Whether plant-based active ingredients in formulations, improved absorption of active ingredients via microneedles, or sustainable packaging solutions focused on material reduction, refills or the use of recycled materials as the key to a circular economy – the international supplier event for cosmetics development, from ingredients to packaging, demonstrated through its exhibition and professional programme which topics are driving the industry and which solutions will shape the cosmetics of tomorrow.

“CosmeticBusiness has once again impressively demonstrated its relevance to the cosmetics industry. In a market undergoing significant change due to new regulatory requirements, shifting consumer expectations and the demand for greater sustainability, CosmeticBusiness offers guidance, opportunities for exchange and concrete solutions. It is therefore far more than just an industry gathering, it is a platform where the future of cosmetics development comes into focus,” says Markus Geisenberger, Managing Director of Leipziger Messe.

“With the GREEN AREA, we have created a new section that puts the spotlight on sustainable solutions from the industry. This is precisely the kind of dialogue the industry needs in order to jointly develop future-oriented topics,” says Ivonne Simons, Project Director of CosmeticBusiness.

High-quality contacts and conversations

In a survey conducted by the independent market research firm Gelszus Messe-Marktforschung, 90 per cent of exhibitors rated their achievement of objectives as positive. The professional expertise of the visitors was rated as particularly high by 93 per cent of respondents, as was the quality of the contacts and discussions by 91 per cent. Overall, 8 out of 10 exhibitors expect good post-fair business.

In the Start-up Area, young companies presented their technologies and solutions for the industry. Among them were, for example, Eyva from Cologne, which aims to transform product development with its AI-powered solution, and TheaCare from Berlin. The start-up presented its AI skin analysis software tool.

International trade visitors give a positive assessment

Visitors, 25 per cent of whom travelled from abroad, also gave a positive assessment. In a survey conducted during the event, 8 out of 10 respondents stated that the visit had been worthwhile and that they would return next year. The number of top decision-makers was also high. Two-thirds of this year’s visitors have a significant influence on purchasing decisions within their companies. In total, visitors travelled to Munich from 50 countries. Most of them came from Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Italy and the Netherlands.

This year, the visitors’ main objectives included gathering information on new products and industry trends, as well as maintaining and establishing business contacts. Around half of the visitors were particularly interested in the packaging exhibition area, whilst other relevant areas included contract manufacturing, private label and ingredients. The industry outlook for the next 12 months is generally considered to be stable.

GREEN AREA strengthens focus on sustainability

With the new GREEN AREA, CosmeticBusiness has further sharpened its thematic profile and sent a strong signal regarding sustainable future issues. The dedicated area in Hall 2 provided space for exchange, knowledge transfer, discussion and inspiration. The focus was on sustainable solutions, best practices and forward-looking ideas for the cosmetics industry. The topics were structured with a practical focus. On the first day of the supplier event, the focus was on ingredients and formulations; on the second day, on packaging solutions.

The GREEN AREA made it clear that sustainability is no longer an isolated issue, but shapes the entire product development process. Through presentations, panel discussions, Green Stories and guided sustainability tours, participants explored how companies can translate regulatory requirements, the circular economy, resource-efficient materials and credible sustainability communication into concrete solutions. The GREEN AREA was hosted by NATRUE from Brussels and oneRD from Zurich, who supported the programme and deepened the technical dialogue with the industry.

SPOTLIGHT Community Award actively engages the industry

Once again, a particular highlight was the presentation of the SPOTLIGHT Community Award on the second day of the supplier event. The CosmeticBusiness community selected its favourite from a total of 24 entries.

The products and solutions submitted reflected the entire spectrum of the value chain – from new ingredients and formulation concepts to sustainable and eye-catching packaging solutions for the point of sale. The winner of the second SPOTLIGHT Community Award is Croda GmbH with its pro-ageing collagen peptide Matrixyl® Neolide™.

The next CosmeticBusiness will take place from 2 to 3 June 2027 at the MOC in Munich.