Iridescent promotional banner from Kao Chemicals Europe featuring “Pearled Perfection,” advertising Danox Pearl GS with soft pastel swirls and a “Learn more” button
Lube being put into the palm of someone's hand.

Self-care evolved: How sexual wellness is merging with personal care

Wellness, and the aim to achieve it, has become ingratiated in personal care, allowing for its sectors — including sexual — to also trickle into the industry. Sexual wellness has long stood on the perimeter of the personal care category. However, Jessica Drake, director of marketing and product development at Wicked Sensual Care, tells Personal Care Insights that people are starting to view sexual wellness as part of overall wellness instead of something separate or shameful. 
jojoba plant
Jojoba oil emerges as “hero ingredient” for clean label cosmetics
Jojoba oil and its derivatives continue to be a favored ingredient in the personal care industry as they offer sustainable and multifunctional ingredient profiles. Due to its texture that mimics human sebum, the oil is used as a naturally sourced active ingredient with desirable sensory properties.Innova Market Insights says jojoba is gaining momentum in global beauty launches as consumers increasingly seek value-driven, ingredient-led products. The market researcher’s data suggests that between April 2025 and March 2026, skin care was the top subcategory of launches incorporating jojoba oil. 
A woman on her phone looking stressed.
Flo Health: Bridging personal and health care for faster endometriosis diagnoses
It takes almost seven years for women to receive an endometriosis diagnosis, but Flo Health has found that when digital tools are used as intended, they can cut that time in half. The female technology (femtech) company has discovered that solutions like its Symptom Checker can reduce getting a diagnosis by over four years (or +50% sooner) and reduce costs by thousands of dollars per patient in the US. 
Woman wearing blue traditional attire adorned with white and blue flowers in her hair, statement gold jewelry, and soft glam makeup, with floral-themed branding text beside her.
Harness the power of flowers for beauty
Using proprietary technologies like Zeta Fraction™, PSR™ technology and phytofermentology™, Ashland extracts potent actives from flower sources through eco-friendly processes, ensuring both efficacy and environmental responsibility. Driven by sustainability and technological advancement commitments, this allows development of biofunctionals that harness the power of advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and plant-based innovation.

This Technical Paper is brought to you by Ashland.
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What’s Trending in Cosmetics: How neurocosmetics and personalization shape beauty’s future
The cosmetics industry is undergoing a transformation, driven by advancements in science and technology. At the forefront of this shift are neurocosmetics — a growing field that is poised to reshape the personalized beauty market.

In this webinar, Personal Care Insights will explore how the science behind neurocosmetics is driving innovation and fueling the personalized beauty trend. We’ll be joined by Eloïse Gerardin, CEO of Brain Impact Neuroscience, and Dr. Claudia Aguirre, a leading expert in neurocosmetics, for an exclusive conversation.
In-cosmetics 2026 Natix video thumbnail: Man in a circular portrait overlay beside white flowering plants in a dark green outdoor setting
In-cosmetics Global 2026: Natix calls for return to basics with natural enzymes

Stefaan Vandaele, CEO at Natix, spoke about the company’s mission to standardize and extract high-quality molecules from nature. The company specializes in naturally derived enzymes and essential oils in niche markets like angelica oils and snail extracts for cosmetic applications. Vandaele shared his insights on the growing shift from petrochemicals to natural bioactives, emphasizing the importance of returning to traditional practices passed down through generations.

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Seppic launches “tail-ored” pet care kit for grooming needs
a dog getting washed
Seppic has introduced “the tail-ored pet care collection,” a six-piece animal hygiene and care formulation kit for dogs, cats, or horses. The kit aims to provide technical evidence and inspiration to help brands develop pet care products. The kit complements Seppic ’s companion animal ingredient collection, Sepifriend, launched in late 2025.The specialty ingredients company states that the estimated number of people who have a pet in their home is over half the global population. The increasing role that animals play in consumers’ day-to-day lives is driving demand for grooming products.
NYSCC Suppliers’ Day 2026 preview: Science, sensory and K-beauty lead the charge
A woman in Times Square grabbing someone else's hand.
The New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists (NYSCC) Suppliers’ Day 2026 is set to reveal the latest cosmetic developments for North America that will have impacts across the globe. Already emerging as to-be trends across the tradeshow floor are K-beauty-inspired ingredients, science-based solutions, post-procedure care, and sensory-focused sun care. Taking place in New York City, US, from May 19–20, Suppliers’ Day is the largest ingredients and formulation trade show and conference in North America. Through its programs and events, NYSCC supports scientific exchange, professional development, and the future growth of the cosmetic and personal care industry. 
NYSCC Suppliers’ Day 2026: Primient unpacks eco-friendly color hair care...
hair
Primient has expanded its hair color portfolio by launching a Color Care Collection, using Zemea propanediol. The collection builds on Zemea propanediol and Sensient Arianor’s previous water-soluble basic cationic dyes, developing its efficacious, safe, and cruelty-free offerings.Personal Care Insights speaks to Sean Gahan, the technical services manager at Zemea, ahead of the tradeshow, about the ingredient’s performance and the impact of growing consumer demand for plant-based ingredients on bio-based humectants like Zemea propanediol.
Brand revitalization: Olay and Derma E target younger audiences with emotional...
Mother and daughter skin.
The beauty industry is continuously evolving, motivating legacy brands like Olay and US-based skin care brand Derma E to adopt new marketing strategies. The companies are refreshing their brands to maintain relevance, particularly among millennial and Gen Z consumers.
NYSCC Suppliers’ Day 2026: Grant and BCR partner for anti-aging ester
Bakuchiol plant
Grant Industries and BCR (Bio Component Research) will be showcasing their ester for skin longevity, Bakuchiol NAD+ BCR, and discussing AI-inspired beauty at NYSCC Suppliers’ Day 2026 in New York City, US (May 19–20).By fusing bakuchiol and nicotinic acid into one ester molecule, Bakuchiol NAD+ BCR enables benefits not found in the separate components. The ester is said to offer heightened performance in longevity and anti-aging by elevating nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) in skin cells and reinforcing DNA recovery.
GLP-1 medications fuel demand for healthier, nutrient-dense foods
Man working out

Nutrition Insight

The growing adoption of GLP-1 therapies is impacting food choices, with consumers increasingly focusing on nutrient-dense, high-protein, and high-fiber options to support their health. Industry experts note that smaller, convenient options with high nutritional quality are crucial to accommodate users who are eating less. Nutrition Insight meets with Ingredion, Fonterra, and Carbery to explore innovation opportunities for the food and nutrition industry as GLP-1s are driving demand for nutrient-dense options in smaller formats. 
Highlighted features
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Regulatory News
EC Safety Gate: Industry “structural failure” reveals...
The European Commission has found that last year, cosmetics were the most frequently reported dangerous products in the EU. The annual Safety Gate Report has also revealed that a record number of dangerous cosmetics were withdrawn from the market in 2025. In 2025, 4,671 alerts were notified in the Safety Gate system, the highest recorded number since the system was launched in 2003. This is a 13% increase compared to 2024, and more than double the number of alerts reported in 2022. National authorities also issued a record number of follow-up actions, with 5,794 follow-up actions notified, which is a 35% increase compared to the previous year. 
ELC store front
Business News
Estée Lauder faces legal battles over China’s grey-market...
Estée Lauder Company (ELC) has agreed to a US$210 million settlement on a class action lawsuit alleging that the company defrauded shareholders in China, though it still requires approval by US District Judge Arun Subramanian. The suit claims that the ELC was non-transparent about its dependency on grey-market sales in China.ELC denies any wrongdoing as part of the agreement and has stated that its insurance would cover part of the settlement costs.
A woman on her phone looking stressed.
Key interview
Flo Health: Bridging personal and health care for faster...
It takes almost seven years for women to receive an endometriosis diagnosis, but Flo Health has found that when digital tools are used as intended, they can cut that time in half. The female technology (femtech) company has discovered that solutions like its Symptom Checker can reduce getting a diagnosis by over four years (or +50% sooner) and reduce costs by thousands of dollars per patient in the US. 

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Jojoba in the spotlightMay2026

Jojoba is gaining momentum in global beauty and personal care launches as consumers increasingly seek value-driven, ingredient-led products. According to Innova Market Insights data, half of the launc...

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Ethical beauty elevated May 2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates a 20% growth in ethical claims for personal care launches from 2021 to 2025. This rise reflects growing consumer demand for transparency, sustainability, and animal-friendly practices across the beauty industry.

Trend analysis

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Plant-based innovation trendsMay 2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates a 14% average growth in plant-based claims for personal care launches from 2021 to 2025. Europe accounted for the largest share of launches, with hand, bath, and shower products leading the category. Shower products dominated, while massage oils are gaining traction.

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In-cosmetics 2026 Natix video thumbnail: Man in a circular portrait overlay beside white flowering plants in a dark green outdoor setting
Video03:28
In-cosmetics Global 2026: Natix calls for return to basics with natural enzymes

Stefaan Vandaele, CEO at Natix, spoke about the company’s mission to standardize and extract high-quality molecules from nature. The company specializes in naturally derived enzymes and essential oils in niche markets like angelica oils and snail extracts for cosmetic applications. Vandaele...

Isabelle Jaouen and Nawal El Kahlaoui , Alland & Robert
Video07:08
In-cosmetics Global 2026: Alland & Robert underscores need for multifunctional natural gums
Nisar Amin, Ingredion, In-Cosmetics Global 2026, Skin Care, Hair Care, Beauty And Home Care, Food Science, Clean Beauty, Sustainable Ingredients, Skin Care Formulations, Hair Care Formulations, Sensor
Video07:18
In-cosmetics Global 2026: Ingredion leverages food expertise for skin care formulations
Florence Trombini, BASF
Video08:03
In-cosmetics Global 2026: BASF implements cellular collagen tech for healthy aging
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