Weekly Beauty Launch Radar: 10 New Skincare and Body Care Releases Worth Trying Now

Weekly Beauty Launch Radar: 10 New skincare & body care releases to know now

Overwhelmed by endless new drops? You’re not alone. If your shopping cart is full of products you’re not sure you need, this curated roundup of the biggest January–early February 2026 launches cuts through the noise. Below: 10 timely skincare and body-care releases — from Dr. Barbara Sturm’s latest clinical-forward serum to elevated body balms from Uni, EOS and Phlur — with short buying notes and exactly who should consider each one.

Cosmetics Business flagged a wave of big launches this week — a mix of nostalgia-led revivals and genuine formulation innovations — with body care getting a clear premium upgrade in early 2026.

Top-level takeaways (the essentials, first)

• Body care is premiumizing. Expect richer textures, scent-first collections, and refillable systems across price points.
• Barrier-first skincare wins. Brands are prioritizing low-irritant actives, microbiome-friendly technologies and hydration-first formulas.
• Nostalgia and reformulation. 2016–2018 favourites are being revived with modern, cleaner ingredient lists and more sustainable packaging.
• How to choose: Match product purpose (hydration, brightening, barrier repair, scent) to your skin goal and start with a 2–4 week trial period. Patch-test if you have sensitive skin.

Why this matters in 2026

Late 2025 and early 2026 saw an acceleration of launches that blend clinical claims with sensory experiences — think lab-backed serums next to indulgent body oils and mood-driven scent duos. Industry editors are calling it a year where shoppers prioritize both results and ritual. For shoppers who want clear, practical buying guidance, here are the 10 launches to investigate first.

10 new beauty releases worth trying now

1) Dr. Barbara Sturm — New clinical hydration serum (Jan 2026 launch)

Why it stands out: Dr. Barbara Sturm’s newest serum leans hard into multi-weight hyaluronic complexes and barrier-supporting ceramides while trimming fragrance. It’s positioned as a high-potency hydrator with a lightweight texture that layers under creams.

• Buying note: Treat this as a multi-purpose hyaluronic boost — use morning and/or night on damp skin. If you already use active treatments (retinoids, acids), apply this first to reduce irritation.
• Who it suits: Dry, dehydrated, combination and anyone with early signs of barrier breakdown. Also a good base serum for acne-prone skin when you want hydration without added oils.
• How to fit it in: Cleanse → hydrate serum → moisturizer → SPF (AM). Night: add retinoid after it if skin tolerates.

2) Dermalogica — Barrier Rehab Concentrate (professional-strength treatment)

Why it stands out: Dermalogica’s new release is a concentrated targeted treatment aimed at repairing moisture loss and strengthening the skin’s resilience. Expect peptides, prebiotic ingredients and calming botanicals that play well with pro skin protocols.

• Buying note: This is a targeted step — a little goes a long way. Use 2–3 times weekly initially to assess tolerance, then increase if needed.
• Who it suits: Clients coming out of in-clinic resurfacing or anyone with compromised barrier function, rosacea tendencies or reactive skin.
• How to fit it in: Use at night after cleansing and before your moisturizer; skip active acids on nights you use this if you’re easily sensitized.

3) Tropic — Clean Vitamin C Daily Serum

Why it stands out: Tropic’s latest serum positions itself as a citrus-based brightener that uses stabilized vitamin C derivatives plus botanical antioxidants to cut down on irritation while still delivering luminosity.

• Buying note: Look for the form of vitamin C used. Tropic favors derivatives that are gentler on sensitive skin — great if pure L-ascorbic acid has been reactive for you.
• Who it suits: Dull skin, early hyperpigmentation, and anyone wanting a gentler daytime brightening step under SPF.
• How to fit it in: AM routine: cleanse → Tropic Vitamin C → hydrated SPF. Rotate with stronger actives at night as needed.

4) Uni — Elevated Body Balm (refillable, richer texture)

Why it stands out: Uni’s new body balm exemplifies the 2026 body-care trend: luxe textures, subtle scent layering and refill systems to cut plastic waste. The formula focuses on fatty-acid-rich butters and a lightweight silicone alternative for slip.

• Buying note: Buy the refill option if you plan to commit — refillable packs reduce cost-per-use and environmental impact.
• Who it suits: Those with dry-to-very-dry skin, seasonal eczema-prone areas (knees, elbows), and shoppers seeking an elevated scent experience in body care.
• How to fit it in: Apply on damp skin after showering for best sealing-in effect. Use nightly on rough patches and as a hand-and-elbow ritual through the day.

5) EOS — Shea-Forward Hydrating Duo (reformulated multi-use cream)

Why it stands out: EOS has reimagined a cult texture into a broader multi-use cream that works for lips, hands and dry patches. The reformulation emphasizes sustainably sourced shea and simplified fragrance options.

• Buying note: This is a multi-tasker worth keeping in your bag. Look for fragrance-free or low-fragrance variants if you have sensitivities.
• Who it suits: Consumers who want a single product for multiple dry-skin touchpoints and parents shopping for family-friendly options.
• How to fit it in: Use liberally on lips overnight for an intense repair mask, or apply as a hand cream through the day.

6) Phlur — Mood-Driven Body Oil & Scent Mist Collection

Why it stands out: Phlur’s new drop leans into scent-as-self-care with body oils formulated for layered fragrance experiences and functional botanicals (calming or energizing blends). Packaging is refill-ready and the scents are gender-neutral.

• Buying note: Sample the scent mist before committing — Phlur sells mini samplers and often pairs oils with the matching mist for layering.
• Who it suits: Scent lovers, travelers who want a compact scent layering system, and shoppers focused on mood-based self-care routines.
• How to fit it in: After showering, apply body oil to pulse points and spritz the mist over clothes or hair for an extended scent trail.

7) Jo Malone London — New Signature Scent (fragrance launch)

Why it stands out: Jo Malone’s new fragrance drop is a classic launch moment — designed for layering with existing silhouettes and leaning into a nostalgic-modern balance that editors have linked to 2016 FYP trends.

• Buying note: Jo Malone encourages custom layering; try pairing this new scent with a neutral base (unscented body oil) to make it last longer.
• Who it suits: Fragrance collectors and anyone who loves clean, wearable scents that work for day and evening.
• How to fit it in: Apply to hairbrush and clothes, not directly on broken skin. Layer with a neutral balm to extend longevity.

8) By Terry — Revived Iconic Moisture Cream (reformulation & relaunch)

Why it stands out: Riding the 2016 throwback trend, By Terry has refreshed a fan-favourite formula with updated emollients and cleaner preservatives. It’s a tactical relaunch aimed at fans of luxe textures with modern ingredient lists.

• Buying note: If you loved the original texture but wanted less fragrance or a cleaner formula, this relaunch is built for you. Check ingredient updates if you have allergies.
• Who it suits: Normal to dry skin types who enjoy a sensory-rich cream and longtime brand loyalists who want a nostalgic but modern upgrade.
• How to fit it in: Use as the final step in the evening routine or as a day cream if you live in a dry climate.

9) Chanel — Night Renewal (retinol-alternative night treatment)

Why it stands out: Chanel’s new night treatment plays to a big 2026 development: retinol alternatives that promise comparable renewal with less irritation. Expect encapsulated bakuchiol/peptide combos and barrier-supporting oils.

• Buying note: It’s a great step if you want renewal without traditional retinol side effects. Layering with hydrators is recommended for sensitive types.
• Who it suits: Sensitive users seeking anti-aging benefits, those new to retinoids, and anyone who wants night-time renewal with minimal downtime.
• How to fit it in: Night: cleanse → gentle hydrating serum → Chanel Night Renewal → moisturizer. Introduce gradually 2–3 nights/week.

10) Tropic — SPF Body Emulsion (clean, leave-on body protection)

Why it stands out: Sunscreen for the body has become a focal category in early 2026. Tropic’s new SPF emulsion is a non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula that pairs chemical filters with antioxidant-rich botanicals for daily body use.

• Buying note: If you shy away from sticky body sunscreens, sample this texture. Remember: body SPF needs reapplication after swimming or heavy sweating.
• Who it suits: Sun-safe shoppers, those who want an everyday body SPF under clothing, and families seeking easier-to-apply options for kids.
• How to fit it in: Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming.

How to decide which new launch is right for you — an actionable checklist

1. Identify the problem: Dehydration, barrier weakness, pigmentation, scent preference, or just a desire for better body care. Match the product to the primary issue.
2. Scan the ingredient highlights: Look for multi-weight hyaluronic acids for hydration, peptides for barrier repair, bakuchiol/peptide combos for gentle renewal, and sustainably sourced butters for body hydration.
3. Patch-test for 48–72 hours on the inner forearm if you have sensitive skin.
4. Start small: Introduce one new product at a time for 2–4 weeks to evaluate results.
5. Match fragrance sensitivity: If you react to scents, choose fragrance-free or lightly scented options (many 2026 launches offer low-fragrance variants).
6. Consider sustainability: Opt for refillable packaging where offered — many brands now prioritize refill options that cut long-term cost and plastic use.

Expert notes — what estheticians and dermatologists are saying (2026 perspective)

Estheticians are telling clients in 2026 to prioritize hydration and barrier-strengthening before layering strong actives. Dermatologists continue to recommend gradual introduction of new actives and careful sunscreen use on newly resurfaced skin. The consensus: combine a clinical serum (like Dr. Barbara Sturm’s new hyaluronic formula or Dermalogica’s barrier concentrate) with a consistent sunscreen and a ritual body balm for visible week-over-week improvements.

Budget picks vs splurge-worthy investments

Look at your routine gaps, not price tags. For example, an affordable multi-use balm (EOS) can solve daily dryness as effectively as a pricier body balm (Uni) if used consistently. Splurge-worthy buys tend to be:

• Targeted serums with proven actives and high concentrations.
• Refillable body systems that reduce long-term cost and waste.
• Fragrance launches where the scent profile is a personal luxury purchase.

Quick routines using these launches (sample plans)

Simple AM routine for busy mornings

• Cleanse → Tropic Vitamin C Serum → Dr. Barbara Sturm Hydration Serum → Lightweight moisturizer → Tropic SPF Body Emulsion (if exposed).

Evening ritual for barrier repair

• Cleanse → Dermalogica Barrier Rehab Concentrate (2–3x/week) → Hydrating cream (By Terry revival) → Uni Body Balm on damp skin.

Future-facing trends to watch (late 2026 predictions)

From the launches above, expect to see:

• More ritual-driven body care: Brands will continue to expand scent layering, mood-led formulations and multipurpose oils.
• Clinical-clean hybrids: Lab-grade actives backed by cleaner, lower-irritant carriers (bakuchiol hybrids, stabilized vitamin C derivatives).
• Refill-first models: Refillable packaging will become the norm for mid- and high-priced launches.
• Smart personalization: AI-driven quizzes and tele-consultation pairings that recommend specific product pairings based on recent launch data.

Final actionable recommendations

• Patch-test new products and introduce one at a time.
• Prioritize hydration and barrier support before strong actives.
• Swap to refillable options where you can to save money and reduce waste.
• If scent matters, sample mists and oils in-store or buy minis before committing.

Want a short list of which of these ten to try first? Here’s a three-tier starter pick depending on your priority:

• Best for immediate hydration: Dr. Barbara Sturm hydration serum.
• Best for barrier repair: Dermalogica Barrier Rehab Concentrate.
• Best for body ritual & scent: Phlur Mood-Driven Body Oil + Uni Elevated Body Balm combo.

Where to test and buy

Seek samples in-store or buy travel sizes where available. Many brands (Jo Malone, Phlur, Tropic) offer testers and sampler sets; Dermalogica and Dr. Barbara Sturm may be available through authorized clinics and stockists which can provide professional guidance.

Closing thoughts

Early 2026’s launches show a smart split: refined clinical serums for visible results, and elevated body-care rituals for everyday wellbeing. When trying new launches, focus on your primary skin goal, introduce products gradually, and choose refill or sampler options when possible to avoid wasteful full-size buys. With that approach, you’ll sidestep impulse buys and build a purposeful routine that actually improves how your skin looks and feels.

Ready to shop smarter? Subscribe to our weekly Launch Radar newsletter for curated product tests, exclusive sampler picks and vetted buy/not-buy verdicts — delivered every Friday.

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