When looking for a serum or foundation in-store, the list of ingredients on the back of the bottle has changed. Since July 31, 2026, European regulations require the individual listing of more than 80 fragrance allergens on cosmetics, compared to about twenty before. This tightening significantly alters what we find in stores this season: reformulated products, more transparent compositions, and some flagship products undergoing complete reformulation. It’s essential to read between the lines before filling your cart.
New cosmetic labels: what’s changing in-store this season
The change isn’t immediately obvious at first glance, but it can be seen on the packaging. Rinse-free products (moisturizing creams, serums, perfumes) must now declare each allergen as soon as it exceeds 0.001% in the formula. For rinsed products like shampoos or shower gels, the threshold is set at 0.01%.
In practice, this means that INCI lists are significantly lengthening on bottles. A scented product with plant extracts, even “natural,” can display a dozen additional allergens compared to last year. It’s not that the product has become riskier: it’s the transparency that has improved.
For us, consumers, this is a boon. We can finally pinpoint the molecules that cause reactions and compare formulas before buying. When browsing the new arrivals on Le Blog Beauté, we notice that several brands highlight this transparency as a selling point.
Scented products and botanical extracts under pressure
Formulas rich in significant oils or floral absolutes are the most affected. Linalool, geraniol, citronellol – common components in “natural” products – are among the newly declarable allergens. Some brands have already reformulated their best-sellers to reduce the list of displayed allergens.
Feedback varies on this point: some users find the new versions less fragrant, while others perceive no difference. The challenge for brands is to maintain the sensory experience while simplifying the composition.
Face care trends: skin barrier over exfoliation
This season, the most sought-after face care products no longer promise an immediate glow. There is a clear shift towards repairing the skin barrier, sometimes referred to as “skin barrier 2.0.” The principle: strengthen the skin instead of stripping it.
Concretely, this translates to richer textures, soothing active ingredients (ceramides, panthenol, centella asiatica), and a reduction in exfoliating acids in daily routines. Repairing rather than exfoliating is becoming the dominant reflex in fall skincare.
Which active ingredients to prioritize for your autumn routine
- Ceramides, which restore the skin’s lipid barrier and limit water loss, found in barrier creams and serums
- Panthenol (provitamin B5), anti-irritation, found in post-sun care repurposed as daily autumn treatments
- Biomimetic peptides, which stimulate collagen production without irritating effects, unlike traditional retinoids
- Moderate concentration niacinamide, which regulates sebum and reduces redness without weakening the skin barrier
We are not talking about miracle products here. These are documented active ingredients, present in both accessible ranges and high-end treatments. The choice mainly depends on skin type and individual tolerance.
Makeup and complexion: natural finishes and hybrid formulas
On the makeup side, the underlying trend remains the “second skin” look. High-coverage foundations are losing ground to hybrid formulas that combine moisturizing care and light pigments. There are more and more BB creams enriched with hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, straddling the line between skincare and makeup.
This approach also changes how we choose our products. Instead of seeking maximum coverage, we select a foundation based on what it brings to the skin over time.
Lips and eyes: rising textures
For lips, matte lip inks are giving way to tinted balms and nourishing glosses. The demand is for comfortable textures that do not dry out, with adjustable pigments.
For eyes, cream eyeshadows and multichrome pencils are gaining popularity. Eye makeup is simplifying with multifunctional products: a single pencil can serve as an eyeshadow, liner, and highlight depending on the application.
Hair care: hair density and scalp care at the top of the list
The most sought-after hair care products this season target two concerns: hair density and scalp health. Density serums, anti-hair loss lotions, and scalp peels are increasingly occupying shelf space.
The logic is the same as for facial skin: we address the root of the problem (literally) rather than masking symptoms with styling products. The scalp is treated as a dedicated care area, with specific routines.
- Gentle scalp peels, based on salicylic acid, used once a week to eliminate residue from styling products
- Density serums to be applied directly to the scalp, often enriched with caffeine or peptides
- Pre-shampoo masks made from vegetable oils (castor, jojoba) to nourish without weighing down the hair fiber
These products do not replace a dermatological diagnosis in cases of significant hair loss, but they meet a demand for prevention and daily maintenance.
The beauty trends this season share a common thread: composition takes precedence over marketing promises. Between the tightening regulations on allergens, the shift towards reparative care, and hybrid makeup, it is the careful reading of labels that makes the difference when shopping. Brands that prioritize transparency in their formulas are the ones worth paying attention to.
