Peptides, Post-Procedure Care and Scalp Health: What We Learned at the CASCC 2026 Scientific Seminar
Great formulas start with great science. That's why our own Anuja Moharir joined cosmetic chemists, ingredient suppliers, industry professionals and students at the California Society of Cosmetic Chemists' (CASCC) 2026 Scientific Seminar at The Westin Pasadena. The day was full of expert insight into where skincare science is going next. Here are the takeaways we think matter most for beauty brands planning their next launch.
Post-Procedure Skincare Is a Growing Opportunity
In the panel “Beyond the Surface: Skin & Scalp Health,” Dr. Aegean H. Chan, MD, FAAD, Dr. Zoë Indigo, MD, and Robyn Watkins pointed to strong momentum in post-procedure skincare: products designed to support skin recovery and ongoing upkeep after in-office treatments such as lasers, peels and microneedling.
As more consumers invest in professional procedures, they're looking for at-home products that protect those results. The panelists named peptides, exosomes and small molecules as the actives to watch in this space. For brands, that means demand for gentle, well-supported formulas that fit alongside a dermatologist's treatment plan.
Scalp Care and Textured Hair Take Center Stage
The conversation didn't stop at the face. Panelists noted real room for innovation in scalp care products, treating the scalp as an extension of the skin with its own barrier, microbiome and ageing concerns. They also highlighted unmet needs in textured hair care, calling for formulas built around the specific moisture, breakage and scalp-health needs tied to hair structure and pattern, rather than one-size-fits-all products.
Next-Generation Actives: Eyes, Volume and Beyond
The “Innovative Active Ingredient Suppliers” session looked closely at the actives shaping upcoming launches. First up, the eye area: Narjis A. Askar, Ph.D. (Lubrizol) presented research on the delicate under-eye area and Eyeseryl® (Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5), a tetrapeptide developed to reduce the appearance of puffiness.
Then, there’s no escaping the impact of GLP-1s on the beauty sector. When it comes to facial volume loss, Philip Ludwig, M.S. (Croda) explained the biology behind facial volume loss and laid out a science-driven way to address both age-related and GLP-1-related volume loss. As GLP-1 medications become more widely used, consumers are noticing changes in facial fullness, and this is quickly becoming a new skincare category. Actives discussed included Matrixyl® Neolide, Malvallin, Ceramide NP and Procapil.
How AI Is Changing Cosmetic Ingredient Discovery
AI was also a big part of the program. Dr. Blanca Martinez (Lipotrue) described how AI is moving ingredient discovery from trial and error to predictive, data-driven development. The results are ingredients that are more multifunctional, biotech-driven, sustainable and personalized, and backed by stronger evidence.
Patricia Moreira, Ph.D. (Chemyunion) showed how AI is being used to screen and design peptide sequences, predict how they interact with their biological targets, and potentially create multifunctional peptides that address inflammation, sebum regulation and extracellular-matrix breakdown in a single ingredient.
For brands, the takeaway is that the next wave of actives will be more targeted and better substantiated, and they'll need formulation partners who understand the science behind them.
Bringing Tomorrow's Science to Your Brand
Thank you to CASCC for a day of real science. We can't wait to come back for the next one.
At Allure Beauty Concepts, our R&D team turns insights like these into market-ready products. As a private label and contract manufacturer, we formulate and manufacture skincare, haircare, body care, SPF and hybrid products for beauty brands of every size.
Want to bring next-gen peptides, post-procedure care or scalp and textured-hair innovation into your line? Contact our R&D team to start the conversation.