With more than 600 exhibitors converging at this year’s NYSCC Suppliers’ Day in New York City, the sheer scale of innovation on display can be overwhelming. But if you’re looking to cut through the noise and zero in on what’s shaping the future of cosmetics and personal care, four product categories stand out.
Here’s what we’re watching, and why manufacturers and suppliers should, too.
1. Anti-Aging (199 Exhibitors)
Why it matters:
Anti-aging continues to dominate innovation pipelines, and with good reason. Consumers are no longer just looking to “reverse” signs of aging; they want prevention, protection, and performance. At Suppliers’ Day, nearly 200 exhibitors are showcasing next-gen active ingredients, delivery systems, and multi-functional formulations targeting everything from glycation and collagen degradation to skin barrier resilience.
What to watch for:
We’re looking out for neurocosmetic actives, biotech-driven ingredients, and time-release encapsulation tech, all engineered to push efficacy and sensory performance further.
2. Botanicals (116 Exhibitors)
Why it matters:
Plant-based ingredients are evolving fast, moving beyond traditional extracts to include clinically backed actives derived from adaptogens, fermentation processes, and upcycled sources. Sustainability is a pressing consumer demand, and botanicals are at the heart of many brands’ green claims.
What to watch for:
We expect that traceable supply chains, AI-optimized options for ingredient sourcing, and multifunctional plant complexes will be on display his year, but we’re looking closely to see how suppliers will showcase eco-certification standards.
3. Sunscreens (90 Exhibitors)
Why it matters:
With consumer concerns around UV, blue light, and pollution growing, formulators are looking for SPF ingredients that are photostable, reef-safe, cosmetically elegant, and globally compliant.
What to watch for:
We expect to see innovation in mineral filters, ultra-light emulsions, and hybrid skin care-SPF formulations. However, as ongoing conversations around regulatory enforcement of FDA monograph updates and global compliance issues related to shifting tariff conversations, we’re interested to see how exhibitors are shaping their sourcing strategies.
4. Peptides (64 Exhibitors)
Why it matters:
Peptides are having a (another) moment in the industry trend spotlight, but this time, it’s not just about anti-aging. From firming and brightening to microbiome modulation and inflammation control, peptides are being engineered with more precision, stability, and specificity than ever before.
What to watch for:
Suppliers are pushing boundaries with biomimetic peptides, signal peptides, and peptide-nanoparticle hybrids that promise stronger activity at lower dosages, but we’re keeping an eye out for breakthroughs in peptide delivery and skin penetration.
Bottom Line:
From foundational SPF to high-performance actives and sustainable botanicals, NYSCC Suppliers’ Day is packed with opportunities. We’ll be on the lookout for standouts in these categories and more, but stay tuned for our key takeaways following the show.