Latest York, NY – February 18, 2026 – The Estée Lauder Companies is solidifying its position as a scientific leader in the beauty industry, presenting new findings in skin care science at the 2026 IMCAS World Congress held in Paris this past January. The conference, a major gathering for professionals in dermatology, plastic surgery, and aesthetics, drew over 20,000 participants from around the globe. This commitment to research and innovation underscores a growing trend in the beauty sector, where consumers are increasingly seeking science-backed solutions for healthy aging and skin longevity. The company’s presentations focused on the roles of sirtuins and exosomes in maintaining youthful skin, signaling a shift towards more biologically-driven approaches to skincare.
The advancements presented by Estée Lauder aren’t happening in a vacuum. The “prejuvenation” movement, as highlighted by market intelligence firm Mintel, is gaining momentum, with consumers adopting a more preventative and holistic approach to aging. This shift is fueled by a growing understanding that lifestyle factors significantly impact how we age, and a corresponding rise in the popularity of beauty supplements and targeted skincare ingredients. CosmeticsDesign-Europe reported on this trend last September, noting the increasing focus on biological age rather than chronological age.
Unlocking the Secrets of Skin Longevity: The Role of Sirtuins
Dr. Rishabh Kala, Lead Scientist for Estée Lauder, presented research on the pivotal role of sirtuins in dermatological aging. His presentation, “Skin Longevity: The Proven Role of Sirtuins and Mitochondrial Health in Dermatological Aging,” detailed over 17 years of dedicated research into these proteins, which are strongly linked to healthy aging and longevity. Sirtuins regulate cellular energy apply, stress response, and overall balance. Dr. Kala’s work explores the interplay between sirtuins and mitochondrial dynamics – the health and function of the cell’s powerhouses – in maintaining youthful skin function.
Estée Lauder’s research demonstrates that specific ingredients can counteract the age-related decline in SIRT activity, potentially leading to visible age reversal and improved skin resilience. This focus on sirtuin activators and mitochondrial-targeted technologies represents a next-generation approach to longevity-focused skincare, aiming to help skin cells function optimally for longer. The company’s longstanding investment in longevity science positions it as a key player in this evolving field.
Exosomes: The Future of Skin Communication?
Beyond sirtuins, The Estée Lauder Companies is also exploring the potential of exosomes in skincare. Dr. Jaime Emmetsberger, Lead Scientist for La Mer’s Max Huber Research Labs, delivered a presentation titled “Realizing Exosome Potential in Cosmeceuticals: Alternative Sources, Biological Benefits, and Challenges.” Exosomes are biological messengers – vesicles that carry signals between cells – and are rapidly emerging as a focus of interest in cosmetic science.
Dr. Emmetsberger emphasized the importance of understanding exosomes not as a single ingredient, but as complex biological entities whose impact depends on the signals they carry. She also highlighted a growing need for clearer standards in the use of the term “exosome,” which is often applied too broadly. Her research points towards more scalable and sustainable sources of exosomes, such as plants, algae, and the microbiome, offering promising avenues for cosmetic applications. The company is deepening its understanding of these signaling platforms to deliver meaningful benefits for skin health.
Industry Recognition and Continued Investment in Research
“We are honored to have two of our expert scientists selected to present at the 2026 IMCAS World Congress, an achievement that reflects the strength of our Global Research and Innovation organization,” said Claude Saliou, Senior Vice President, Advanced Technologies and Global Clinical & Consumer Science, The Estée Lauder Companies. “Their research underscores our company’s longstanding leadership in skin longevity and regenerative aesthetics, exemplifying our ability to translate cutting-edge discovery into transformative beauty innovations.”
The Estée Lauder Companies’ commitment to scientific advancement is evident in its 80 years of formulation expertise and its integration within the scientific community. The company regularly presents its research at leading events and publishes findings in peer-reviewed journals. This dedication to research spans multiple disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering, reflecting a holistic approach to beauty innovation. The Estée Lauder Companies emphasizes its aim to develop transformative, science-driven products that deliver exceptional quality and performance.
The company’s portfolio includes a wide range of prestige beauty brands, including Estée Lauder, La Mer, Clinique, M·A·C, and Aveda, among others, sold in approximately 150 countries and territories. This broad reach allows the company to translate its scientific discoveries into a diverse range of products catering to a global consumer base.
Looking ahead, The Estée Lauder Companies will continue to invest in cutting-edge research and development, focusing on translating scientific breakthroughs into innovative skincare solutions. The next step in this journey will likely involve further exploration of sirtuin activators, exosome technology, and other emerging areas of longevity science, with the goal of helping consumers achieve healthier, more resilient skin.
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