Four priorities for Art Cosmetics in 2026… “innovation, digitalization of processes, sustainability, and global expansion!”

Founded in the early 1990s near Milan with a specialty in lipstick manufacturing, Art Cosmetics—which today employs more than 700 people (10% of whom are dedicated to R&D) and generated €122 million in revenue last year. Over the years, the company has continuously expanded its scope by establishing specialized cosmetic laboratories and making significant investments in research and innovation. This strategy has enabled the Italian firm to develop new formulations for emulsions, anhydrous systems, powders, and over-the-counter products. Its product range covers face, lip, and eye care, with a strong focus on hybrid formulations (makeup and skincare). It naturally offers a full range of services covering everything from formulation development to industrial production, including filling and packaging. To achieve this, the company operates several sites in Italy which, according to its executives, ensure full integration between development and manufacturing. Its headquarters are located in Fornovo San Giovanni on an ultra-modern 14,700-square-meter production site that opened in 2019 and was designed, as its managers emphasize, to advanced sustainability standards. It features a large bulk production area, two zones dedicated to finished products, and two buildings dedicated to quality control and order fulfillment. The Mozzanica site, meanwhile, is home to the “Powders District,” a 5,200-square-meter hub specializing in Research and Development, industrialization, bulk production, filling, casting, quality control, and advanced powder technologies. An update from CEO Francesco Geuna.

“Over the past two years,” explains Francesco Geuna, “our growth has been guided by a clear objective: to strengthen our ability to combine innovation, speed, and excellence in execution. To achieve this, we have significantly expanded our R&D capabilities by investing in formulation platforms and cutting-edge technologies designed to anticipate the growing demand for hybrid and high-performance products. At the same time, we have expanded our production ecosystem, with a particular focus on specialization—as demonstrated in 2024 by the creation of our Powder District—to enhance both our capacity and our technological expertise.”

Three areas of development

One of the Italian firm’s strengths has been the evolution of its operational model toward what its CEO calls “structured agility.”

This evolution has manifested in three key areas:
– Accelerated decision-making by streamlining the company’s organizational structure to enable faster, clearer decisions through reduced hierarchical levels and improved cross-functional collaboration. “This allows us to respond to market needs,” emphasizes Francesco Geuna, “more quickly while maintaining total control and high precision.”

– The second focus is managing complexity: the intentionally flexible production model was designed to adapt to increasingly sophisticated specifications, shorter deadlines, and higher technical requirements. By integrating formulation, regulatory, and industrial constraints from the very start of the development process, the company is able to manage complexity without slowing down execution.

– Third pillar: the implementation of stringent quality standards. “Despite the acceleration of processes,” emphasizes Francesco Geuna, “we have strengthened our quality policy by ensuring precision and consistency at every stage, from formulation to the industrialization of makeup and skincare products.”

At the same time, the Italian firm has also invested heavily in the digitization of its processes and data integration throughout the value chain, thereby improving transparency, efficiency, and coordination among teams.

“Our priorities for 2026 are clear,” explains Francesco Geuna. “We continue to invest in innovation, strengthening our R&D capabilities to anticipate market needs and develop high-performance formulations. Second, we continue to focus on the efficiency and digitization of our processes, always with the goal of improving speed, transparency, and integration throughout the value chain. Third, sustainability remains a central pillar for us. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and working closely with our partners to build a more responsible supply chain. Finally, we continue to strengthen our international presence, consolidating our key markets while exploring new opportunities.” It should be noted that exports account for the majority of Art Cosmetics’ production. Its main markets are the United States, which accounts for approximately 40% of revenue, followed by the EMEA region (approximately 40%) and the Middle East (approximately 10%). “The United States remains a key market for us. The rise in tariffs is obviously an issue we’re monitoring closely, as it has a direct impact on cost structures, supply chain strategies, and go-to-market dynamics. However, rather than viewing it as a constraint, we see it as part of a dynamic that is pushing us toward greater adaptability and flexibility. In this context, agility becomes a key competitive advantage.” As for the customer breakdown (60% Europe/APAC, 40% USA), 47% come from the “Luxury” sector, 36% from “Mastige,” and 17% from the “Mass Market.”

As for the energy crisis, it continues to impact the Italian firm’s operating costs as well as the sector as a whole. “Our approach has been to mitigate this impact through efficiency gains and process optimization, maintaining our competitiveness without compromising on quality or innovation.”

Sustainability: a central pillar

Sustainability remains a central pillar of Art Cosmetics’ strategy.

“On the product side,” explains Francesco Geuna, “we are increasingly focusing on more responsible solutions. For the first time, we have calculated the carbon footprint of our products, which allows us to adopt a more data-driven approach. We work closely with our customers and suppliers to develop sustainable formulations, including organic and upcycled ingredients. Over 90% of our palm oil-derived materials are RSPO-certified, and we offer packaging solutions that are recycled, recyclable, or refillable, with all wooden components sourced from FSC-certified materials. On the operational side, we calculate our carbon footprint annually and set clear reduction targets.”
As a result, the company has implemented a building management system to optimize energy consumption, supported by photovoltaic installations that already save over 100 tons of CO₂ per year. “We aim to source 100% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and plan to join the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) by 2027. At the same time, over 50% of our vehicle fleet is already electric or hybrid. Our commitment is also reflected in recognized standards and certifications, including EcoVadis Platinum (in the top 1% globally), ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, as well as SMETA.”

Packaging: a strategic lever!

“As for packaging, rather than focusing solely on substitution, we believe the real challenge and opportunity lies in rethinking it within the framework of a broader and more responsible system. We work alongside our customers and partners to design solutions where materials, formulation, and usage are considered in an integrated manner, thereby ensuring the coexistence of performance, safety, and environmental responsibility. Ultimately, we view packaging not only as a component but also as a strategic lever: a space where innovation, sustainability, and brand expression converge. The goal is not merely to reduce impact but to create solutions that are both responsible and appealing, in line with the ever-evolving expectations of consumers and the industry.”

For the company, this means moving toward packaging that is increasingly recycled, recyclable, or refillable, while paying particular attention to sourcing and optimizing materials. At the same time, it is committed to reducing complexity and improving compatibility between packaging and formulations to promote a more circular model.

Four innovations presented at Cosmoprof, including “Biothox”!

In line with major trends, such as the rise of non-invasive aesthetic treatments, the growing demand for hybrid products, and the increasing importance of high-performance, ingredient-focused formulations, Art Cosmetics has launched a collection of 100% hybrid products positioned at the intersection of makeup and skincare.

“Today,” explains Francesco Geuna, “consumers are no longer simply looking for products that enhance their appearance, but for solutions that deliver visible results while being gentle on the skin, combining sensory appeal, performance, and skincare benefits in a single step. In this context, we developed ‘Biothox,’ inspired by in-clinic aesthetic procedures and reimagined for an accessible daily beauty routine. We started with a simple observation: 48% of beauty product consumers prefer non-invasive touch-up options, including makeup.”

“Simple touch-ups, defined by innovations for healthy aging without needles and focused on ingredients, are gaining popularity as smarter alternatives to in-clinic aesthetic procedures. Innovations in contouring, filling, and plumping are making facial harmonization accessible to all, rejuvenating the skin with powerful active ingredients and creating a professional-grade skincare effect.”

Note that the global market for non-surgical procedures (2018–2022) is projected to grow by 57.8% between 2018 and 2022. The market is expected to reach $46 billion this year. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are normalizing “tweakments,” particularly among Gen Z and Millennials, making subtle touch-ups and “natural makeup” looks attractive and accessible.

“Biothox,” explains Francesco Geuna, is where biomimetic innovation meets the functional gentleness of Notox. A visionary trend that combines the “you, but better” philosophy with the new frontier of bio-digital beauty. Here, the skin isn’t transformed; it’s enhanced through intelligent active ingredients, nature-inspired textures, and precision technologies that respect the skin’s microbiome. The ultimate translation of Clinique’s lifting science into enhanced everyday beauty. The new frontier of lip longevity, where
cryotherapy-inspired freshness meets advanced diffusion technology, for fresher, plumper-looking lips. Born from the science of clinical lifting injections and enhanced by cutting-edge cosmetic innovation, Biothox³ technology brings the power of professional procedures to everyday beauty.

This next-generation complex combines three science-based active ingredients. Each targets a different aspect of skin aging to recreate the comprehensive rejuvenating benefits typically associated with clinical treatments. Bio-fermented amino acids mimic the profile of collagen to support the Triangle of Youth, redefining contours and boosting skin volume. A complex of hyaluronic acid and collagen peptides works synergistically to stimulate collagen, smooth out wrinkles and fine lines, and deliver a lifted, glass-like radiance. Exosomes, the most advanced trend in aesthetic medicine, act as microscopic cellular messengers capable of reactivating communication between skin cells, thereby stimulating the skin’s regenerative power and improving its appearance. What makes Biothox³ truly transformative is the three-tiered efficacy of its technology:
• Amino acids redensify the skin’s architecture.
• Peptides + hyaluronic acid plump, smooth, and promote skin suppleness.
• Exosomes optimize skin communication and longevity.

Together, they are designed to replicate the multidimensional effect of a clinical-grade lifting treatment, but in the form of skincare and makeup formulas designed for daily use. Inspired by clinical cryotherapy rituals, it provides an immediate sensation of freshness that visibly enhances the appearance of the lips and offers a unique sensory pleasure. The CryoSphere Delivery Complex is an advanced delivery technology based on a precise inclusion process between plant-derived cyclodextrins and menthol, in which the menthol is reversibly encapsulated and gradually released upon application. This controlled release ensures a balanced, comfortable, and long-lasting sensation of freshness. The result: visibly enhanced lips with a fresh, plump appearance and a modern, refreshing signature that elevates lip makeup beyond the ordinary.

Also worth noting among the products presented this year:

– FLAWSOME H2O Stick Serum, a solid serum that, according to the press release, “reinvents the skincare routine. Enriched with a high water content, it melts upon contact with the skin into a fresh, lightweight veil, providing an instant sensation of lifting, softness, and hydration. Its skin-mimicking film-forming agent creates a supple, invisible network that follows the face’s movements, offering both an immediate tightening effect and improved makeup staying power.”

– BIOSKIN Serum-Infused Hybrid Foundation, a serum-infused hybrid foundation, a next-generation product containing up to 5% active serum. Its texture transforms from a velvety powder to a fluid veil upon application, blending seamlessly with the skin for an excellent yet imperceptible finish. “Enriched with a high concentration of active serum derived from Biothox³ technology,” the press release states, “it goes beyond simple coverage: it helps smooth, plump, and support the skin’s structure over time. The result is a breathable “second-skin” effect that offers both instant blurring and gradual skin improvement, thereby redefining the role of foundation in a hybrid beauty routine.”

– CHROMA LIGHT DNA Gloss. Encapsulating three distinct phases in a single bottle, it releases them simultaneously upon application, where they blend into a luminous film with shimmering highlights. The interaction between the transparent gel and pearlescent pigments creates depth, movement, and light reflections, elevating the gloss to the status of a true “architecture of light” for the face and eyes. “Thanks to cutting-edge CryoSphere Delivery Complex technology,” explains the press release, “it releases a gradual wave of freshness that transforms every application into a sensory and revitalizing ritual. Beyond its striking visual effect, the formula remains ultra-lightweight and comfortable, transforming intense radiance into a natural, easy-to-wear effect.”