DE
The winter of 2025/26 once again poses major challenges for the skin — and for cosmetic formulation work. Low temperatures, wind, and dry indoor heating air impair the skin’s natural protective barrier, reduce sebum production, and lead to moisture loss. The result is a feeling of tightness, dryness, and an increased need for care.
The Velvety development team continuously works on intelligent care concepts that specifically address the skin’s seasonal needs. The focus is on innovative textures, modern active ingredients, and sustainable technologies. The goal is to create formulations that combine skin protection, regeneration, and a pleasant skin feel perfectly tailored to the requirements of modern winter skincare products.
Strengthening the skin barrier: Active ingredients for protection and balance in winter
A stable skin barrier is the key to healthy skin, especially as temperatures drop. Active ingredients such as ceramides and squalane support the lipid film that protects the skin from moisture loss. Ceramides fill the gaps between skin cells and strengthen resilience, while squalane is lightweight, non-greasy, and pleasant on the skin — ideal for modern, skin-friendly formulations.
Innovative ester oils such as C12-18 Alkanoyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer are also gaining importance. They give textures a silky, well-cared-for feel without being heavy and enable sensorially sophisticated winter care products that provide light yet effective protection.
Next-generation plant oils for natural care
As temperatures drop, the skin’s lipid production decreases. High-quality plant oils compensate for this deficiency and form the foundation of many modern winter care concepts. In addition to classics such as sweet almond oil and jojoba oil, lightweight, fast-absorbing oils like MCT oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride) or Undecane & Tridecane are now in focus.
These new generations of plant oils enable so-called “dry oil” textures that provide intensive care without leaving a greasy feeling on the skin. They combine natural efficacy with modern sensory appeal — a clear trend in winter skincare 2025/26.
Antioxidant protection and regeneration against winter stress
Cold, UV radiation, and dry air promote oxidative stress. To strengthen the skin barrier during winter, modern formulations rely on proven antioxidant and soothing active ingredients:
- Vitamin E (tocopherol) protects lipids from free radicals and strengthens the skin’s natural defense system.
- Panthenol (provitamin B5) supports regeneration and helps reduce redness.
- Allantoin, calendula, and aloe vera promote cell renewal, have anti-inflammatory properties, and increase the skin’s resilience.
This combination enables care products that protect, soothe, and regenerate — essential for maintaining healthy skin during the cold season.
Retinol and plant-based alternatives for regeneration
The winter months are ideal for using regenerative active ingredients such as retinol. Lower UV radiation reduces the risk of irritation, while the skin benefits from intensive cell renewal.
Retinol stimulates collagen production, smooths fine lines, and promotes an even complexion. Plant-based alternatives such as bakuchiol or rosehip oil offer comparable effects, have antioxidant properties, and are suitable even for sensitive skin. This makes them an attractive option for modern, gently effective anti-aging concepts.
Texture trends 2025/26: Water-free formulations in focus
The textures of the 2025/26 winter season focus on efficiency, sustainability, and comfort. Balms, sticks, and water-free systems are particularly in demand, combining high active ingredient concentrations with convenient application.
Water-free formulations extend shelf life, increase the concentration of active ingredients, and reduce the ecological footprint — a key element of Velvety’s innovation strategy. They open up new possibilities for developing highly effective skincare products that deliver a sensorially pleasing experience while offering lasting sustainable value.
Conclusion: Scientific expertise meets sensory innovation
Modern winter care 2025/26 means more than just rich skincare products. It stands for precisely developed, skin-identical systems that combine protection, regeneration, and a pleasant skin feel.
Velvety combines scientific research, in-depth ingredient expertise, and trend awareness to develop formulations tailored to the skin’s seasonal needs and meeting the high expectations of modern consumers.
Velvety is your development partner for forward-thinking care concepts that combine research, efficacy, and sensory experience into a holistic brand experience.
The world of cosmetics
Would you like to receive news about cosmetics by e-mail once a quarter?