Hydration, skin barrier reinforcement, anti-aging, sun protection, and microbiome-friendly properties are no longer limited to facial skincare. These benefits are now being incorporated into color cosmetics, hair care, body care, and even fragrances.

The vision of beauty is becoming increasingly holistic, combining the performance expected from each product category with skincare benefits, enhanced skin comfort, and a richer sensory experience. Active ingredients are no longer the sole contributors to biological efficacy. Functional ingredients are increasingly being used to boost their performance within optimized formulations.

Microbiome : a new playing field

The novelty and complexity of microbiome-focused cosmetics are not discouraging consumers, who are showing strong interest in this trend. Data from market intelligence company Spate indicate that searches for “skin microbiome” are increasing across all platforms, including Google, TikTok, and Instagram, with a year-over-year growth of 54.5 % (Spate Popularity Index, United States, December 2025).

The microbiome, which consists of the microorganisms living on the skin’s surface, plays a critical role in maintaining skin balance and barrier function. However, numerous environmental and physiological factors can disrupt this ecosystem.

The use of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics helps preserve this balance. However, it is also essential to formulate with ingredients that respect this ecosystem and do not interfere with its natural functioning. For this reason, Miyoshi Europe has obtained MyMicrobiome certification for several of its ingredients. MyMicrobiome provides independent certification for microbiome-friendly products.

– NAI Range : amino acid-treated pigments widely used in color cosmetics for their formulation performance and sensory properties.
– MiyoNAT ZAI Range : amino acid-treated pigments that are easy to use and require no grinding step.
– SERICITE S-150 : a highly purified mica with very low heavy metal content, offering a unique texture that provides excellent slip and facilitates product spreadability.

These certifications provide an additional guarantee for formulators seeking to develop skincare products, color cosmetics, or sun care formulations that are compatible with the skin microbiome.

Anti-aging : a sure bet

Beyond microbiome care, anti-aging remains one of the most sought-after skincare benefits among consumers.

As consumers increasingly look for immediate visible results while preserving their skin’s youthful appearance over the long term, soft-focus powders continue to play a key role.

The Silica Beads range, composed of spherical silica particles available in various sizes and porosities, combines mattifying and soft-focus properties, while MiyoFEEL CP-A (cellulose powder treated with amino acids) delivers both softness and an optical wrinkle-blurring effect. These two powders are particularly relevant for anti-aging applications, each offering a distinctive sensory profile.

Sun protection is becoming essential

Sun protection naturally complements anti-aging concerns, as it helps protect the skin from photo-induced aging while creating a barrier against UV radiation and pollution. In beach and sun care products, the goal is to provide the broadest possible protection against both UVA and UVB rays while helping to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Beyond UV filters and mineral screens, which remain essential components of sunscreen formulations, other ingredients can also act as performance boosters and contribute to improving the SPF value of a formula.

Rheopearl KL2 (Dextrin Palmitate) is an oil-phase gelling agent. UV filters and mineral screens are dispersed within this phase. By structuring the oil phase, Rheopearl KL2 promotes the formation of a homogeneous film during application, ensuring a more uniform distribution of UV filters across the skin’s surface. This film-forming property actively contributes to enhanced photoprotective performance. A study conducted by Miyoshi and the independent laboratory CreativLab demonstrated, through in vitro testing, a close relationship between Rheopearl KL2 concentration, SPF level, and UVA protection in both organic-filter-based and 100% mineral formulations.

When it comes to powders, the Silica Beads range, composed of spherical silica particles, acts through the optical management of light. Their perfectly spherical shape promotes light reflection and diffusion. In vitro SPF measurements have demonstrated that this property contributes to improved photoprotective performance.

Finally, thanks to its COSMOS-certified surface treatment based on naturally derived amino acids, MiyoFEEL CP-A combines the benefits of cellulose with those of a plant-based lipophilic treatment. This treated cellulose powder, characterized by its strong lipophilic properties, is particularly suitable for anhydrous systems and water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions, formulation types highly valued in sun care products, where it significantly contributes to enhancing SPF performance.

Article written in collaboration with Squarexpert