The Top 7 Beauty and Cosmetics Trends of 2025-2026

Beauty is no longer confined to TV commercials or old stereotypes about being ‘just for women.’ Instagram, TikTok, and trend-driven social media culture have revolutionized the industry like never before.

The global beauty and cosmetics industry is on track to hit $677 billion by the end of 2025, making it one of the world’s most valuable markets. According to the global beauty market growth forecast 2025-2026, this boom is fueled by more than just serums and moisturizers—it’s the influence of social media shaping how people shop, and the rise of new technologies and innovative skincare solutions changing the way they experience beauty. From AI-powered personalized routines to natural, organic formulations, the industry is becoming more inclusive, sustainable, and consumer-focused.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top 7 beauty and cosmetics trends of 2025–26 that are reshaping the industry and how these shifts are influencing the way consumers shop, choose products, and experience beauty.

1) The Global Shift Toward Natural and Organic Beauty

The natural and organic beauty movement may seem like a recent shift, but the roots go back decades. It first gained traction in the 1960s and 70s during the rise of environmental awareness, with pioneers like The Body Shop setting early standards for cruelty-free and sustainable products.

Today, the natural and organic beauty category has evolved into a global powerhouse, and it is expected to surpass $130 billion by 2030.

Consumers now demand transparency from brands, moving away from parabens, sulfates, and microplastics in favor of safer, eco-friendly alternatives certified by standards like Ecocert and COSMOS.  For Gen Z and Millennials, cruelty-free, sustainable, and zero-waste options are non-negotiable when making brand choices.

By 2025 and beyond, clean beauty has made a shift from niche to mainstream, transforming how products are formulated, marketed, and trusted. With social media amplifying awareness and accessibility, natural and organic beauty is well on its way to becoming the industry standard by the end of the decade.

2) The Power of Social Media in Beauty’s Evolution

With billions of users combined, TikTok and Instagram have become powerhouse platforms where beauty brands engage with audiences creatively and interactively.

The retail economics reports that TikTok has moved far beyond entertainment, —it’s now changing the way people shop for beauty. Over 80% of users say the videos they watch directly shape their purchases, and nearly 90% discover new makeup trends through the platform.

Instagram, meanwhile, still holds its ground as the go-to hub for tutorials, product showcases, and influencer content—cementing its role in making beauty and cosmetics trends 2025 truly revolutionary, and the impact is already clear: TikTok Shop generated over $10 billion in beauty sales, with a staggering 153% surge in Q4 alone.

One in four users makes purchases after watching beauty videos. Meanwhile, Instagram fuels 87% of product discovery, cementing both platforms as central drivers of beauty trends, consumer trust, and social commerce growth.

3) Science Meets Skincare: How Biotech is Leading the Way

Even if you're not a beauty or skincare enthusiast, you've likely heard the buzzwords peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants—all of which target specific skin concerns such as aging, hydration, and hyperpigmentation.

These are part of the biotech sustainability movement that makes the beauty industry shine brighter than ever. By bringing science and innovation into cosmetics, companies are making skincare smarter, more effective, and greener.

 Biotech is beginning to reshape consumer expectations in beauty, with companies like BiotechXBeautyLabs leading the shift in 2025–26. Specializing in custom formulation and contract manufacturing, they are pushing the boundaries of skincare through biotech-enabled innovation.

 At the heart of their work are AI-generated bioactive ingredients, clinically tested and shown to outperform long-standing staples such as niacinamide and vitamin C. Their formulations are also 95% bio-based, striking a balance between high performance and environmental responsibility—an alignment that resonates strongly with today’s eco-conscious shoppers.

BiotechXBeautyLabs goes further by offering white-label and custom solutions, enabling beauty brands to bring advanced products to market quickly without compromising on sustainability. Their mission is clear: merge cutting-edge biotechnology with everyday cosmetics, creating beauty that is ethical, effective, and personal—while keeping the planet in focus.

4) The Evolution of Men’s Skincare

Among the biggest beauty and cosmetic trends 2025-26 is the rise of men’s skincare. According to Future Market Insights, it’s no longer a niche, it’s a booming global market projected to grow from USD 17.6 billion in 2025 to USD 37.3 billion by 2035. Men are no longer limited to legacy names like Gillette but are embracing a broader range of grooming and skincare solutions.

Advertisers fuel this momentum by reframing grooming as universal self-care. Brands design cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreens, anti-aging creams, and beard care products for men's unique skin needs.

Shifting cultural views of masculinity, rising disposable incomes, and digital engagement through e-commerce and AI-powered personalization continue accelerating growth.

Consumers today want premium, natural, and eco-friendly products, and brands are answering with more focus on sustainability and transparency. Big names like Nivea Men, L’Oréal Men Expert, and Clinique for Men join disruptors such as Hims and Geologie in driving this shift—making men’s grooming one of the standout beauty and cosmetic trends of the decade.

5) Rise of Affordable Beauty Alternatives and Dupes

Dupes can spark debate, often because they closely copy luxury products, whether it’s the packaging, texture, or performance. Still, their rising popularity makes them impossible to ignore when looking at beauty and cosmetics trends 2025.

Nearly half of Millennials and Gen Z use them, thanks to social media hype and tighter budgets. In the UK, private-label fragrance dupes saw sales increase by 50% in early 2024, demonstrating the popularity of the luxury look for less.

One brand leading the charge is MCoBeauty, an Australian label famous for its “luxe-for-less” products that mimic favorites from Charlotte Tilbury, Drunk Elephant, and more. Stocked in Woolworths, Big W, and Chemist Warehouse, the brand is on track to hit $250 million in turnover this year, proving that affordable dupes will be growing even more.

According to NielsenIQ (2023), consumers often experiment with affordable products when trying niche categories like primers or setting sprays before trading up later. A Dupe shop survey uncovered that 98% of shoppers say dupes have expanded their beauty routines.

For many consumers, choosing a dupe fragrance over a Chanel isn’t just about price—it’s about getting the same experience at a fraction of the cost.

6) AI and the Future of Personalized Skincare

Personalized skincare is no longer considered a luxury, it has become an everyday reality powered by AI. Instead of guessing which cream or serum might work, technology now creates routines and products tailored to each individual’s skin type and concerns.

AI tools can scan skin, track changes over time, and recommend exactly what’s needed. The personalized skincare market, valued at around $25–27 billion in 2024, is expected to almost double and reach $47 billion by 2034.

This growth reflects a wider shift toward beauty solutions that are personal and data-driven. AI is no longer working quietly in the background, it has moved to the center of how people shop and make decisions.

There’s something powerful about using a product designed just for you, and AI is bringing that feeling to life with measurable results. At JCPenney, for example, AI-powered beauty advisors helped customers convert 108% more often, spend 103% more time browsing, and increase their average order value by 23%.

On the product side, SmartSKN's AI-driven formulations—validated through clinical trials—delivered visible improvements in hydration, elasticity, pigmentation, and pore refinement. These results confirm AI is far more than hype.

7) Inclusivity and Its Impact on Beauty Worldwide

Inclusivity stands out as one of the most influential beauty and cosmetics trends 2025-26. For decades, the industry pushed a narrow idea of beauty, overlooking countless skin tones and identities. But that’s changed—because inclusivity is no longer a buzzword, it’s become the heartbeat of the industry.

The shift started when famous global pop icon and entrepreneur Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty with 50 foundation shades. It set a new standard, sales skyrocketed, and the message was clear: inclusivity isn’t just ethical, it’s profitable. Brands like Rare Beauty and M·A·C followed the lead, and today, inclusive brands are growing 1.5x faster than those that aren’t.

And inclusivity goes far beyond foundation ranges. Social media creators are rewriting beauty standards by celebrating real, unfiltered skin, while AI-powered personalization makes sure no complexion is left behind. In 2025, beauty isn’t about fitting in—it’s about being seen, valued, and represented.

Stay one step ahead with Xcel Global Panel

By 2030, the beauty and cosmetics industry is projected to reach unprecedented scale, fueled by cleaner formulations, biotech breakthroughs, inclusivity, and AI-powered personalization.

The momentum we see in beauty and cosmetics trends 2025 from organic skincare and affordable dupes to men’s grooming and social-driven shifts is setting the stage for this massive growth.

Beauty has become a global movement reaching every demographic. Yet with growth comes complexity and brands need more than surface-level insights to keep pace.

At Xcel Global Panel, we help you navigate this evolving landscape with precise data and advanced AI-driven research tools. As consumers demand natural formulations, chase affordable alternatives, and expect hyper-personalization, our validated panels capture true consumer diversity—from men entering skincare to Gen Z shaping trends worldwide. We go beyond numbers, delivering actionable insights to test products, map journeys, and measure innovation impact with confidence.

With clean data and advanced analytics, we ensure every insight is clear, every decision confident, and every opportunity within reach—so you can focus on growing what matters most. Contact us to gain deeper insights and stay ahead of evolving U.S. consumer trends.