26 Bold Indie Beauty Predictions For 2026
No one has a crystal ball, but industry leaders are weighing in on the themes that will define and shape indie beauty next year. Beauty Independent’s roundup explores 26 forward-looking predictions around retail disruption, AI, category growth, consumer sentiment and channel shifts that will influence how brands innovate and scale in 2026.
“I really think 2026 for beauty retail is going to be the year of connection, fun and joy,” says Susannah Dellinger, founder and CEO of Bright Beauty Connect, whose team is already supporting brand activations and pop-ups that reflect those consumer desires. She notes that beyond tactical category and channel chatter, the underlying dynamic she and her peers are watching most closely is how community and real-world experience continue to reshape discovery, loyalty and growth for indie brands.
— Susannah Dellinger, Bright Beauty Connect
