12 K-Beauty trends in 2026 that you should know about

Skincare trends 2026: Holistic well-being, sensory aspects, and preventive skincare

1. Well-being from within — cosmetics as a promoter of general well-being

The role of cosmetics in people's lives has grown enormously in recent years, and especially after the coronavirus pandemic, the importance and impact of skincare on people's well-being has given it a new place in everyday life. Skincare is no longer just about correcting flaws or achieving softer, more radiant skin, but a ritual that provides at least a small calm moment during the day. Good skincare is not about doing as much as possible, but about considering what is just right for me the best way to take care of min skin. Skincare has clear benefits for mental health when performed with a gentle and forgiving attitude towards oneself – not by looking for faults, but by taking care of oneself.

Therefore, the focus in 2026 will be even more on the holistic view of skincare and how skincare is more than just caring for the surface, but promoting health and well-being. We know how mind and body are in perfect harmony, so by taking care of our body, we simultaneously take care of our mind 💜

2. The sensory aspect of skincare and neurocosmetics

A strong connection to holistic well-being and the emotional impact of cosmetics is found in the sensory aspect of skincare. In the coming year 2026, we will see even more incredible cosmetic formulations that are both visually beautiful and interesting as well as sensorily pleasant. Cosmetics strive to affect all our senses even more so that their effect and action are more comprehensive.

In K-beauty, we are already used to unusual textures, whether it involves snail mucin or various foams. These different innovative textures are likely to become even more visible! Some examples of innovative textures are already present in Some By Mi's new retinol products (foaming toner!), as well as in boba-like VT Cosmetics and Medicubes face creams.

Besides the sense of touch, the sense of smell is one of our most significant senses on an emotional level. Scents evoke memories and can trigger strong both positive and negative emotions. The role of scents will increase in the future and our range will also be expanded with more perfumes from K-beauty brands. No worries – fragrance-sensitive can avoid this trend by choosing from our large selection of fragrance-free products 😘

Strongly connected to the senses is one of next year's biggest trends: 'neurocosmetics'. It goes even deeper into how cosmetics affect our senses and emotions, and how in the future it can promote mental health even more, for example by calming the mind and even facilitating falling asleep. Note! In cosmetics, neurocosmetics does not mean products that affect the nervous system or psyche, but cosmetics that target our senses.

3. Skin strengthening and sustainable thinking in skincare

In Korea and Japan, there has been fermented ingredients used for centuries, but their popularity will only grow in 2026. Postbiotic, that is ingredients that have arisen through fermentation, will play an increasingly important role and the well-being of the microbiome is supported by launching more gentle cleansing products as well as products with fermented ingredients. Fermented ingredients have long been used in Korea and have many benefits, including their ability to deliver active substances more effectively and gently to the skin as well as fermentation's ability to make the ingredients more biodegradable, thus more environmentally friendly.

A K-beauty brand that has long focused on the microbiome is in Yeppo's range: Ma:nyo, whose Bifida Biome-series has long been popular among many.

At the center of skincare is still strong skin and preventive of problems, not to correct problems that have already occurred. The skin is cared for with a long-term perspective, sustainably and carefully, focusing on well-researched and innovative ingredients. Longevity thus long vitality and maintained skin health, is a concept that will hopefully replace the long-used and often controversial term ‘anti-aging’, because the purpose and goal is not to try to go back in time, but to act preventively, protect the skin from external stressors and strengthen the skin's natural functions. With the longevity trend, protection against UV radiation and the role of antioxidants will continue to be strongly present. Sunscreen technology is constantly evolving and the goal is to launch more accessible and pleasant sunscreen products that exclude no one. Ingredients that strengthen the skin's protective barrier, such as peptides, ceramides, and urea, are also among the most sought after.

4. Product multifunctionality, individualization, and skinimalism

For the skin's well-being, a simpler skincare routine is always superior. In 2026, we will see more and more multifunctional products where one product can replace two or more others, making skincare more efficient and accessible. Life is busier than ever, and skincare should not be a burden but bring joy and well-being in everyday life. Therefore, skinimalism, that is simple skincare where unnecessary steps are avoided, will be even more popular next year as it meets people's need for relief in a stressful everyday life.

The trend of multifunctionality is also seen in the composition and packaging design of products. The previously mentioned bubble-like face creams from VT Cosmetics and [medicube] enable an individual and needs-adapted experience. In the same way, [d'Alba]'s White Truffle Double Serum & Cream two-part packaging allows giving the skin exactly what it needs, as the needs often differ in different parts of the face. Such innovations are expected to become increasingly common and promote versatility and individuality in skincare ✨

5. The rise of biotechnology

Biotechnology has long had a growing role in cosmetics and will become even more significant in the future. Biotechnologically produced ingredients, which often mimic natural particles, strive for both multifunctionality and beauty care that respects the environment.

An ingredient to keep an eye on is exosomes, which will become one of the most talked-about ingredients in 2026. Exosomes came into the spotlight already this year but will be seen even more and become the most popular ingredient in 2026.

What are exosomes? Exosomes are very small, naturally occurring particles encapsulated in lipids (fats) that almost all of our body cells secrete. Exosomes are found in both animal and plant-based sources, such as algae. Exosomes act as messengers between cells and transport biologically active compounds like proteins, lipids, growth factors, and genetic material, thereby influencing the function of recipient cells. They play a central role in cell communication, for example in regulating immune responses, inflammatory reactions, and recovery.

Another biotechnological ingredient that we will continue to see in K-beauty is PDRN, which is very popular in Korean injection treatments and whose benefits are also being explored for use in cosmetic products. More information about PDRN can be found in the here the article!

Discover these innovative active ingredients, among others, in Medicube's One Day Exosome Shot 7500 serum as well as in VT Cosmetics PDRN Capsule Cream 100-cream

6. Luxurious beauty treatments as part of everyday life

In 2025, Medicube's skincare devices, AGE-R Booster units, went viral, and this does not decline in 2026. The need to achieve the effect of clinical treatments at home, in a milder but still safe version, is increasing. This is seen, among other things, in well-known ingredients from treatments such as PDRN and PLLA (poly-l-lactic acid used in Sculptra), as well as in the use of skincare devices. Although one cannot yet expect or claim that any of these can replace a professional treatment at a clinic, their purpose is to make skincare at home more effective and add a luxurious feeling to everyday skincare.

Explore Yeppo's skincare devices here!

Makeup trends 2026: Messy girl, skincare, and maximalism

7. “Messy Girl” — relaxed and authentic

Clean Girl is giving way to Messy Girl – we know life is not polished and flawless and we are ready to show it. In K-Beauty, there is a combination of Messy Girl influences in a watery, glossy base that shimmers and shows the skin's own texture. K-Beauty will continue to be a source of innovative base products that even out the skin's texture, but the trend towards grunge is clear and the need to not pretend to be perfect is growing.

Although the skin should still be kept as radiant and hydrated as possible, the lips should be soft and misty, like a cloud, just like in Muzigae Mansion's velvety lip products ☁️

8. The fusion of makeup and skincare

As an extension of the skinimalism trend, makeup and skincare products will become even more inseparable. Makeup should not only enhance and highlight but also provide skincare benefits. This is seen in the increased amount of active ingredients in base products and in nourishing and growth-promoting ingredients in mascaras, such as in Cosnori's Perfect Setting Waterproof mascaras.

To achieve a natural makeup base, it is also popular to mix skincare products into the base to get as transparent a result as possible. Primers are also excellent hybrid products that both care for the skin and prepare it for a perfect makeup base, a perfect example of this is [espoir]'s Dewlike Jello Glworizer.

Behind this trend are also ever higher expectations from consumers on brands, as consumers want value for money and their investment. The best base for makeup, however, is a good skincare routine, so makeup products must work well together with skincare products.

9. Colorfulness and maximalism

Again, as a contrast to the Clean Girl trend, colors make a big comeback in 2026! This has already been seen when Zara Larsson's makeup went viral and this trend is predicted to grow even more during 2026.

Maximalism and strong use of colors open the possibility to express oneself even more freely and boldly. Eye-catching makeup is no longer reserved for parties, but unique styles are part of everyday life, in self-expression, just like clothing. This trend can also be seen as a reaction to the post-pandemic era, when meticulousness, precision, and caution were crucial. Now, as a contrast to this and the need to see and experience something authentic, we can expect more courage, greater deviations, and expressiveness also within beauty trends.

In K-Beauty, this trend is not yet as strong, but it is more visible among indie brands like Muzigae Mansion, glow and Unleashia.

💫 We are still following K-Beauty's makeup trends and will update the article when more information about upcoming trends is available 💫

Hair trends 2026: Scalp wellness and Glass Hair

10. Balance and strengthening of the scalp as promoters of scalp wellness

In Korea, there has long been a much greater focus on scalp wellness than in Western countries. Scalp care is, however, just as much skincare, and by 2026 this will be even more in focus!

Ingredients well known from skincare, such as exosomes, PDRN, and fermented ingredients, are increasingly seen as part of haircare as well. Products familiar in skincare, like treatment essences, are expected in the future to be used also for hair and scalp. Their role is to provide soothing ingredients to the scalp and ensure a healthy scalp microbiome, which generally supports hair strength and health.

11. From skincare to haircare: "skinification of hair"

As a continuation of the focus on scalp wellness, the external ideals for hair also reflect the ideals of skincare. Glass skin has been one of K-beauty's biggest trends and now this is also seen in hair. The Glass Hair trend aims to give hair intense shine by focusing on ingredients that smooth the hair, such as vegetable oils and peptides.

In Yeppo's assortment, there are already some such products that provide strong shine, e.g. Growus hair oil with pearl complex, which add shine and smooth all hair types.

12. Other K-beauty phenomena and trends in 2026

From cosmetics to accessories: keychains and other collectible accessories. In Korea, it is very popular to include products in various travel-sized packages as part of the outfit. Especially lip balms in the form of keychains, which have also been seen in hwarang's lip masks.

More environmentally friendly packaging and formulations. With Korea as a significant producer of cosmetics, the need to create more ecological alternatives has also increased. Environmentally friendly packaging and refillable containers will therefore be seen more and more! 🌱

Summary

2026 is the year when technology, science, and holistic well-being meet aesthetics. K-beauty remains a trendsetter in innovation, but global phenomena such as acceptance of imperfection and wellness-focused thinking are shaping beauty care as a concept in a broader direction.

We constantly expect more from cosmetics, with trends and brands promising more and products expected to deliver real, visible results, not just a good feeling. How this will adapt to cosmetic legislation is interesting to see and something we will follow with great interest!

What thoughts do these trends and directions evoke in you? Do you think they are a step in the right or wrong direction? Comment and share your opinions!