There’s no doubt that the beauty industry is running at breakneck speed, constantly evolving to keep up with consumer demand, TikTok beauty trends and new innovation in the space. With all this growth, how do you decide what’s going to stick and what will pass? What’s worth paying attention to and what’s a flash in the pan? To help break it all down, beauty and wellness platform Fresha has shared the top 10 beauty topics Google users are searching right now—because after all, whatever customers search tends to drive demand for the next up-and-coming trend.
“These trends highlight that beauty in 2026 will be defined by a balance of innovation, informed choices and individuality,” says Fresha beauty expert Annabelle Taurua. “Overall, 2026 is going to be less about following one-size fits all beauty, and more about personalized routines and multi-functional products and treatments.” From popular skin care ingredients like PDRN to K-Beauty moments like Korean lash lifts, and lots of manicure moments, here’s every beauty trend you can expect to see more of in 2026.
Korean Lash Lift
At the top of the list, the top-searched term is the Korean lash lift, which Fresha reports has seen an “explosive” 3,695 percent year-over-year increase in U.S. searches, with 5,400 searches per month.
“Consumers are now increasingly drawn to treatments that enhance natural features rather than masking them, which is why we’re seeing such rapid growth in subtle but high-impact services such as Korean lash lifts,” says Taurua. “As awareness grows through social media and K-beauty influence, Korean lash lifts are well-positioned to move from a niche treatment into a mainstream salon offering.”
But before running to get that Korean lash lift, remember to get a professional consultation beforehand, as not everyone may be a perfect candidate. “Lash health, eye shape and previous treatments should always be considered,” says Taurua. “Overprocessing can weaken lashes if the technique isn’t tailored correctly.”
Pixie Cuts
Coming in at number two is the pixie cut. With bobs, pixies and other shorter haircuts reigning supreme in 2025, it’s no surprise that this fiery, low-maintenance cut is going to remain popular for 2026. According to Fresha’s analysis, pixie cuts receive more than 301,000 average monthly searches and have seen a 22 percent year-over-year increase.
“The pixie cut’s popularity in 2026 will come down to personalization,” says Taurua. “A good consultation allows stylists to adapt the cut to suit different face shapes, hair textures and lifestyles, which is why it continues to appeal to so many people. It’s a style we saw increase in popularity in 2025, and one we’ll continue to see increasingly styled in 2026.”
The bold and modern cut has fans like Teyana Taylor and Gracie Abrams.
Azelaic Acid
Rounding out the top three biggest predicted trends is azelaic acid. The anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antioxidant skin care ingredient is commonly used to treat acne, redness and rosacea. Per Fresha, it’s seen a 49 percent increase in demand over the last year, and with more than 165,000 searches per month, it’s continuing to grow in appeal. It’s often found in serums and leave-on treatments either mixed with other ingredients or on its own, like Paula’s Choice 20% Azelaic Acid Booster ($39).
“The surge in demand for azelaic acid reflects a broader shift towards dermatologist-approved multi-functional ingredients that can deliver results without irritating the skin,” says Taurua. “Azelaic acid in particular is known for its suitability for sensitive and acne-prone skin, making it especially appealing to consumers.”
Cateye Nails
Cateye nails are the cool girl manicure trend right now, and the numbers prove it. The magnetic, light-reflecting finish (which looks similar to a cat eye, hence the name), shows that people are looking for a subtle yet eye-catching nail art moment. Fresha reports that they’ve seen a 50% YoY increase in demand. Known for their magnetic, light-reflective finish, the trend reflects a growing appetite for statement nail designs that elevate classic manicures with a subtle but eye-catching twist.
Butter Yellow Nails
Butter yellow was unofficially the most popular color in fashion and home of 2025, and that’s trickling down to beauty as well. The soft, creamy pastel is even being considered a neutral by some, and Kendall Jenner even got in on the trend with butter yellow nails last summer, wearing a manicure featuring OPI Nail Lacquer in Blinded by the Ring Light ($12). According to Fresha, butter yellow nails have seen a 1043 percent increase in search demand since last year, with nearly 10,000 average monthly searches on Google.
Hypochlorous Acid Sprays
Hypochlorous acid sprays have risen to popularity thanks to skin care fanatics spritzing their face or body with it post-workout to help reduce redness and acne-causing bacteria. But it’s also helpful for settling any kind of acne breakout, sunburn, eczema or other inflammatory skin concern too. Acne-focused skin care brands like Lili Reinhart’s Personal Day have gotten in on the trend already, with her company selling its Trust Me On This Hypochlorous Acid Spray ($27). With more than 90,000 average monthly searches and a 50 percent YoY change based on Fresha’s report, hypochlorous acid is only continuing to grow this year.
“Looking at skincare, rising interest in ingredients such as azelaic acid, mineral sunscreen and hypochlorous acid reflects a more educated consumer,” says Taurua.
Polka Dot Nails
Patterns and personality are at the forefront of nail art trends for 2026, and polka dots are an embodiment of that.
“We’re seeing a clear move towards confidence-led self-expression, as people tap into bold haircuts such as the pixie cut, to playful nail trends such as cat eye nails, to use colour and texture to make a statement,” says Taurua, and this applies to polka dot nails as well.
Based on Fresha’s data, there’s been more than an 830 percent increase YoY in search for the cute manicure look, so expect to keep seeing polka dots this year. Or get in on two trends for the price of one with butter yellow polka dots.
Mineral Sunscreen
By now, any beauty fanatic knows that any everyday skin care routine always includes sunscreen. Interestingly, mineral sunscreens, which are formulas made with ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide rather than with chemicals such as oxybenzone, are gaining traction this year with a 124 percent YoY change per Fresha. Perhaps there will be a big spike around spring break and summertime. There are tons of mineral sunscreen formulas out there, but if you’re shopping for one right now, consider Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 ($58).
PDRN
Salmon sperm facials have taken off all over social media. Though that’s how they’re known colloquially, salmon sperm facials are conducted using polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), which is found in salmon DNA. People are a fan of the anti-aging treatment for boosting skin’s elasticity, hydration and overall glow. With a 513 percent YoY change per Fresha, the cutting-edge facial will likely see even more tremendous growth this year as PDRN gets bottled into K-Beauty creams and serums, such as Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum ($21).
No-Makeup Makeup
Though there has been more talk of elaborate makeup, especially around bringing back 2016 makeup trends, the data proves that no-makeup makeup is here to stay as well. The trend is even driving younger generations to the plastic surgeon for upper blepharoplasties in an effort to look more refreshed even without makeup on. With an impressive 311 percent YoY change according to Fresha, people are leaning into the quicker, more minimal-style makeup moments.
