Skincare keeps evolving in 2026, just as it has every year before. We'll cover the biggest cosmetics trends of 2026 and the newest skincare recommendations, touching on skincare products and makeup as well as cosmetic procedures.
Contents
- Full Face Botox
- Astaxanthin Instead of Vitamin C
- Concealer Serum
- Reusable Under-Eye Patches
- Ceramides
- Rice Water Shampoo
- Acne Patches
- Metallic and Iridescent Shades
- Red Light Therapy
- Solid Perfume
- Frequently Asked Questions
Full Face Botox
A treatment protocol that targets not just the upper third of the face but the muscles across the entire face — sometimes including the neck — is gaining popularity. The result is a more natural range of expression, without the sharp contrast that can appear between the upper and lower face.
Botox is administered only by a doctor after a consultation. For at-home anti-ageing care, creams with peptides are popular — for example, THE DOCTOR face cream with snake venom peptide. You'll find more products in our Anti-ageing face care selection.
Astaxanthin Instead of Vitamin C
One of 2026's cosmetic novelties is a swap in antioxidants. Skincare products have traditionally relied on ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, to neutralize free radicals, but astaxanthin has a “slight” edge: in a lab test measuring how well antioxidants neutralize singlet oxygen, a reactive form of oxygen, it proved roughly 6,000 times more active than vitamin C. That's why astaxanthin has become a major skincare trend.
Astaxanthin is a red-orange pigment from the carotenoid family, sourced from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. Beyond cosmetics, it also comes in capsules as a food supplement — for example, OstroVit Astaxanthin Forte and Swanson Astaxanthin. Vitamin C serums remain a classic, though: the PERFECT BEAUTY serum, for instance, pairs vitamin C with ceramides.
Concealer Serum
Another 2026 skincare trend is the concealer serum. Search volume for this product category has jumped by 250%. These products blur the line between skincare and makeup — working as a concealer to cover dark circles and acne scars while also functioning as a serum, delivering a creamy texture and hydration.
Look for hydrating face serums, such as those with hyaluronic acid, in our Serums category.
Reusable Under-Eye Patches
In 2026, reusable eye masks and patches are going viral on TikTok. They target dark circles, fine lines, and dryness. Some are designed for short morning use, smoothing puffiness and creases in as little as 10 minutes, while others are worn overnight. Unlike disposable patches, these are removed and reused — the same pair can be worn dozens of times.
Classic single-use hydrogel patches — such as VICTORIA BEAUTY with vitamin C or DIZAO with hyaluronic acid and charcoal — are in our Eye patches category.
Ceramides
Ceramides burst onto the cosmetics scene in 2022, and their popularity has continued to climb through 2026. Expect this trend to carry into 2027 as well. Ceramides help boost the skin's moisture levels, leaving it firmer and more elastic.
Ceramides are lipids that make up much of the skin's protective barrier — roughly half of the lipids in its outer layer. In the Vitateka range you'll find them in, for example, NIVELAZIONE night cream and the PAX MOLY hyaluronic acid mask. More products are in our Face moisturising selection.
Rice Water Shampoo
A growing trend borrowed from Asian beauty culture. Between the 800s and the late 1100s, court ladies in Japan were known for their beautiful floor-length hair. According to accounts, these women rinsed their hair daily in the water used to wash rice. The hashtag #ricewater has passed a billion views on TikTok, with one video on the topic racking up 600,000 likes.
You'll find shampoos for every hair type in our Shampoos and Conditioners category, and care for weakened hair in the Hair strengthening selection.
And to find out which vitamins and minerals hair itself needs, read our article Supplements for Stronger Hair.
Acne Patches
In 2026, acne patches remain one of the biggest skincare hits. Their popularity surged after a photo of Justin Bieber wearing them circulated online. Made from a gel-like material used in wound healing, these patches also draw out impurities and calm irritation. The brand Starface turned this kind of care into a style statement, offering patches in a range of colors — its Hello Kitty collaboration sold out within three days, and thousands of people joined the waitlist.
On a similar note, it's worth mentioning ZitSticka's KILLA patches, which use self-dissolving microneedles.
For targeted care of blemish-prone skin, try, for example, the IDEE DERM spot gel with salicylic acid. For everyday care tips, read our article Problematic and Oily Skin – Care Recommendations.
Metallic and Iridescent Shades
In 2026, silver, rose gold, taupe, and brass tones are popular for both nails and makeup. Cosmetics companies are reporting a sharp rise in sales of metallic-finish products, including rose-gold lip formulas.
The metallic trend has reached hair color too — for example, RUBELLA METALLIC dyes in Silver Blonde and Metallic Pink.
Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is increasingly used for acne. This skincare trend has been building for several years but was mostly available as an in-salon treatment. In 2026, there are more and more at-home devices, shaped like full-face masks or handheld wands.
Solid Perfume
Solid perfume is sold in reusable packaging, and there are now hair fragrances, too. The texture is similar to lip balm. One of the best-known solid scents is Glossier You, while hair perfumes are made by brands such as Gisou.
Summary
Keep an eye on cosmetic trends to stay ahead of the curve — we'll keep you posted on what's happening in the beauty and skincare industry.
Find face and hair products in our Face care and Hair care categories, and food supplements for skin, hair and nails in Skin, hair, nails.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main skincare trends of 2026?
Multifunctional products such as concealer serums, the antioxidant astaxanthin, ceramides for the skin barrier, reusable eye patches and acne patches. Among procedures — full-face Botox and red light therapy, including at-home devices.
How is astaxanthin different from vitamin C?
Both are antioxidants. Vitamin C dissolves in water, while astaxanthin is a fat-soluble carotenoid, a pigment found in microalgae. In a lab test of singlet oxygen quenching, astaxanthin was about 6,000 times more active than vitamin C, but that result describes a single chemical reaction, not how a product works on the skin overall.
Why does skin need ceramides?
Ceramides are natural lipids of the skin's outer layer and make up about half of its lipids. They help the skin retain moisture, which is why ceramide products are often chosen for dry and sensitive skin.
Can a cream replace Botox?
No. Botulinum toxin acts on the muscles, while a cream works on the surface layers of the skin. Peptide creams and moisturizers can help skin look smoother, but they don't give the effect of injections. Any decision about the procedure should be made with a doctor.
Important Information
This article is for general information only and does not replace a consultation with a dermatologist or cosmetologist. Botox and device-based treatments should be performed by a specialist. Before using a new cosmetic product for the first time, test it on a small area of skin. Food supplements are not medicines and do not replace a varied, balanced diet; do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
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