The Estée Lauder Companies Advances Scientific Leadership in Skin Longevity and Regenerative Aesthetics at the 2026 IMCAS World Congress

Press Release, Feb 18, 2026

New York, NY – February 18, 2026 – The Estée Lauder Companies presented new scientific findings in skin care science at the 2026 IMCAS World Congress, one of the leading gatherings for dermatology, plastic surgery, and aesthetics. Hosted in Paris in late January, this year’s conference drew more than 20,000 participants, bringing together the latest science from prominent leaders and the newest developments from major industry players. The Estée Lauder Companies’ Dr. Rishabh Kala, Lead Scientist for Estée Lauder, and Dr. Jaime Emmetsberger, Lead Scientist for La Mer’s Max Huber Research Labs, were selected by the scientific committee to deliver talks showcasing their brands’ scientific authority in skin longevity and regenerative aesthetics, respectively.

In his presentation, “Skin Longevity: The Proven Role of Sirtuins and Mitochondrial Health in Dermatological Aging,” Dr. Kala highlighted Estée Lauder’s more than 17 years of dedicated research in skin longevity, underscoring the brand’s leadership in the field. Sirtuins, a group of seven proteins that are strongly associated with healthy aging and longevity, help regulate how cells use energy, respond to stress, and maintain balance over time. In his talk, he detailed the interconnected roles of sirtuins and mitochondrial dynamics in maintaining youthful skin function and discussed emerging research on sirtuin activators and mitochondrial-targeted technologies that are influencing the next generation of longevity-focused skin care. Estée Lauder’s proprietary research demonstrates the ability of exclusive ingredients to counteract the effects of age-related declines in SIRT activity. By supporting visible age reversal and improved skin resilience, the company is continuing to advance skin longevity, helping skin cells perform at their peak and act younger and healthier for longer.

In her presentation, “Realizing Exosome Potential in Cosmeceuticals: Alternative Sources, Biological Benefits, and Challenges,” Dr. Emmetsberger highlighted exosomes as one of the most rapidly emerging areas of interest in cosmetic science. Rather than treating exosomes as a single “ingredient,” she framed them as biological messengers whose impact depends on an understanding of the vesicles themselves and the signals they carry. As interest in this field continues to accelerate, Dr. Emmetsberger noted that the term “exosome” is often applied too broadly, leading to confusion and suggested clearer standards to address this. She also highlighted a growing shift toward more scalable options from plants, algae, and the microbiome, which are increasingly relevant for cosmetic applications. Building on Dr. Emmetsberger’s expertise, the company is continuing to deepen its scientific understanding of signaling vesicle platforms, like exosomes, and translating into delivering meaningful skin benefits.

“We are honored to have two of our expert scientists selected to present at the 2026 IMCAS World Congress, an achievement that reflects the strength of our Global Research and Innovation organization,” said Claude Saliou, Senior Vice President, Advanced Technologies and Global Clinical & Consumer Science, The Estée Lauder Companies. “Their research underscores our company’s longstanding leadership in skin longevity and regenerative aesthetics, exemplifying our ability to translate cutting-edge discovery into transformative beauty innovations.”

Around the world, ELC is dedicated to cutting-edge science with multidisciplinary expertise ranging from basic science and advanced technologies to the intersections of physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. ELC R&D has 80 years of formulation authority and is deeply integrated into the scientific community, regularly presenting at leading events and publishing in peer-reviewed journals. ELC’s R&D team consistently aims to develop the next generation of transformative, science-driven prestige beauty products, packaging, and experiences that deliver exceptional quality and performance for our consumers around the world.

About The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (ELC) is one of the world’s leading manufacturers, marketers, and sellers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products, and is a steward of luxury and prestige brands globally. The company’s products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under brand names including: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, M·A·C, La Mer, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Darphin Paris, TOM FORD, Smashbox, AERIN Beauty, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW, KILIAN PARIS, Too Faced, Dr.Jart+, the DECIEM family of brands, including The Ordinary and NIOD, and BALMAIN Beauty.