The inaugural Natural Cosmetics Industry Forum 2026 in Berlin, Germany - organised by NATRUE – has highlighted how natural actives are redefining measurable performance in cosmetics.
In a keynote speech, Dr. Henrike Neuhoff (pictured), chief scientific officer at German natural cosmetic products maker Laverana, said certified natural cosmetics can deliver measurable performance through nature, supported by scientific evidence rather than assumptions.
The presentation highlighted a broad range of advanced natural active ingredients used in modern formulations, illustrating how “performance through nature” is achieved in practice.
Examples included bakuchiol as a natural alternative to retinol; exosome technology based on Centella asiatica; peptide systems such as BGT or TPD1; and vegan PDRN alternatives from barley sprout.
Across all examples, Neuhoff underlined that natural cosmetics can deliver visible and measurable results, particularly in hydration, skin barrier support, radiance, tone improvement, wrinkle reduction and skin renewal, increasingly supported by scientific data.
A subsequent panel discussion, featuring representatives from Laverana, Lucas Meyer Cosmetics, CLR Berlin and Croda Beauty, explored the theme ‘Natural cosmetics work – naturally’.
A recurring challenge emerged: how to translate complex scientific innovation into clear, accessible and credible consumer communication.
Experts stressed the importance of combining robust scientific evidence with simple, transparent claims, supported by certification, to build trust and support informed decision-making at the point of sale.
Education by both brands and ingredient suppliers, along with closer collaboration across the value chain, was identified as essential.
Another form session saw intel and Weleda highlight three major structural shifts shaping the future of beauty: the rise of longevity as a global, intercultural movement focused on health, prevention and youthful appearance; the increasing “skintellect” of consumers demanding efficacy, transparency and ingredient literacy; and the mainstreaming of natural and clean beauty as part of more mindful consumption patterns.
In this context, sustainability is no longer a differentiator, but a baseline expectation.
As Silke Lambers, Beauty and Personal Care Principal Analyst at Mintel, noted, “the question is no longer whether brands are sustainable, but what they bring on top of that.”
The Natural Cosmetics Industry Forum 2026 concluded with a clear consensus: the natural cosmetics sector is entering a new phase in which sustainability is a baseline expectation, performance is essential, and science-driven innovation is central to future development.
The second edition of the Natural Cosmetics Industry Forum will take place in Brussels on 1–2 June 2027.
