Next In Beauty 2025-2026 - Boundless Beauty Trend
In a rapidly evolving beauty landscape, Lubrizol stands at the forefront of innovation with Foresee LabTM. This unique internal program is dedicated to connecting consumer and market insights with cutting-edge science to identify emerging trends and opportunities in the Home and Beauty sectors.
As we review the market forces shaping the beauty industry in 2025 and 2026, Foresee Lab™ has identified a trend we call "Boundless Beauty." This trend represents a broader definition of beauty that challenges societal norms and traditional notions and is reflected in conversations exploring the connection between mental well-being and physical appearance.
Gen Credo: Insights into the New Beauty Paradigm
The definition of beauty is expanding beyond traditional boundaries, influenced heavily by the younger generations.
For Gen Z and young Millennials, skin-positivity is a crucial element of self-care. A staggering 61% of Gen Zers believe it is crucial for brands to promote positive body image and diversity. These generations are moving away from overly polished looks, instead embracing practical beauty solutions like face patches. This trend illustrates a shift towards a more authentic and self-aware approach to beauty.
Beauty brands targeting this cohort are recognizing this trend by developing products that look beyond mere aesthetics.
Meanwhile, Gen Alpha, who are just beginning to establish their personal care routines, are also demonstrating an understanding of the link between self-care and beauty. Approximately 64% of 13-year-olds are actively seeking ways to improve their mental health and are, in fact, starting to integrate well-being into their daily routines. This younger consumer is more inclined to explore ways to pamper themselves, integrating self-care into their daily lives from an early age.
Mind-Skin Connection: The Science Behind the Trend
The concept of psychodermatology, which explores the interplay between emotions and skin health, is also gaining traction and presents an opportunity for the development of innovative beauty products designed to alleviate stress and enhance mood.
By incorporating functional and active ingredients, such as emollients that evoke feelings of joy or peptides that promote calm, beauty products can address the impact of negative emotions on the skin. Evidence-based claims to support these benefits will be essential to validate the efficacy of such products and to gain consumers’ trust.
Lubrizol Response: Innovative Solutions for a New Era
In response to this burgeoning trend of merging mental well-being with beauty, Lubrizol offers a diverse range of products that cater to these evolving consumer needs.
Uniclay™ biotech ingredient and Argireline® YOUth peptide have been shown to boost confidence in young generations. By leveraging our Sensomer™ Tara polymer, we are creating engaging textures like reusable hydrogel patches leveraging. To pamper gen Alpha with safety, we offer mild emulsifiers such as Pemulen™ EZ-4U polymer and Glucate™ DO emulsifier, which are suitable for sensitive skin
Also worth highlighting is our Zenerity™ biotech ingredient, which promotes positive emotions and skin health in sensitive skin.
By aligning with the Gen Credo and Mind-skin Connection, Lubrizol not only meets the evolving demands of today’s consumers but also pioneers a new era in beauty where mental and physical health are seamlessly integrated. As the boundaries of beauty continue to expand, Lubrizol remains committed to leading the way with innovative solutions that support holistic well-being.