IMCAS 2026: when medical science redefines skin care

Photo credit: IMCAS

Held in Paris at the end of January 2026, the IMCAS World Congress brought together more than 20,000 participants, 1,000 speakers, 225 scientific sessions, and 374 exhibitors from over 120 countries. Since its inception, IMCAS has positioned itself first and foremost as an international medical congress dedicated to dermatology, aesthetic medicine, and plastic surgery, with a core commitment to placing innovation within a rigorous scientific framework, in the service of patient interest. 

In this context, skin care, cosmeceuticals, and nutraceuticals — which accounted for nearly 8% of the topics covered — emerged as direct extensions of clinical research. The 2026 edition highlighted the growing importance of objective skin measurement, non-invasive imaging, and artificial intelligence, setting new standards for the evaluation of ingredients and formulations. 

Exosomes, neurocosmetic actives, anti-pollution ingredients, and biological matrices were discussed through the lens of their characterization, traceability, and the robustness of available data, within a landscape dominated by injectable products (57% of sessions), lasers and energy-based devices (30%), and regenerative medicine (18%). 

For cosmetics industry players, IMCAS 2026 confirmed a clear underlying trend: the market value of skin care is now built in alignment with medical standards, making scientific evidence and clinical credibility key strategic drivers.