Eastman has released a Global Skin Care Report that looks at how sustainability, performance, and formulation demands are shaping skin care development. The report was presented during NYSCC Suppliers’ Day 2026 in New York City on May 19 and 20. According to the findings, 85% of formulators worldwide say sustainability is important, yet only 52% are satisfied with the options currently
What the report looked at
The report combines feedback from both formulators and consumers. The consumer survey included 6,000 women between the ages of 12 and 70 across six countries. It focused on skin care habits and SPF application preferences. The formulator survey gathered insights from 150 R&D professionals working in personal care, consumer packaged goods, and fast-moving consumer goods companies across 11 countries in the US, Europe, and Asia.
Sustainability keeps gaining ground
The report found that sustainability is affecting ingredient selection from several directions. Around 75% of formulators said customer and retailer expectations influence their preference for sustainable ingredients. Another 73% said internal sustainability goals affect ingredient choices. Nearly half of formulators, 42%, expect biodegradability to become common in their region within three to five years. Very few believe it will remain a niche feature.
Lauren Leonard, market development manager at Eastman, said sustainability has become a baseline expectation in skin care formulation. She explained that formulators want solutions that meet higher standards without creating extra complexity. They are looking for recognized testing methods and clear proof, especially for claims related to biodegradability. Leonard said uncertainty around validation can slow ingredient evaluation and decision making.
Performance still matters
Leonard said there is very little tolerance for trade-offs. Sustainable ingredients still need to match or exceed the performance and sensory qualities of traditional ingredients. Projects can stall when performance falls short or when reformulation becomes too expensive. She added that formulators need ingredients that fit into existing formulations without slowing development work.
Eastman highlighted Esmeri CC1N10 during Suppliers’ Day. The ingredient was developed to meet biodegradability regulations while delivering sensory and optical performance across different color cosmetic applications. According to the company, it can help brands meet sustainability goals without sacrificing efficacy.
Consumer expectations keep rising
The report found that 57% of global consumers choose facial skin care brands based on the use of sustainable ingredients. Eastman says consumers want visible results, a good sensory experience, and sustainability claims they can trust. The company supports formulation work in sun care, skin care, and color cosmetics with the goal of balancing texture, performance, and environmental attributes.
Consumers are not fully satisfied with current options either. About 45% reported difficulty finding products that meet all of their needs. Less than 50% remain loyal to a single skin care brand. Around 52% said they are satisfied with the skin-to-product compatibility of their current products. Eastman sees these findings as a sign that there is still room for innovation.
Multifunctional ingredients and formulation goals
Leonard said multifunctional ingredients are becoming more important for formulators who want to simplify INCI lists and meet sustainability targets. She pointed to Esmeri CC1N10, which offers biodegradability and can support multiple formulation functions. Eastman says its personal care portfolio focuses on texture, sensory performance, and visible optical effects while helping support the biodegradability profile of finished products.
The company believes ingredient innovation can help brands stand out as consumer expectations continue to rise. Leonard said sustainability is no longer being viewed as a choice. Future formulations will need to provide the performance and sensory qualities consumers expect while helping brands reach sustainability goals.
