the brand overall,” she added. This momentum is sure to continue into 2026.
Skin care becomes more experiential
We’ve talked a lot about the science, but dermatologists are keen to point out that more and more patients are looking for skin care with comfort-enhancing elements. “They want to enjoy what they’re doing, and they want it to be more than just a knee-jerk, drug-like routine,” Dr. Gohara says. “They want them to love every part of the experience, from the purchase to the way it feels on their skin and the way it smells.”
Source: Allure – www.allure.com
