6 Skincare Trends to Have on Your Radar in 2026, According to Experts

Skincare Trends to Anticipate in 2026

1. Advancements in AI

AI has been at the forefront of skincare for quite some time, but in 2026, personalized skincare will reach new heights.

“AI-driven skin analysis tools will assess hydration, oil balance, barrier function, and inflammation in real time,” says Melanie Abeyta, aesthetic nurse practitioner and owner of Harmony Aesthetics Center in Los Angeles. “These platforms will connect directly to professional-grade skincare recommendations and treatment plans. As a medical provider, I see this as a major shift toward truly individualized care, replacing guesswork with measurable data that tracks progress the same way we monitor lab values in medicine.”

2. Longevity-Based Aesthetics

The skincare world is merging with the longevity space. In 2026, we’re expected to see a stronger focus on topical products and in-office treatments that target cellular repair and mitochondrial health—not just appearance, according to Abeyta. 

“Think NAD+ boosters, peptides that signal DNA repair, and longevity facials designed to support long-term skin resilience,” she says. “This aligns perfectly with what we already emphasize: supporting beauty from a metabolic and cellular level.”

3. Skin Biome and Postbiotic Treatments

Research into the skin’s microbiome will continue to evolve, leading to more postbiotic and microbiome-balancing products. 

“These will include live bacterial ferments and bioengineered peptides that help reduce inflammation and strengthen the skin’s immune defenses,” Abeyta explains. “Patients with chronic sensitivity, rosacea, or eczema will benefit most from these barrier-stabilizing, non-inflammatory formulas.”

If you want to start biome care at a beginner’s level, we recommend the BLISS Mighty Biome Pre/Post Biotics + Barrier Aid Ultra-Hydrating Moisturizer, which helps strengthen the face’s natural protective layer for supremely nourished, petal soft skin.

4. Body-First Exosome Therapies

We’ve seen a boom these last few years in exosome usage for the scalp and face, but in the year ahead, exosomes could extend to the full body.

“We’ll see clinical-grade exosome lotions, and serums designed specifically for the body in areas such as the chest, arms, abdomen, and thighs, where crepey texture, sun damage, and laxity show fast,” says Robin Smith, MD, who specializes in regenerative medicine and cofounded Exoceuticals. “Exosomes act like secure couriers, delivering proteins, lipids, and micro-RNAs that nudge fibroblasts to help our skin cells make its collagen and elastin while reducing the effects of inflammation.”

Thanks to these advanced developments, the expert says we can expect “tighter, more even, more resilient skin with fewer sensitizers than many ‘heavy hitter’ actives.” 

5. Peptides With Greater Purpose

We saw a huge rise in peptides in 2025—and not only are they here to stay in 2026, but they’re becoming more advanced.

“Exosomes will be paired with signal peptides (for collagen/elastin support), carrier peptides (to optimize mineral delivery), and soothing neuropeptides (to keep itch and irritation in check on larger body zones),” Dr. Smith shares. “The combination reduces downtime and helps maintain that ‘freshly treated’ look longer.”

If you’re new to peptides, we’re huge fans of the BEAUTYSTAT Peptide Wrinkle Relaxing Moisturizer, which targets general signs of aging, helping to firm and lift the skin. 

6. The Return of Real-Skin Beauty

Years past saw an obsession with filters and fillers. In 2025, we leaned into natural ways to achieve the glass skin look. Dr. Smith predicts that 2026 will meet somewhere in the middle, going in a natural direction yet with a heightened focus on long-term efficacy with less quick fixes. Consumers still want to look good, but they won’t take as artificial a path to get there. 

“We'll see healthy texture, balanced tone, and authenticity in skin,” the expert explains. “Skincare brands and clinics will lean into transparency, focusing on skin that looks alive and not airbrushed. You’ll see more emphasis on consistency, sun protection, and barrier maintenance over aggressive quick fixes. The next wave of skincare isn’t about chasing trends, it’s about refining them. Consumers are savvier, their expectations are higher, and they want products and regimens that make sense for their skin, not the algorithms. Human touch will be back.”

When we want to let our healthy, natural skin do the talking, we turn to the ICONIC LONDON Super Smoother Blurring Skin Tint, to give us a slight balance of coverage while letting our natural beauty shine through.

Skincare Trends FAQ

Are these trends suitable for all skin types?

Like with anything related to skincare (or beauty in general), everyone is different. What works miracles for one person may have adverse effects on someone else. In terms of 2026 skin trends, because they’re less ingredient focused and more along the lines of treatment modalities, it really is a case by case basis. 

That said, when it does come to ingredients like peptides, for example, they’re known to be universally appealing because they’re signaling molecules rather than acids. Now, just because the peptides themselves are considered safe doesn’t mean the formula they’re infused into has the same effect. The bottom line is you’ll always want to consult with a professional when you opt for a new skincare product, treatment or anything that could alter the current state of your skin.

How do I know if a trend is right for me?

Going off of what we said above, everyone’s skin is different. Before opting for something new, assess whether the trend aligns with your skin’s needs and your goals and lifestyle. 

“A good trend should enhance your results, not complicate your routine,” Dr. Smith says. “For example, if your skin barrier is compromised, a new exfoliation craze isn’t your lane. Ask yourself if there’s science behind this. Has it been tested on your skin type? Does it fit within what your provider recommends? When in doubt, have a professional like a nurse practitioner or licensed aesthetician evaluate your current products before adding something new.”

What’s the best way to try a new skincare trend safely?

As they say, slow and steady wins the race. Skincare is no exception—you don’t want to give your skin more than it can handle.

“Introduce only one new product or trend at a time and give it at least two to four weeks before judging results,” Dr. Smith advises. “Always patch-test first, apply a small amount behind your ear or on your inner arm for several days to check for irritation. If it’s an active ingredient or device, begin with lower concentrations or less frequent use. And remember: Not every viral trend is safe for every skin type. Professional treatments and medical-grade skincare are formulated with stability, sterility, and skin safety in mind, unlike many social-media trends that go unregulated.”

Final Thoughts

We all want healthy, radiant skin—and the best way to achieve it is by staying informed about skincare trends and speaking to real professionals. It’s easy to hop on TikTok trends or go off what works for your bestie, but at the end of the day, everyone’s skin is different. Luckily, we’re in a high-performance era with next-gen advancements and incomparable research. So as long as you stick to the experts, you should be guided in the right direction that will lead you to great skin that stays that way. No more are quick fixes that only lead to us wasting money and looking older. 

To explore more skincare and find what’s right for you, our IPSY Shop has a curated collection of skincare products.