In-cosmetics 2026 live: Berg+Schmidt’s BergaCare range leads hair care’s skinification push

Berg+Schmidt Care Ingredients is introducing a new line of specialized hair care raw materials at the In-cosmetics Global 2026 trade show in Paris, France (14–16 April), as well as ingredients that target the growing “skinification” trend. The new BergaCare Hair Care range includes scientifically validated actives and functional materials designed to offer holistic care from the scalp to the ends of the hair fiber.

The company reveals it is moving away from superficial repair claims. Instead, it is focusing on functional restoration to meet the rising consumer demand for personalized products that deliver high-performance results without the weight of traditional synthetic conditioners.

Live on the trade show floor, Personal Care Insights sits down with Kristin Köhler, the company’s head of care ingredients, to discuss Berg+Schmidt’s latest innovations.

“We’re showcasing all of these ingredients here at our booth, and we also have, in the sensory bar, a full set of guideline formulations for different product concepts, from shampoo to leave-in and rinse-off, conditioner,” Köhler reveals.

“Scalp treatments and hair masks are also very popular, so we are really thinking about hair care along the hair strand with its different concerns.”

Three-way hair care

Leading the launches is BergaCare Re-Lite, featured in the event’s Innovation Zone. This solution utilizes a triple-action technology to strengthen the internal hair structure while simultaneously conditioning the exterior cuticle. Berg+Schmidt highlights that its data confirms the material can reduce the combing forces of wet hair by up to 70%, improving manageability.

Additionally, the company states that, unlike many conventional conditioning agents, the ingredient does not cause a buildup effect, ensuring hair remains light and voluminous. Furthermore, it has been proven to reduce hair swelling by more than 20%, offering a robust defense against water-induced damage and environmental stress.

“BergaCare Re-Lite is a synergistic, complete, and comprehensive active plan for different hair care applications such as conditioning, repair, and light conditioning,” Köhler explains. “It’s a very clean and synergistic blend consisting of glycolic acid and arginine.”

Hair “skinification”

Berg+Schmidt states that the shift toward skinification, where dermatological principles are applied to hair health, reflects a broader market evolution. Consumers are increasingly viewing their hair and scalp health as an extension of their skin care routine, seeking out ingredients that offer long-term benefits rather than temporary aesthetic fixes.

The company says its focus on functional restoration promises to bridge the gap between high-science dermatology and daily hair maintenance and offer a new era for hair care.Concepts for the company’s latest innovations at Berg+Schmidt’s sensory bar.

“On the topic of skinification, which is still very popular at the moment, we are also launching BergaCare Ceramide NG,” Köhler underscores. “We do not only need barrier protection for the skin, but also for the hair — ceramides are making their way into hair care applications.”

“They help to prevent moisture, pick off the hair, prevent frizzy hair, and help tackle all these consumer concerns.”

Tools for formulators

Berg+Schmidt flags these innovations also address the sensory aspects of hair care, specifically within surfactant systems. BergaCare Re-Lite is reported to improve both the qualitative and sensory properties of foam, making it a versatile addition to shampoos, masks, and serums.

In addition to repair-focused solutions, the company is also presenting two new emollients, BergaCare C-Shine Sun and C-Shine 4D. These materials are specifically designed to enhance natural shine and provide a vibrant finish to the hair fiber. 

Berg+Schmidt concludes that, by demonstrating measurable performance through deep cleansing and enhanced protection, it aims to provide formulators with a toolkit for modern, lightweight repair concepts.

With live reporting by Ela Jade Ünal at In-cosmetics Global 2026 in Paris, France.