Five years ago, most people didn’t know what copper tripeptide or tranexamic acid was. Now they’re asking about them in treatment rooms, searching for them in serums and spotting them all over new product launches. Add niacinamide, azelaic acid and the rising curiosity around NAD+, and 2026 is officially the year of ingredient awareness. To understand what sparked this shift, we asked board-certified dermatologic surgeon Dr. Hooman Khorasani, MD to share the ingredients getting the most attention right now and why patients are reaching for them.
5 Skin Care Trends for 2026
1. NAD+ Gains Early Interest for Cellular Energy & Recovery
Professional treatments like microneedling, lasers and peels are now part of many routines. What follows is often a window of redness or tightness, which is why conversations around recovery are becoming just as important as the treatments themselves. NAD+ is a coenzyme found in every cell. It helps maintain energy and repair, yet its natural levels decline with age. This is why more people are asking how it can support the way skin bounces back from stress. “I use NAD+ in my practice as an IV therapy to support recovery after procedures,” Dr. Khorasani says. “Many patients report enhanced energy, improved mental clarity, and a quicker return to daily activities. By supporting mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress, NAD+ helps the body restore itself more efficiently.”
2. Copper Tripeptide Shows Up in More Serums & Recovery Treatments
Copper tripeptide is having a moment. This naturally occurring peptide now appears in firming serums and post-treatment formulas designed to refresh the look and feel of the skin. Dr. Khorasani explains that it supports collagen and elastin, helps soothe visible inflammation and assists in wound healing. Its rise fits perfectly with 2026’s focus on skin that recovers well, not just skin that looks refined on the surface.
3. Azelaic Acid Becomes a Go-To for Breakouts & Uneven Tone
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring chemical in the skin. This acid continues to gain momentum for anyone who wants gentle help with clarity, redness and visible post-breakout marks. It’s now common in lightweight gel creams and buffered serums. In his practice, Dr. Khorasani relies on azelaic acid for acne, rosacea and pigment that can develop after inflammation. He notes that it helps calm the skin, reduces buildup of dead skin cells, offers antimicrobial support and slows the pathways that create dark spots. It is also one of the few topical ingredients considered suitable for acne during pregnancy, which makes it helpful for a wide range of skin types and concerns.
4. Tranexamic Acid Is still a Popular Brightening Ingredient
Tranexamic acid has been part of dermatology for years, but instead of being confined to dark-spot serums, it now appears in toners, essences and gentle formulas to give people a brighter-looking complexion. Dermatology continues to rely on it for stubborn pigmentation. Dr. Khorasani explains that tranexamic acid “inhibits plasmin, which reduces melanin synthesis and prevents the transfer of melanin to skin cells.” He notes it’s especially useful for sun-induced dark spots, uneven tone and melasma and that it’s well-tolerated across skin types.
5. Niacinamide Remains a Multi-Tasking Essential
Some ingredients never leave the spotlight, and niacinamide is one of them. It appears in brightening serums, lightweight moisturizers and barrier-support formulas because it speaks to so many skin concerns at once. Dr. Khorasani describes niacinamide as “a very versatile, safe and science-backed ingredient” that strengthens the skin barrier and helps reduce inflammation. He also highlights strong evidence for nicotinamide in oral form for reducing the risk of certain non-melanoma skin cancers, which shows how closely this ingredient has been studied. Topically, he often uses niacinamide in acne formulations for its soothing benefits.
If you’re exploring new formulas or want to see how these ingredients fit into your daily care, explore our website for product details, ingredient education and guidance on how to layer your routine. You can also speak with an Eminence Organics Spa Partner in your area for personalized suggestions.
