As youth and perception of beauty are considered to be of great importance, an increasing number of new cosmeceuticals have been developed in recent years. This article will briefly present the problems of distinguishing cosmetics, cosmeceuticals or drugs and describe important new developments in raw materials, carrier systems and ingredients from the dermatological point of view. Especially active ingredients against skin‐aging, here in particular antioxidants and cell regulators, are reviewed. Important parameters for the quality of cosmetics and cosmeceuticals are evidence‐based in‐vivo and in‐vitro efficacy as well as scientifically proven wanted and unwanted effects.