Skincare industry regulation and consumer trends

The skincare industry is experiencing shifts in regulation and consumer trends regarding ingredient transparency and product complexity.

In the United States, the term ‘clean’ remains unregulated, lacking a universal definition or specific criteria for beauty brands. This absence of oversight makes it difficult for consumers to verify if products are truly natural or non-toxic, leading to recommendations that shoppers prioritize transparent ingredient lists and third-party certifications over marketing terms like ‘green’ or ‘natural.’

In Europe, new regulations are expanding the list of substances requiring mandatory allergen labeling to more than 80 references. New products must comply by July 31, 2026, while existing products have until July 31, 2028. This regulatory change aims to assist individuals with reactive skin by providing more detailed information on packaging.

Parallel to these regulatory changes, there is a growing industry trend toward simplified skincare routines. Brands are moving away from multi-step processes in favor of collections with fewer active ingredients to minimize skin irritation.