{"id":44199,"date":"2026-09-26T16:24:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-26T16:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carmelcosmeticslabs.com\/?p=44199"},"modified":"2026-10-03T10:30:30","modified_gmt":"2026-10-03T10:30:30","slug":"menopause-skincare-range-formulation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carmelcosmeticslabs.com\/en\/menopause-skincare-range-formulation\/","title":{"rendered":"Menopause Skin: Formulating a Compliant Skincare Range in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How does menopause change the skin?<\/strong> Menopausal skin becomes drier, thinner and less firm, because falling estrogen levels reduce collagen and weaken the skin barrier. A cosmetic range for menopausal skin can hydrate, nourish and improve the appearance of firmness, without ever containing hormones or claiming to treat menopause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In a Galderma survey of more than 4,300 women, 59% cited facial wrinkles, 58% loss of firmness and 56% dryness as changes since menopause.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The segment is taking shape: Sanex launched a Derma M\u00e9nopause range in France in June 2026, and Mintel projects a global menopause cosmetics market of $22.7 billion by 2028.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Menopause skincare relies on classic cosmetic actives: humectants, replenishing lipids, ceramides, peptides and plant oils such as argan or prickly pear.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Estrogens, progestogens and substances with androgenic effect are banned in EU cosmetics (Annex II of Regulation 1223\/2009).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Claims must remain cosmetic and substantiated (Regulation 655\/2013): talk about comfort, hydration and skin appearance, never symptoms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What changes in the skin at menopause?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At menopause, the drop in estrogen speeds up collagen loss, thins the skin and reduces its ability to retain water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Menopause is defined as the permanent end of menstrual periods, confirmed after twelve consecutive months without menstruation. Perimenopause refers to the transition years before it, when hormone levels fluctuate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The landmark study by Brincat et al., published in 1987 in <em>Obstetrics &amp; Gynecology<\/em>, shows that skin collagen content, skin thickness and bone mass <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/3120067\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">decrease by 1 to 2% a year after menopause<\/a>. A 2019 review in the <em>International Journal of Women&#8217;s Dermatology<\/em> sums up the literature as follows: <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC6451761\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">up to 30% of dermal collagen can be lost in the first five years<\/a>, then around 2.1% a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Collagen is the structural protein of the dermis: it gives skin its density and resilience. The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the epidermis, made of cells and lipids, which limits water loss and protects against external aggressors. When sebum production falls, this barrier weakens and dry menopausal skin becomes more reactive, with tightness and sometimes itching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.galderma.com\/news\/galderma-tackles-menopause-related-skin-changes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Galderma survey presented in January 2026<\/a>, conducted among peri- and post-menopausal women in nine countries, found an average of three skin changes per person. More than half discovered these effects only as they experienced them: a need for education your brand can meet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why are brands launching menopause ranges in 2026?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Brands are moving into this segment because demand is documented, supply is still thin and women over 45 account for a large share of beauty spending, while the needs of menopausal skin remain underserved. Menopausal skin is becoming a category in its own right, distinct from \u201canti-aging\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In France, Sanex launched Derma M\u00e9nopause on 19 June 2026. The brand draws on an OpinionWay study of 1,007 women aged 45 and over: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.industries-cosmetiques.fr\/sanex-lance-derma-menopause-une-routine-centree-sur-la-peau-et-les-sensations-de-chaleur\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">71% notice changes in their skin and 81% associate menopause with renewed freedom<\/a>. The second figure sets the tone: positive and practical, never medical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Internationally, Mintel, quoted by BeautyMatter, estimates that <a href=\"https:\/\/beautymatter.com\/articles\/menopause-2-0-when-beauty-tech-wellness-and-longevity-collide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">43% of American women aged 45 and over are looking for menopause-specific skincare<\/a>. The firm projects a menopause cosmetics market of $22.7 billion by 2028 and attributes 47% of cosmetics spending to women aged 50 to 55. The key date in the calendar is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imsociety.org\/education\/world-menopause-day-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">World Menopause Day<\/a>, on 18 October, led by the International Menopause Society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It extends the rise of targeted skincare, visible among the <a href=\"https:\/\/carmelcosmeticslabs.com\/en\/innovative-skincare-products-2025\/\">skincare products that shaped innovation in 2025<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which cosmetic actives for menopausal skin?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The relevant actives for menopausal skin are those that hydrate, replenish barrier lipids and improve the appearance of firmness. None is \u201cmenopause-specific\u201d: it is the combination, dosage and texture that make a formula suitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Menopausal skin need<\/th><th>Cosmetic active families<\/th><th>Example cosmetic claim<\/th><th>To avoid<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Dryness, tightness<\/td><td>Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, low-dose urea, plant butters and oils<\/td><td>\u201cDeeply hydrates and soothes the feeling of tightness\u201d<\/td><td>\u201cTreats menopause-related dryness\u201d<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Weakened barrier<\/td><td>Ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids, niacinamide, squalane<\/td><td>\u201cStrengthens the skin barrier\u201d<\/td><td>\u201cRepairs the effects of hormone deficiency\u201d<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Loss of firmness<\/td><td>Signal peptides, plant extracts, retinoids within legal limits<\/td><td>\u201cImproves the appearance of firmness\u201d<\/td><td>\u201cRestarts estrogen production\u201d<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Wrinkles and fine lines<\/td><td>Retinol within limits, bakuchiol, antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E)<\/td><td>\u201cReduces the appearance of wrinkles\u201d<\/td><td>\u201cRegenerates collagen lost at menopause\u201d<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Comfort, feeling of heat<\/td><td>Gel-cream textures, cooling actives (low-dose menthol)<\/td><td>\u201cProvides an instant cooling sensation\u201d<\/td><td>\u201cReduces hot flashes\u201d<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One regulatory point needs attention: retinol and its esters are capped by <a href=\"https:\/\/eur-lex.europa.eu\/eli\/reg\/2024\/996\/oj\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Regulation (EU) 2024\/996<\/a> at 0.3% retinol equivalent in face care and 0.05% in body lotions, with a mandatory warning on the presence of vitamin A: these limits apply to products placed on the market since 1 November 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To go further on biotech actives, our report on <a href=\"https:\/\/carmelcosmeticslabs.com\/en\/pdrn-skincare\/\">PDRN, its evidence and formulation<\/a> explains what you can reasonably promise. And our selection of <a href=\"https:\/\/carmelcosmeticslabs.com\/en\/trending-cosmetic-ingredients-2026\/\">trending actives to add to a range in 2026<\/a> covers peptides, bakuchiol and exosomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Moroccan oils in a menopause face cream<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Moroccan plant oils bring nourishing lipids and a strong brand story to a menopause face cream. Argan oil, rich in unsaturated fatty acids and tocopherols, suits rich textures. Prickly pear seed oil, rarer and more expensive, is prized for high-end serums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their role remains cosmetic: to nourish and soften. Our article on<a href=\"https:\/\/carmelcosmeticslabs.com\/en\/prickly-pear-seed-oil-anti-aging-morocco\/\">prickly pear seed oil, a precious active from Morocco<\/a> covers its origin and uses in formulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can a menopause cream contain hormones?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. A menopause cream sold as a cosmetic in the European Union cannot contain estrogens, progestogens or substances with androgenic effect: these families are listed in Annex II of Regulation (EC) 1223\/2009, the list of prohibited substances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Annex II is the list of substances that Article 14 of <a href=\"https:\/\/eur-lex.europa.eu\/eli\/reg\/2009\/1223\/oj\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Regulation (EC) 1223\/2009<\/a> prohibits in any cosmetic product. The relevant entries, checked against the European Commission\u2019s official <a href=\"https:\/\/ec.europa.eu\/growth\/tools-databases\/cosing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CosIng database<\/a>, are as follows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Annex II entry<\/th><th>Prohibited substance<\/th><th>What it means for your formula<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>No. 37<\/td><td>Substances with androgenic effect<\/td><td>No active claimed as, or acting as, a male hormone<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>No. 194<\/td><td>Progestogens<\/td><td>No progesterone, including so-called \u201cnatural\u201d or plant-based<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>No. 260<\/td><td>Estrogens<\/td><td>No estradiol, estriol or any other estrogen<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>No. 390<\/td><td>Anti-androgens of steroid structure<\/td><td>Excluded from all care products, including hair care<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Purpose matters too: a cosmetic cleans, perfumes, protects, changes the appearance of or keeps the skin in good condition. A product presented as correcting a bodily function is a medicine. Plant extracts sometimes presented as \u201cphytoestrogens\u201d are not banned as such, but any claim of hormonal effect takes the product outside the cosmetic framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which claims are allowed on menopause skincare?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Menopause skincare can claim proven cosmetic benefits, such as hydration, comfort or the appearance of firmness, and can mention menopause as context. It cannot promise to treat, prevent or relieve menopause symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/eur-lex.europa.eu\/eli\/reg\/2013\/655\/oj\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Regulation (EU) 655\/2013<\/a> sets six common criteria for any cosmetic claim: legal compliance, truthfulness, evidential support, honesty, fairness and informed decision-making. A claim is any promise, explicit or implicit, made on the packaging or in communication. It must be backed by appropriate evidence, kept in the Product Information File (PIF).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In practice, \u201cface cream for menopausal skin\u201d or \u201cdesigned for perimenopausal skin\u201d describes a target and is acceptable. \u201cAnti-symptom\u201d, \u201chormonal balance\u201d or \u201calternative to hormone therapy\u201d must be banned, including in influencer content you approve. See our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/carmelcosmeticslabs.com\/en\/how-are-cosmetic-claims-regulated-in-the-eu\/\">cosmetic claims regulation in the EU<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to formulate a menopause skincare range, step by step<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Formulating a menopause skincare range follows the same path as a standard launch, with extra attention to tolerance, textures and claims. Here is the typical process for white label or custom formulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Define the target and positioning.<\/strong> Menopausal or perimenopausal skin, price, channel (pharmacy, e-commerce, beauty salon).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Write the product brief.<\/strong> Skin needs, textures, actives wanted or excluded, fragrance or not, packaging. Our method to <a href=\"https:\/\/carmelcosmeticslabs.com\/en\/cosmetic-product-specification-guide\/\">build a solid cosmetics product brief<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Build a short routine.<\/strong> A gentle cleanser, a serum and a rich cream are often enough to start.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Formulate and test.<\/strong> Prototypes, textures, stability testing, packaging compatibility and challenge test.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Substantiate the claims.<\/strong> Tolerance under dermatological control, hydration or firmness measurements, in-use tests on the target group.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Build the regulatory file.<\/strong> Safety report, PIF, appointment of the Responsible Person, CPNP notification before placing on the EU market.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Review the label and marketing copy.<\/strong> Packaging, product pages and social media are all subject to Regulation 655\/2013.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For steps 5 to 7, our <a href=\"https:\/\/carmelcosmeticslabs.com\/en\/cosmetic-product-information-file-pif\/\">regulatory support and PIF preparation<\/a> service covers the safety report, claim substantiation and notification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The manufacturer\u2019s view<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The main risk with a menopause range lies in the messaging: a single sentence on the pack or in a video can make a well-built formula non-compliant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As an ISO 22716 and ISO 9001 certified manufacturer based in Agadir and committed to compliance with Regulation (EC) 1223\/2009, we recommend three habits to brand owners. First, set the claims in the product brief, so the right tests are planned. Next, focus on sensory feel: dry skin expects a rich cream that absorbs quickly, without a greasy film. Finally, validate demand with a focused launch range before expanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Moroccan actives such as argan oil and prickly pear seed oil give a menopause skincare range a clear identity, provided they are dosed at a level that justifies highlighting them. A token concentration would go against the truthfulness criterion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the best face cream for menopausal skin?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no universal best cream: the right product depends on skin type, degree of dryness and sensitivity. For a brand, an effective formula combines a lipid-rich base, humectants, ceramides and a well-tolerated firming active, in a pleasant texture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Should a cream for dry menopausal skin be fragranced?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is not required, and often not recommended for dry, reactive skin. Fragrance can bring allergens that must be declared on the label above certain thresholds. Many brands offer a fragrance-free or very lightly fragranced version, which widens the target to sensitive skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can you use the word \u201cmenopause\u201d on a cosmetic label?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, to describe the target or context of use, for example \u201cfor menopausal skin\u201d. The word becomes a problem as soon as it is linked to a therapeutic promise: treating, relieving or preventing symptoms. The assessment covers the whole pack and all communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are phytoestrogens allowed in a cream?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Isoflavone-rich plant extracts are not listed in Annex II the way estrogens are. They can be used if the safety report deems them safe. However, on a menopause skin cream you cannot claim a hormonal or \u201cestrogen-like\u201d effect: that claim would take the product out of the cosmetic scope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How many products do you need to launch a menopause range?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A launch range often has two to four SKUs: a rich face cream, a serum and, depending on positioning, a body product or a gentle cleanser. Starting lean lets you validate demand and focus the testing budget. In white label, an accessible MOQ keeps this test affordable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Launch your menopause skincare range<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Menopausal skin has specific needs: hydration, lipid replenishment, comfort and firmness. The brands that succeed in this segment meet them with well-chosen cosmetic actives, no hormones and substantiated claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Carmel Cosmetics Labs has supported more than 500 brands in 35 countries. Want to <a href=\"https:\/\/carmelcosmeticslabs.com\/en\/white-label-cosmetics-service\/\">create a white label range for mature skin<\/a>, with Moroccan actives and claims that comply with EU law? Free consultation or book a meeting with our team.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Menopausal skin becomes drier and less firm. Skin needs, cosmetic actives, banned hormones (Annex II) and compliant claims: the guide to formulating a menopause skincare range.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":35349,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[599],"tags":[724,728,711,790,734],"class_list":["post-44199","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-updates","tag-actifs-skincare","tag-formulation-cosmetique","tag-marque-blanche-cosmetique","tag-menopause","tag-reglementation-cosmetique"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/carmelcosmeticslabs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44199","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/carmelcosmeticslabs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/carmelcosmeticslabs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carmelcosmeticslabs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carmelcosmeticslabs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=44199"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/carmelcosmeticslabs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44199\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":45515,"href":"https:\/\/carmelcosmeticslabs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44199\/revisions\/45515"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carmelcosmeticslabs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35349"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/carmelcosmeticslabs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44199"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carmelcosmeticslabs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=44199"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carmelcosmeticslabs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=44199"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}