Skincare and haircare are becoming less about what’s new and exciting, and more about what genuinely works. We’re seeing people stepping away from overloaded routines and viral quick fixes, and towards effective products that are thoughtfully formulated and better for both you and the planet.

Here are some of the trends shaping skincare and haircare in 2026, so you can approach your routine with confidence.

1. Fewer products with smarter formulations

One of the defining skincare trends for 2026 is simplification. Instead of routines with dozens of steps, people are choosing fewer products that deliver multiple benefits.

At the top of the list are gentle cleansers with active ingredients, serums that hydrate while supporting your skin barrier, and hair treatments that care for both your scalp and lengths. This approach isn’t about doing less; it’s about choosing formulas that work harder and more intelligently.

Don’t know where to start with your skincare and haircare routines? See our beginner guides. If you have sensitive skin, you may need to amend your routine slightly.

2. Trusting science over hype

We expect ingredient literacy to grow in 2026. Consumers are looking beyond catchy names and sleek marketing to focus on why ingredients are used, and how they can support skin and hair health. Products with bold but unfounded claims are being left behind, with people prioritising natural formulations with independently tested results. 

This shift reflects a broader move towards transparency in the beauty industry, where ingredient sourcing, product formulation and business models matter as much as the visible results from a product.

Learn about some of the upcycled ingredients we use in our formulations, and see the lab results of our hair serum. 

3. Skin barrier care is essential

In 2026, skin barrier health is foundational to effective skincare. This approach supports long-term skin health and prioritises consistency over intensity.

Rather than attempting to correct damage after it happens, new routines are focused on protecting the skin barrier from the beginning. Natural products that help skin retain moisture, defend against environmental stressors and maintain balance are becoming everyday essentials for all ages.

If you’re wondering whether your skin barrier may be damaged, look for signs of dry or flaky skin, a dull complexion or hyperpigmentation, itchy and inflamed skin, and conditions like rosacea and eczema. This can be caused by free radical damage and environmental stressors like smoking and stress. Repairing your skin barrier is all about consistently adding hydration to your skin.

4. TikTok skincare trends through a critical lens

Social media platforms, in particular TikTok, continue to influence how people discover products, but 2026 sees a more informed approach. While TikTok skincare trends still drive awareness, people have started to take more care over what they buy into, and are less likely to follow complex or aggressive routines without fully understanding the impact on their skin.

Educational content, ingredient explainers and realistic expectations are replacing extreme and ‘miracle’ transformations. The result is slower, more informed decision-making, and ultimately, healthier skin in the long run.

5. Haircare borrowing from skincare

Haircare trends for 2026 are increasingly informed by applying skincare principles, especially when it comes to your scalp.

If you’re looking for stronger, thicker hair, a healthy scalp is the first step. Gentle cleansing, targeted scalp and hair treatments, and nourishing ingredients are becoming standard, with skincare-inspired actives appearing more frequently in haircare formulations.

Rather than hiding issues, modern haircare focuses on supporting scalp health at the source. Just as the skin on your body reacts to daily stresses and free radicals, so does the skin on your scalp. This means that your scalp also needs some care and attention to avoid the symptoms of scalp conditions, such as dryness, itchiness and redness.

It’s important to note that the weather and time of year can impact your hair: see our guide to seasonal haircare. 

6. Sustainability as the starting point

The rest of the world is starting to catch up with what we’ve been preaching for years now: sustainability is not a bonus, it’s expected. But in 2026, consumers want evidence and behind-the-scenes access, not promises.

Refillable packaging, circular economy models and upcycled ingredients are now embedded within skincare industry trends. Now more than ever, people are becoming clued up on what sustainability really means and how to decode eco-certifications boasted by brands. 

People are actively choosing brands that align with their values, reinforcing the idea that effective skincare and responsible practices should always go hand in hand.

7. Men’s skincare becomes more targeted

Skincare is for everyone, and people are increasingly realising that. Men's skincare trends continue to evolve beyond basic routines, with a demand for products that address specific concerns without unnecessary complexity.

Straightforward routines, clear benefits and universal formulations are key, alongside less gendered messaging. The focus is on long-term skin health rather than quick cosmetic fixes.

8. Encapsulated ceramides

Ceramides are a type of lipid that plays a huge role in keeping your natural skin barrier healthy and able to protect your skin from damage. This is because ceramides hold together the skin cells, while also protecting them from external stressors in the environment, such as free radicals.

They’ve been on our radar for years, and we’re excited to bring our own custom delivery technology to ceramides this year. After a year and a half of development, we've created an encapsulated ceramide + maca root complex, designed to travel deeper into the skin, delivering actives with far greater precision and efficacy than traditional formulas.

9. Korean-inspired formulas

Korean skincare has long been praised for its innovative approach to formulas and ingredients, focusing on long-term skin health, as well as intense moisturisation and barrier protection. 

This year, expect to see UpCircle draw inspiration from Korean formulas. It’s a huge milestone for us – and a nod to the gold standard of skin innovation.

10. Exosomes in skincare

Exosomes are "message carriers" which mimic how our cells naturally communicate. 

In one of our new 2026 products, exosomes help safely shuttle retinol and marine algae (seaweed) exactly where your skin needs them – keeping ingredients stable, potent and effective.

11. Intentional haircare routines

Haircare is becoming intentional: knowing exactly which products to use for what benefit. From natural hair oils and serums to shampoo and conditioner, every step should have a specific purpose. Here is an easy breakdown:

• Scalp + Hair Oil: Targets dryness and damage.
• Shampoo: Cleanses hair and scalp.
• Conditioner: Nourishes and conditions locks.
• Hair Serum: Protects, hydrates, and smooths strands.

What these trends mean for your routine

The future of skincare and haircare isn’t about keeping up with every launch and influencer recommendation. It’s about choosing well-formulated essentials, prioritising your skin barrier and scalp health, and supporting brands that match your ethics.

See our full collection of natural, eco-friendly skincare, haircare, and bodycare.