New York City-based trend tracker Spate has released its Ingredients Trends Report with the New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists (NYSCC).

The report highlights the ingredients leading body, skin and hair care for 2026.

Top Skincare Ingredients

It’s no surprise polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) is the leading skincare ingredient driving the most significant change in popularity. PDRN saw a 322.3% year-over-year (YoY) growth or 1.1 million, with a popularity index of 1.4 million (Spate’s popularity index combines data from digital platforms, currently including Google, TikTok and Instagram).

Following is Centella asiatica with a popularity index of 1.0 million and a YoY increase of 146.9% or 598,100.

Other top ingredients include beef tallow, retinol, salicylic acid, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), collagen, turmeric, ceramide and Volufiline.

Volufiline had a popularity index of 219,800 a YoY increase of 203,200 or 1,200%. This Croda ingredient helps visibly enhance body contours by stimulating adipose tissue formation, encouraging lipid storage and adipocyte differentiation to promote a fuller, more sculpted look. Brands that formulate with this ingredient include k-beauty brand Sungboon Editor, The Ordinary and Skin1004. Spate analysts say consumers are eager to learn more about this ingredient, seeking before-and-after proof and product recommendations they can incorporate into their routine. On TikTok, consumers are showing interest in Medicube’s PDRN Pink Collagen Volume Multi Balm, which features Volufiline as a key ingredient.

Beta glucan was another top ingredient driving YoY growth in popularity at 739.9%. Its growth is propelled by consumer interest in hydration and skin barrier health across multiple product formats, including face serum, sunscreen and face moisturizer. K-beauty brand Iünik is leading the conversation across platforms next to The Ordinary and Hero Cosmetics. Beta glucan is also being used alongside anti-acne actives like tretinoin and azelaic acid.

Top Hair Care Ingredients

The top hair care ingredients by popularity increase include keratin, batana oil, aloe vera, collagen, onion, castor oil, nanoxidil, flax seeds, avocado oil and jojoba oil.

Spate analysts spotlighted castor oil, which had a popularity index of 289,200 with a YoY increase of 95,500%. Castor oil is growing at 2,100% YoY in hair care driven by consumer interest in hair and facial hair growth. Formats such as masks and conditioners are gaining traction as a more seamless way to incorporate it into their routine. Shea Moisture, Viva Naturals and Tropic Isle Living are top brands using the ingredient. On search, consumers seek education and guidance on castor oil, while creators are sharing results on social media. On Reddit, the conversation centers on hair loss, thinning edges and moisture, particularly among consumers with curly and textured hair. Queries include how to incorporate castor oil into a routine via shampoos, conditioners and leave-ins.

Other top ingredients by YoY growth in popularity include avocado oil, glycerin, fermented rice water, jojoba oil, almond oil, caffeine and peptide.

Peptides saw YoY growth of 118.7% in popularity. Analysts say peptides are crossing over from skincare to hair care, with consumers drawn to their potential for hair growth and density. The Ordinary is leading the charge with popularity score of 638,600, followed by K18 Biomimetic Hairscience at 298,700 and Briogeo at 65,100.

Top Body Care Ingredients

The top ingredients driving most significant change in popularity for body care are magnesium, hypochlorous acid, pheromone, turmeric, niacinamide, curcuma, Epsom salt, PDRN, turmeric oil and salicylic acid.

Salicylic acid achieved a YoY growth of 73.2%. Analysts say consumers are turning to its exfoliating properties for concerns like bacne (acne on the back) and keratosis pilaris (the bumpy skin found on the backs of arms and legs). Interest centers on rinse-off and leave-on formats with body washes, lotions and sprays gaining traction. Across platforms, consumers are seeking product recommendations featuring salicylic acid in body care. On TikTok, skin professionals and consumers are both driving the conversation, sharing expert advice and results, respectively, according to Spate.

Hypochlorous acid saw a 2,100% YoY growth in body care. Analysts say k-beauty brands and newcomers are carving out strong positions in acne care. Top-performing brands formulating with hypochlorous acid include Medicube, Personal Day, Tower 28 Beauty and Briotech.

Spate analysts noted that consumers are searching for toward hypochlorous acid-based hand sanitizers.