From a high-coverage sunscreen active to a wrinkle-fighting mineral, three leading skincare experts share their crystal ball predictions for the most exciting skincare ingredients to watch in 2026.
5 Skincare Ingredients Experts Want You To Know For 2026
First it was probiotics, then prebiotics, and now it’s time for postbiotics to take over the beauty aisle. Think of it as the nutrient-rich goop the good bacteria produce (peptides, enzymes, organic acids, etc.) after feasting on prebiotics.
“Postbiotics offer measurable benefits without the instability of live probiotics,” says Dr. Dara Spearman, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates, Indiana. They help strengthen the skin barrier, boost hydration, and reduce inflammation, she explains. They may also improve skin elasticity and help fight acne by controlling oil production, says Dr. Erum Ilyas, board-certified dermatologist and associate professor at Drexel University College of Medicine.
This broad-spectrum UV filter is one of the most hotly anticipated sunscreen actives poised to enter the U.S. market next year. Already a staple in Europe and Asia, it’ll be the first new sunscreen filter to be approved by the FDA in over two decades.
“While most chemical filters offer UVB protection, not all are effective against UVA rays, making bemotrizinol stand out as a multitasker,” says Valerie Aparovich, biochemist and certified cosmetologist-aesthetician.
Not only that, it’s highly photostable, unlike some older filters that tend to break down and quickly lose efficacy after UV exposure, says Dr. Spearman. “It also enhances the performance of other filters when formulated together,” she adds.
These retinoid-mimicking molecules, extracted from marine algae, act as a gentle, plant-based dupe for retinol. The bioactive compounds help stimulate collagen and increase cell turnover without causing redness, peeling, or irritation, which is often associated with retinol.
“Algae-derived bio-retinol has tremendous potential,” says Dr. Spearman. Early comparative studies suggest it may work well for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin that can’t tolerate traditional retinoids, she notes. It can also help even out skin tone by improving hyperpigmentation and inhibiting melanin production, says Aparovich.
Exosomes have dominated the skincare space this year, and it looks like they are here to stay. Though the clinical evidence is limited, they show promise for anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as potential hair growth benefits, says Dr. Ilyas. Expect to see more advanced and stable formulations designed to increase efficacy, including a shift toward synthetic and plant-derived exosomes as a safer and more sustainable alternative to human-derived exosomes.
Malachite is a copper-rich mineral known for its antioxidant properties. “In vitro studies have shown its ability to protect against oxidative stress induced by pollution and UV exposure,” says Dr. Spearman. Oxidative stress is one of the key culprits behind premature aging, hyperpigmentation, dull complexion, and acne.
Since copper plays a key role in making collagen, copper-rich ingredients like malachite may also support collagen production and tissue repair. However, Dr. Spearman notes that we still need more robust clinical data. “If more standardized, safety-tested versions appear, it could transition from niche to mainstream,” she says.