Innovation Exploration at In-Cosmetics Asia 2026

In-Cosmetics Asia 2026, organized by RX, will return to BITEC, Bangkok from Nov. 3-5.

The three-day trade show will exhibit 120 innovations launched within the last eight months. Featured in the Innovation Zone, they offer insight into how suppliers are approaching ingredient development and formulation challenges. From exploring the biological processes associated with skin aging to using AI to identify new ingredient combinations, personal care innovation is opening new possibilities.

The Zone will highlight developments in active and functional ingredients, with 77% of entries targeting skincare applications. This year’s ingredients point to growing interest in skin longevity, alternative sources and technologies that help formulators improve product performance.

“What’s interesting about this year’s Innovation Zone is the different ways suppliers are approaching familiar formulation challenges,” Sarah Gibson, event director of In-Cosmetics Asia. “We’re seeing new research into skin ageing alongside technologies that are changing how ingredients are sourced, developed and used. It’s exciting to look at the science behind the products consumers will be using in the future.”

New Approaches to Skin and Hair Concerns

As understanding of skin ageing develops, ingredient suppliers are exploring biological processes. Mibelle Biochemistry will present EpiSnow, derived from snow algae that survive in extreme conditions, the ingredient explores the role of epigenetics, which influences how genes behave in skin ageing. Naemos’ Synatis will explore skin neuro-longevity, focusing on the relationship between nerve signaling and skin health. Developed using precision indoor farming, the ingredient delivered a reported 15.9% improvement in skin firmness and a 15.4% reduction in wrinkle count in a 28-day supplier study.

New extraction techniques are also creating opportunities to improve the properties of botanical ingredients. Daebong LS uses advanced water-based extraction to increase the concentration of beneficial compounds in its PCA Glow ingredient, derived from Jeju-sourced Houttuynia cordata. The process produces up to 6.3 times more protocatechuic acid than conventional extraction methods, supporting the ingredient’s skin-brightening application.

Alternative ingredient sources are also being explored in haircare. Special Chemicals’ SCH AlgaeTech Keratin uses microalgae to create an alternative to conventional keratin, designed to mimic the amino acid composition of human hair and support damaged hair formulations.
Meanwhile, Shenzhen Dieckmann Biotechnology’s DKM-Cer Retinoic(S)-L2.0 combines the anti-ageing properties of a retinol derivative with soothing and skin barrier support, bringing multiple benefits together in one ingredient.

Improving Performance

Innovation is not limited to new actives. Functional ingredients are also helping formulators improve texture, stability and product performance.

Ashland‘s effisin em natural multifunctional uses AI-driven screening to identify compounds that can help preserve cosmetic formulations. Made using upcycled corn cob, the ingredient is designed to support protection against fungal growth at low concentrations. Meanwhile, SAES Chemicals’ Coffea Regenera transforms a coffee-processing byproduct into a multifunctional ingredient for color cosmetics and skincare, combining natural color, texture and reported biological benefits.

In suncare, Patech Fine Chemicals’ Paester PH-23 helps distribute mineral UV filters more evenly throughout a formulation, improving their effectiveness. Supplier tests reported SPF increases of 23% in a titanium dioxide formulation and approximately 100% in a zinc oxide formulation.
Vantage Personal Care’s Distinctive Mac, an upcycled emollient made from macadamia oil, offers a silky, silicone-like feel without greasiness. Its multifunctional properties also make it suitable for mineral UV-filter dispersion, makeup removal and hair frizz control.

Together, this year’s entries show how active and functional ingredients can take different forms. All Innovation Zone entries will automatically be entered into the in-cosmetics Asia 2026 Innovation Zone Best Ingredient Awards, with winners announced on Tuesday, Nov. 3. A panel of 12 independent industry experts will judge the shortlisted innovations, and the event is free for visitors to attend and experience.

The shortlisted nominees in the Functional category are:

• Alchemy by Elementis with Spraymulse
• Ashland Singapore with effisin em natural multifunctional
• BASF with Emulgade Verde PE
• Clariant Ltd with Eclipsogen CAP Duo Z
• Dow with Dowsil EL-9400 Hybrid Elastomer Blend
• Evonik (Thailand) with TEGO FILMSTAR BST1
• Gattefossé with Protecticire MB
• Givaudan: product to be revealed at the show
• SAES Chemicals with Coffea Regenera
SEPPIC Asia with Solagum X+
Active Category Nominees
• BASF with NeoHelix Regenerate
• DSM-Firmenich with Glycare SK Renew
• Givaudan Active Beauty with PrimalHyal NeuroYouth
• LipoTrue, SL with Glintarine
• Naemos with Synatis
• Sethic with Illumeta
• Solabia Group with Bloomlight
• Viablife Biotech with BioNia: 100% Biobased Vitamin B3 for Sustainable Beauty
• Vytrus Biotech with Ignilyte – Bioelectric power for your skin
• Vytrus Biotech with Toleroxyl. Re-educating urban skin

In-Cosmetics Asia 2026 will be co-located with Cosmex. To register, visit the In-Cosmetics Asia website here.