Ingredients to Watch in 2026 Based on Our Beauty Awards Testing

Every year we begin to notice certain patterns long before they appear on retail shelves. One of the unexpected joys of running the Global Makeup Awards, the Global Green Beauty Awards and the Universal Beauty Awards is that we often get to test products months before the wider public even hears about them. Because of this, the ingredients that shaped our judging tables in recent seasons are often the same ingredients that later shape the beauty year ahead. With beauty awards 2026 on the horizon, it feels like the right moment to pause and reflect on what has been standing out during testing.

One of the clearest trends has been the rise of marine collagen formulas. They have been around for years, but something has shifted in terms of refinement. When Reverse Life first entered their High Strength Marine Collagen Supplement, I remember our testers quietly feeding back similar comments without comparing notes. They said their skin felt a little more hydrated, a little calmer and more resilient. When several people mention the same change after weeks of testing, it usually means the ingredient is doing something meaningful. That kind of consistency is often what tells us a trend is ready to grow.

Retinal has also been having a moment. Not just in marketing, but in real results. Tropic Skincare demonstrated this perfectly with their Youth Potion Enriched Retinal Complex. I remember expecting a few comments about irritation, because retinal can be strong, but instead our judges talked about how comfortable it felt and how easily it sank into routines. When an active ingredient works quietly and effectively behind the scenes, we tend to take note.

Sustainable botanical extracts are another area gathering real momentum. We see this most clearly in the Global Green Beauty Awards, but it carries through to all three awards. VOYA has been one of the most memorable brands in this space. Their Indulgent Sea Marine Bath Salts left a lasting impression because they offered more than a nice experience. They felt genuinely restorative. When a product gives a sense of wellbeing without making dramatic claims, it usually means the ingredients are doing the heavy lifting.

Hydration science is also evolving. While hyaluronic acid is familiar to everyone, the formulas reaching our judging tables now tend to use layered blends or pair it with supporting ingredients that help carry moisture deeper. Avant Skincare’s Deluxe Hyaluronic Acid Vivifying Face and Eye Night Cream has been one of the products that stuck with me. Several of us found ourselves returning to it during the testing period, which is always a quiet sign that a formula is working well for a wide range of skin types.

Haircare trends are shifting too. Strengthening and bond building formulas keep appearing, but we are now seeing brands pairing these with clever tool design. AMORY LONDON has entered several tools that impressed us for their quality and longevity, and when tools and formulas start to align, it usually marks the beginning of a wider movement in the category.

All these observations come from the same place. When you test products daily for weeks at a time, you begin to notice repeated themes. It is not about claims or trends in the press, but about what genuinely performs when used consistently. As we prepare for beauty awards 2026, these are the ingredients and ideas I expect to see developed even further. They reflect a shift toward formulas that are considerate, effective and comfortable to use, which is often where true innovation begins.