Key Trends from NYSCC Supplier’s Day 2026

NYSCC Supplier’s Day 2026 once again brought together the personal care industry in New York, highlighting the latest innovations, ingredient developments, and consumer-driven shifts shaping the market.

Across two dynamic days, the event showcased how science-backed functionality, sustainability, and engaging formulation concepts continue to converge. In this blogpost, we share some of the highlights from our North America team.

From Formulation to Experience  

Beyond ingredient functionality, there is an increasing focus on creating engaging formulation experiences. Interactive booths, sensorial prototypes, and co-development concepts were visible throughout the show floor, reflecting how brands and suppliers aim to connect more directly with customers and formulators.

At the same time, high-performing prototypes demonstrated how multifunctional ingredients can simplify formulations while enhancing sensorial appeal—particularly relevant in climates requiring lightweight yet effective textures. The North America team highlighted how AAK’s two shea-based esters, LIPEX® SheaLuxe TR™ and LIPEX® SheaSolve™, support this trend by showcasing an ultra-light gel texture incorporating skin-brightening actives—ideal for a humid summer in New York City.

Key Industry Trends 

1. Science-led Hydration and Skin Resilience

• Hydration remains a central theme, but the focus is shifting toward how the skin manages and retains moisture under real-life conditions.
• Ingredients inspired by extreme environments and resilient plants are gaining attention
• Mechanisms targeting osmotic balance, oxidative stress, and inflammation are becoming key differentiators
• Fast-acting and visibly effective solutions are increasingly expected

This reflects a broader move from basic moisturization toward advanced skin resilience and adaptive care.

2. Next-generation Sun Care Innovation

Sun care continues to evolve, with innovation driven by both regulatory developments and
consumer demand.

• New UV filter technologies are expanding formulation possibilities in key markets
• Simplified, customizable formats are enabling more personalized sun care solutions
• Transparency and safety remain critical considerations

These developments signal an important step forward in improving performance, flexibility, and consumer trust in sun protection.

3. Multifunctional and Dual-Action Ingredients

Efficiency in formulation remains a priority, driving interest in ingredients that deliver multiple benefits in a single solution.

• Hydration combined with plumping or anti-aging effects
• Functional ingredients that also enhance sensory performance
• Solutions that reduce formulation complexity while maintaining high efficacy

This trend supports both streamlined development processes and more concise product positioning, seen in AAK products like LIPEX SheaSoft TR. This shea butter is engineered to modify its melting profile and crystallization properties, preventing bloom. and improving thermal stability in formulations.

4. Sustainability Moves Beyond Claims

Sustainability continues to be a defining theme—but with increasing emphasis on tangible impact.

• Biodegradable alternatives to traditionally persistent materials are gaining traction
• Renewable and plant-based sources remain a key focus
• Circularity and post-consumer material use are becoming part of the innovation conversation

The industry is moving from storytelling toward measurable, science-backed sustainability solutions. AAK continues to strengthen sustainability efforts with the new FairWild Certification of our Kolo Nafaso direct sourcing program. The certification provides assurance that the program meets global standards for sustainable, ethical, and transparent wild harvesting—empowering women and protecting shea landscapes.

5. Formats that Redefine Categories

New product formats are challenging traditional category boundaries and opening new opportunities for innovation.

• Alternative delivery systems designed to improve ingredient absorption and user convenience
• Cross-category concepts bridging skincare, wellness, and supplements
• Formats that align with on-the-go lifestyles and simplified routines
  
  

These innovations reflect the growing demand for holistic and multifunctional solutions. For more inspiration, see our Soothe and Restore Balm formulation for an anhydrous stick formulation that highlights multiple AAK ingredients.

Strengthening Industry Collaboration

Events like Supplier’s Day highlight the importance of collaboration across the value chain. Partnerships between ingredient suppliers, formulators, and brands are essential to translating trends into relevant, high-performing products.

Co-developed prototypes and joint activations demonstrated how combining expertise can accelerate innovation and create stronger consumer propositions. Our team has new collaborations with OMYA Specialty Ingredients: developing new formulations to highlight the efficacy of AAK materials at significant percentage levels. Please feel free to contact the team for more information.

Looking Ahead

The insights from NYSCC Supplier’s Day 2026 reinforce a clear direction for the personal care industry:

• Science-backed performance will remain at the core

• Sustainability must be measurable and actionable

• Formulation simplicity and multifunctionality will drive efficiency

• New formats will continue to reshape consumer expectations
  
  

Together, these trends point toward a future where innovation is not only about new ingredients—but about delivering smarter, more responsible, and more engaging solutions.