2026 CATEGORIES
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This category recognises the development of a pioneering new or significantly improved active ingredient developed for use in cosmetics and personal care within the last 2 years. It honours advances in formulation science that deliver measurable benefits to skin, hair, or body care through proven efficacy and innovation. Entries should demonstrate how the active ingredient represents a significant step forward in performance or consumer experience.
Eligible innovations would include novel bioactives, peptides, microbiome-focused actives, botanical extracts, biotechnological advances, or multifunctional compounds that support efficacy-driven claims.
Judges will look for originality, robust efficacy, scientific credibility, market relevance and impact, safety and tolerability and sustainability. Supporting evidence such as test data, white papers, or case studies is strongly encouraged to validate claims.
This award celebrates the most significant advancement in functional ingredients used in cosmetic and personal care formulations within the last 2 years.
Entries should highlight how the ingredient represents a true innovation in formulation science — whether through enhanced performance, improved safety, greater formulation flexibility, or sustainability-led innovation.
Eligible innovations may be responsible for stability, texture, delivery, preservation, and overall product performance of a formulation, and may include new emulsifiers, stabilisers, preservatives, surfactants, thickeners, texturisers, delivery systems, or other functional materials essential to the structure and usability of a product.
Judges will look for originality, performance with evidence that the ingredient improves stability, texture, sensory qualities, or ease of use; safety compliance, versatility, market relevance and sustainability. Supporting evidence such as technical data sheets, stability or performance testing, or case studies should be provided to strengthen entries.
Recognises the most forward-thinking and impactful advancement in primary packaging for cosmetics and personal care. Launched within the last 2 years, the packaging innovation should improve functionality, design, sustainability, consumer experience, or supply chain efficiency.
Entries should demonstrate measurable benefits over existing solutions, and may include new dispensing technologies, airless systems, refillable designs, lightweight materials, mono-material packaging, or other developments that enhance product preservation, usability, and brand value.
Judges will look for originality, functionality, sustainability, consumer experience, commercial viability and market impact – its potential to influence future packaging trends or set a new industry standard.
Supporting materials such as prototypes, technical specifications, lifecycle assessments, case studies, or demonstration videos are strongly encouraged to showcase the innovation.
Recognises the most forward-thinking and impactful advancement in secondary packaging for cosmetics and personal care. Launched within the last 2 years, entrants should highlight how the innovation improves the industry through advances in design, sustainability, functionality, or consumer engagement.
Eligible innovations may include new structural packaging formats, mono-material or recyclable cartons, biodegradable or compostable solutions, smart packaging, minimal-material designs, or innovative use of finishes and print technologies.
Judges will look for originality, functionality, sustainability, consumer experience, commercial viability and market impact – its potential to influence future packaging trends, enhance brand value or raise consumer expectations in the category.
Supporting materials such as prototypes, lifecycle assessments, case studies, or visual examples are strongly encouraged to illustrate the innovation.
This award celebrates the most impactful and forward-thinking sustainability initiative within the cosmetics and personal care supply chain. Open to raw material suppliers, packaging manufacturers, contract manufacturers and other B2B partners, the category recognises projects or programmes that demonstrate measurable progress in reducing environmental impact, while driving long-term value for the industry.
Eligible entries may include, carbon reduction strategies, circular economy practices (e.g. refill systems, recycling infrastructure), waste minimisation, biodiversity protection and regenerative agriculture initiatives, water stewardship, or social sustainability efforts connected to fair trade, ethical labour practices or community support.
Judges will assess entries on originality and creativity in approach, impact, along with supporting data or evidence or results demonstrating tangible outcomes, scalability and industry relevance.
Providing supporting metrics, case studies and any third-party verifications or certificates, where relevant to the entry, is strongly encouraged.
Highlights the use of digital tools, platforms, AI, or automation to improve business processes, product development, customer engagement, or supply chain management. Judges will seek proof of measurable improvements and scalability.
This category celebrates the transformative role of technology and digitalisation within the cosmetics and personal care supply chain. Entries should demonstrate the use of digital tools, platforms, AI, or automation to improve business processes, product development, customer engagement, or supply chain management.
Judges will be looking for examples of measurable impact, whether in reducing time-to-market, streamlining processes, or enabling new levels of creativity and personalisation. Solutions may span formulation, packaging, supply chain management, retail experiences, or consumer-facing technologies. Entrants should clearly outline the problem solved, the technology implemented, and its outcomes for both business and end consumers.
This award recognises organisations or teams that have demonstrated outstanding expertise and leadership in navigating, interpreting, or implementing regulations to ensure safety, transparency, and compliance across global markets.
Submissions should highlight initiatives, services, or tools that have helped brands and suppliers ensure compliance, anticipate regulatory change, and uphold consumer safety and trust.
This could include supporting clients with international regulatory strategies, simplifying compliance workflows, or pioneering ethical and transparent best practices.
Judges will be looking for evidence of proactive risk management, demonstrable value to partners, and a forward-looking approach to evolving legislation, such as sustainability reporting, ingredient regulations, or global labelling requirements.
This category recognises the outstanding service, reliability, and innovation of a contract manufacturer.
Entrants should showcase how they deliver consistent quality, flexibility, and innovation while acting as a trusted partner to their clients.
Key criteria include excellence in product development, speed-to-market, and the ability to scale production without compromising standards. Judges will also consider client satisfaction, value-added expertise such as formulation support or packaging solutions, and commitment to sustainability and responsible manufacturing.
Submissions can be supported by client testimonials or case studies to demonstrate a proven track record of reliability and partnership.
This award honours advancements in testing methodologies or safety/ efficacy validation that elevate consumer protection, product claims, product credibility, speed, or cost-effectiveness.
Entries could highlight novel in vitro or ex vivo models, next-generation clinical approaches, AI- or data-driven testing platforms, or innovative scientific protocols that reduce cost, speed development, or improve accuracy.
Judges will be looking for clear evidence of how these innovations address challenges such as ethical testing, regulatory requirements, and substantiating claims in a competitive market.
Entrants should detail the scientific approach, its advantages over existing methods, and its impact on both industry practice and consumer confidence.
This category spotlights a new or emerging supplier (typically under 5 years in the market, or showing rapid growth) that demonstrates creativity, strong potential, and a disruptive offering in ingredients, packaging, or services in the cosmetics and personal care industry.
It is open to young businesses that have demonstrated outstanding innovation, agility, and potential for long-term impact in the industry. Judges will look for entries that showcase creativity in product or ingredient development, unique service models, or disruptive approaches to sustainability, technology, or customer collaboration.
Entrants should emphasise their vision for growth, achievements to date, and how they are challenging established norms in the supply chain. This is an opportunity to recognise the next generation of industry leaders.
