NYSCC Suppliers’ Day 2025, held June 3 and 4 in New York City, gave a panoramic view of today’s hottest topics and trends in cosmetics and personal care R&D. This year’s show spotlighted a blend of science and emotion, with a notable emphasis on the mind-skin connection, biodegradable innovation and performance + experience.
Following, we run down the main themes we saw and heard — which is just a sampling of where the industry is headed and how suppliers are helping shape a more resilient and responsible future for beauty.
| 1. Neurocosmetics and the Mind-Skin Connection |
| -Relaxation and sleep |
| -Well aging |
| -Acne care as an approach to mental wellness – big opportunity |
| -Slow aging |
| -Neuroesthetics |
| -The role of fragrance |
| -Somatosensory metrics |
| -Dopamine release from product application (even from touch alone) |
| -Oxytocin boost (a dormant hyacinth bulb-derived active) |
| -The new era of seeing, touching and feeling (emotionally) |
| -Neurotrophins |
| 2. Longevity and Pro-aging |
| -“Better aging” focus on protecting skin proactively rather than reactively addressing hallmarks with actives |
| -Melatonin and NAD+ as “longevi-genes” |
| -Tech neck |
| -Skin glow, radiance |
| -Peptides |
| -“Slow aging” – Gen Z leading the charge |
| -UV and ozone protection |
| -Sunscreen sensory and dispersion |
| -Barrier repair |
| -Anti-inflammation |
| -Skin brightening from mushroom |
| -Skin smoothness and firmness |
| 3. Hair Health, Bonding and Shine |
| -Bonding hair deeper within strands to improve strength |
| -Hair protection (as a wellness and longevity approach) |
| -Cuticle sealing for a more surface-level treatment (or combined with bonding) |
| -Focus on hair density (and mushroom extract for such) |
| -Ceramides and phytosphingosine; biomimetic blends; long chain fatty acids |
| -Dry scalp/flaking |
| -Exosomes for hair and scalp |
| -Hair smoothness and shine |
| -UV and ozone protection |
| -Glass hair |
| -Hair fall |
| -Hair vitality |
| 4. Biodegradable and Biotech |
| -Biodegradation a bigger focus than “sustainability” |
| -Certification of green claims (Forestry Council) |
| -Biotech-derived materials as eco-friendly approach to naturals |
| -Bio-based PDRN (and other bio-based alternatives) |
| -Plant stem cells |
| -Exosomes |
| -Endophytes |
| -Microplastic replacements |
| -EU regulations |
| -Precision fermentation |
| -Yeast extracts |
| 5. Advancing Color Cosmetics |
| -Soft focus in color cosmetics |
| -Non-nano solutions |
| -Talc replacement and compressibility |
| -Longer wear, film forming |
| -Care benefits plus color (multifunctionality) |
| -High gloss in lips (silicones) |
| -Actives for dehydrated lips |
| -Cream for “smokers’ lines” and wrinkles |
| -Dispersion |
| -Good payoff |
| -Even coverage |
| 6. Ingredient Upgrades |
| -Emulsifiers focus; changing only the emulsifier changes the whole sensory profile |
| -Stabler |
| -More sustainable/bio-based feedstocks |
| -Plant-based alternatives |
| -Modified starches and oils |
| -Functionalized pH buffer (not yet launched) |
| -Modified cellulose esters |
| -Compatibility |
| -Extracting botanicals together |
| -Purity level |
| -New and deeper data on existing products |
| 7. Honorable Mentions |
| -Performance + experience for consumers (they want both) |
| -Sensory in sunscreens |
| -Non-whitening on deeper skin tones |
| -AI-aided formulating tools (several were demonstrated) |
| -Testing for hypoallergenic claims/safety (heavy metals and microbio are critical) |
| -Misinformation in the market; “infodemic” |
| -Visible as well as tactile texture |
| -Porphyrin reduction |
| -Addressing visible and invisible damage or imbalances |
| -Food-inspired innovation |
| -K-Beauty |
