At HARKE UK & Ireland, we’re passionate about helping formulators stay ahead of the curve. So we’ve researched the top five personal care trends shaping innovation across the personal care market, from TikTok-fuelled teen skincare to sustainable waterless formats. 

Below, you’ll find a short summary of each trend along with spotlight ingredients that are now available from HARKE UK & Ireland. 

 

1. Gen Alpha

SKINCARE FOR THE TIKTOK GENERATION

Gen Alpha (born 2010+) is driven by social media, seeking premium but gentle skincare for self-care and self-expression. They are looking for fun, sensory formulas with bright, playful aesthetics, that are shareable as well as effective.

Spotlight Ingredients:

• APPORE – A natural, eco-friendly active ingredient derived from upcycled apple juice gourds, chestnut peels, and persimmon leaves that boasts astringent properties, anti-inflammatory effects and antibacterial activity.
• Cosmospheres® – Natural, biodegradable cellulose beads designed to enhance the aesthetic and sensory experience in personal care products (ideal for fun, eye-catching teen skincare formulations).
• Carrubba Flavours – These flavours enhance the sensory appeal of teen skincare products with unique options like cookie dough, salted caramel, cotton candy and bubble gum that captivate the teen market.
• Star Anise Extract – Offers complete action against blemishes and the cutaneous manifestation of acne conditions, without irritating or damaging skin.

 

2. Active Scalp Reset

THE SKINIFICATION OF HAIRCARE

Scalp care is the new skincare. As concern over hair loss, irritation, and sensitivity rises, including temporary shedding from factors like rapid weight loss, consumers are seeking root-cause solutions.

Spotlight Ingredients:

• Azeloglicina® – Derived from azelaic acid and glycine, it helps combat hair loss by inhibiting the enzyme 5α-reductase, reducing dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels that contribute to androgenic alopecia.
• BIO-Placenta Hair – An advanced hair care ingredient designed to regulate the hair cycle and improve scalp health. Produced via Bio-Technology, this product is non-animal derived.
• Hair App® – A naturally derived powder based on a combination of hair-like amino acids which reinforce the hair in a natural way.
• Tricho-Solve – A natural, biotechnology-derived active ingredient formulated to address the primary causes of hair loss, including hormonal imbalances and inflammation.

 

3.Metabolic Mood

LINKING EMOTIONAL WELLBEING WITH SKIN HEALTH

The Metabolic Mood trend links emotional wellbeing, stress response, and skin health, merging metabolic actives with mood-boosting sensorial cues for a full “reset” experience.

Spotlight Ingredients:

• APPORE – A natural, eco-friendly active ingredient derived from upcycled apple juice gourds, chestnut peels, and persimmon leaves that boasts astringent properties, anti-inflammatory effects and antibacterial activity.
• Cosmospheres® – Natural, biodegradable cellulose beads designed to enhance the aesthetic and sensory experience in personal care products (ideal for fun, eye-catching teen skincare formulations).
• Carrubba Flavours – These flavours enhance the sensory appeal of teen skincare products with unique options like cookie dough, salted caramel, cotton candy and bubble gum that captivate the teen market.
• Star Anise Extract – Offers complete action against blemishes and the cutaneous manifestation of acne conditions, without irritating or damaging skin.

 

4. Pro Bio Boost

FERMENTED BEAUTY FOR SKIN AND HAIR HEALTH

Once a K-beauty niche, fermentation has gone mainstream. By enhancing bioavailability, fermented ingredients offer better hydration, barrier support, and anti-ageing benefits.

Spotlight Ingredients:

• Amino Keratin – A blend of bio-fermented amino acids that mimic the profile of keratin, strengthening, restructuring, and hydrating hair while enhancing shine for improved health and appearance.
• Deoplex® – A natural and versatile odour neutraliser made from fermented sugarcane enzymes that can be used in many applications, as it is a waterwhite clear liquid.
• Cerafy™ Pure NPo – A potent ceramide 3 solution that provides a biomimetic approach, supplementing the skin with ingredients that mimic natural ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier and boost moisture retention.
• Fermentoils – 100% natural, COSMOS-compliant fermented oils that enhance free fatty acid content, critical for skin health, while improving emulsion stability and offering a light, non-greasy feel.

 

5. Turning the Tide

INNOVATIONS IN WATERLESS AND UPCYCLED BEAUTY

With 67% of global consumers seeking sustainable beauty, waterless formats are leading the shift toward climate-friendly, high-performance personal care. Solid bars, powders and soluble packaging can lower transport emissions, reduce waste and prolong shelf life.

Spotlight Ingredients:

• Mackam® 2800 – A highly concentrated, powdered form of Cocamidopropyl Betaine with ultra-low water content, making it ideal for waterless formats such as syndet bars, solid shampoos, and water-soluble sachets.
• Geropon® TC 95 P – A high purity anionic surfactant in powder form with outstanding foaming, detergency and wetting properties whilst also being mild to both hair and skin.
• Omyacare® S70 KP – A natural mineral additive that not only enhances the sensory properties of soap bars but also contributes to cost efficiency and eco-friendly formulations.
• Up-Citrus Rheo – A 100% natural rheological agent derived from upcycled lemon peel waste that offers a sustainable alternative to traditional thickeners, enhancing formulation texture, providing a mattifying effect, and improving skin feel.

 

Find Out More

Want to dive deeper into the trends, formulations, and future-forward ingredients that will be shaping 2026 and beyond? Get in touch with our experienced technical sales and formulation experts. We’d love to share more insights and help you bring your next formulation to life.