In the U.S., “clean beauty” is everywhere, but no one can agree on what it actually means. Unlike the EU, there’s no federal definition or banned ingredient list. At Vaulabs, we believe clean beauty needs more than marketing - it needs infrastructure. Here’s why that matters more than ever in 2026.

Spate’s latest trend report is clear: 2026 is the year of biohacking beauty, smart skincare, and ultra-functional ingredients. Here’s what it means for clean beauty brand and how Vaulabs is helping founders build the next generation of skincare.

Vaulabs returned from Cosmoprof Miami 2026 with more than inspiration, we came back with deeper industry insight, valuable founder connections, and a renewed drive to raise the bar for clean beauty manufacturing. From CEW’s exclusive founder meetup to client walkthroughs with packaging and ingredient vendors, here’s what stood out.

We just wrapped production on a custom peptide serum for one of our partner brands and it’s a standout. Developed in-house from concept to final batch, this product reflects everything we stand for at Vaulabs: clean, performance-driven skincare that’s anything but generic.

In 2026, beauty founders have a rare window of opportunity: to create products that are not just clean, but truly custom, compliant, and scalable. At Vaulabs, we’re already seeing this shift in real time as we launch next-gen skincare and haircare formulas for visionary new brands. This year, differentiation starts at the lab.

2025 wasn’t just about trends - it was about traction. At Vaulabs, we helped visionary founders bring dozens of clean beauty products to life, scaled production with speed and precision, and deepened our commitment to U.S.-based, compliant manufacturing. As we head into 2026, we’re more focused than ever on building what matters: smart formulas, strategic launches, and long-term growth for brands who want to lead.

Thinking of moving your skincare manufacturing from China to the U.S.? With tariffs up to 500% looming and new regulations tightening, 2025 may be the year you can’t afford not to switch. At Vaulabs, we help clean beauty founders transition to U.S. production without losing momentum. Learn what to expect, how to plan, and why switching now could set your brand up for a stronger 2026.

According to Spate’s Year in Review, beauty consumers leaned into functional, ingredient-driven products like retinol body lotions, balm cleansers, and even tallow-based skincare. At Vaulabs, we’ve seen this shift firsthand - founders today aren’t chasing hype, they’re building future-proof formulas that deliver. This post breaks down the top insights from Spate’s report and what they mean for brand owners ready to lead, not follow.

Today, the Vaulabs team is celebrating the birthday of our founder and CEO, Natalie Vaulin - the visionary who built our company with a mission to raise the standard in clean beauty manufacturing. Her leadership continues to inspire everything we do.

California’s Musk Reduction Act is more than legislation - it’s a signal. By banning outdated cosmetic ingredients, California is aligning U.S. standards with global safety expectations and reinforcing what clean-beauty founders have known for years: transparency, safety, and innovation are no longer optional, they’re the new standard.

Consumer behavior is shifting, and clean beauty brands need to act fast. Based on 2025 trend data, skincare shoppers are prioritizing safety, performance, and ingredient transparency. Here’s how your brand can meet the moment.

Why are thousands of toxic cosmetic ingredients banned in Europe, but still allowed in the U.S.? At Vaulabs, we’re launching a national Clean Beauty Initiative to help close that gap. Discover why aligning U.S. regulations with global safety standards isn’t just good policy — it’s the future of trust-driven skincare.

Can a skincare product be both clean and clinically proven?In 2025, founders no longer have to choose between ingredient safety and real results. In this post, we break down how modern beauty brands are combining clean formulations with clinically backed actives, and how to do it right.

With U.S. tariffs on Chinese-made cosmetics potentially reaching 500%, more beauty founders are rethinking their supply chain. This guide explains why now is the time to move your skincare manufacturing to the U.S. and what to expect when switching from an overseas lab. Learn how to protect your margins, meet new compliance regulations, and scale your clean beauty brand with confidence.

Using the word “clean” in skincare marketing has never been more legally sensitive. With MOCRA, FTC crackdowns, and rising consumer scrutiny in 2025, founders must now back their claims with real standards and documentation. This guide explains how to do it right and avoid costly mistakes.

Thinking about hiring a skincare lab but not sure what to expect? This step-by-step guide breaks down the full process - from your first inquiry to production, so you can feel confident, informed, and ready to launch your clean beauty product the right way.

Most beauty founders ask, “How much will it cost to make my skincare product?” But the real cost of clean skincare manufacturing includes more than price per unit. From R&D and regulatory compliance to ingredient synergy and packaging, here’s what actually impacts your bottom line.

The Allure Best of Beauty Awards 2025 revealed a new reality for clean beauty: it’s no longer enough to be “free from.” Winning products were clinically tested, barrier-safe, and performance-driven - a standard every skincare founder should aim for. Here’s what it means for your next launch.

Skin barrier repair is no longer a niche - it’s the future of clean beauty. In 2025, customers are demanding pH-balanced, microbiome-safe formulas that soothe, not strip. In this article, we explore why barrier-focused skincare is booming and how founders can formulate smarter with Vaulabs.

If your skincare is causing burning, breakouts, or bad reviews - don’t blame the ingredients. Blame the pH. Here’s how to get it right.