Sitting at the intersection of the art and science of product development is a common denominator in brands that creates products that break through the noise and stand out in a sea of sameness. From formulation and ingredient advancements to transparency and responsible production and innovation, the BeautyMatter 2024 NEXT Award finalists set the scene for the next generation of products and treatments.

The NEXT Awards recognize innovation related to formulation, delivery system, new format type, use of technology, or sustainability in a finished product launched to market in the past 18 months.

Integral in our commitment to creating a level playing field is working with judges who were chosen for their diversity and depth of experience, from beauty pros to product developers. They committed a signifcant amount of time to evaluate 250+ submissions across categories using the following criteria: 

• The creativity and innovation of the product concept
• The connection between the product formulation and the package
• The product’s ability to deliver benefit promises and the substantiation of claims
• The context of the competitive landscape and its memorability
• The use experience of the product

The Judges: 

• Ginger King, Founder and CEO, Grace Kingdom Beauty
• Manessa Lormejuste, Product Developer and Beauty Scientist
• Tamar Kamen, Hero Product Maker and Independent Consultant
• Sharonda Newsome, Director Scientific Affairs, Happy Farm Botanicals
• Ocean McDaeth, Hairstylist, Director of Education, Dreamboat Salon
• Sir Candle Man, Creator and Brand Consultant
• Amy Nicole Cohen, Founder, Chic Studios School of Makeup
• Carmine Montalto, Founder, Skincarma Blog / Carmine Montalto Ink.
• Matin Maulawizada, NYC-based Makeup Artist
• Ian Michael Crumm, BeautyCurious Podcast Co-Host, and Esthetician
• Karen Young, CEO, The Young Group 

Meet the 2024 NEXT finalists for product innovation:

Best Breakthrough Product (Skincare): 

• Angela Caglia Skincare, Cell Forté Serum
• Ayuna, NEED-LE
• Dr. Diamond’s METACINE, InstaFacial Plasma
• Lion Pose, Unspotted 4X Acid Jelly Night Serum
• Symphonic M.D., Retinol Vitamin C Powered by BioA Treatment 
• Provence Beauty, Immortal Bloom Cleansing Balm

Best Breakthrough Product (Hybrid): 

• BeautyBio, Bronzing Blendrops
• Danessa Myricks Beauty, Water Powder Serum
• Isle of Paradise, Sunny Serum
• Mustela, Home Compostable Wipes
• Studio10 Makeup, Hydra-Fusion Daily Defense SPF30 
• WONDERSKIN, Lip Rehab Serum Oil

Best Breakthrough Product (Haircare): 

• BondiBoost, Infrared Bounce Brush
• Gisou, Hair Repair Serum
• Hairitage, Mend to Be
• Uzima, Ukuaji Blooming Serum
• Virtue Labs, Damage Reverse Serum
• YA-MAN, Spa Styler Blow Dry + Scalp Massage

Best Breakthrough Product (Color Cosmetics): 

• about-face, Holographic Eye Paints
• about-face, The Performer
• SACHEU Beauty, Lipliner STAY-N
• Haus Labs, Glossy Blush Balm
• KimChi Chic Beauty, Almost Catfished Powder
• Milani Cosmetics, Color Fetish Hydrating Lip Stains
• Relevant, Rele-Fix Color Corrector

Best Breakthrough Product (Devices): 

• Beautifect Makeup Box
• InMode, Forma-I
• Medi Lift, Essential Mask
• Nu Skin, RenuSpa iO
• Robosculptor 
• Sofwave, Pure Impact 

Best Breakthrough Product (Fragrance): 

• Amouage, Guidance
• BOHOBOCO, Magic Mushrooms
• DedCool, Sunlit Blooms
• Ellis Brooklyn, Miami Nectar
• Obvious Parfums, Scoville by Obvious
• State of Change

Best Breakthrough Product (Home Fragrance): 

• Abel Room Spray Collection
• Boojee, Candles
• Control and Chaos, Candles
• Malin+Goetz, Tomato Home Spray
• Mys, Room and Linen Spray
• Pura, Open Air Tech

Best Breakthrough Product (Personal Care): 

• Effiderma, CelRevive
• OPI, Repair Mode
• Sans Savon, Hand Wash
• SeneGence, SmileSense Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste
• Touchland, The Gentle Mist
• Vanessa Megan Naturaceuticals, Metamorphosis, Other Lips Balm

Best Breakthrough Product (Bodycare): 

• Mustela, Stelatopia+ Lipid-Replenishing Cream
• Natura Brasil
• Nudestix, Resurfacing Body Toner
• OSEA, Undaria Cleansing Body Polish
• Tronque, Scar Treatment
• U Beauty, Resurfacing Body Compound

Best Breakthrough Product (Men): 

• Insanely Clean, Instant Moisturizing Mist
• Jack Black, Dual Defense Face Moisturizer
• PAPATUI, Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Best Breakthrough Product (Wellness)

• Helight Sleep
• Mad Rabbit, Tattoo Repair Patch
• Rael, Hormone Balance Supplement 
• Sports Research, Organic Collagen Peptides
• Sports Research, Sweet Sweat Eco Waist Trainer
• Veracity, Metabolism Ignite

Best Breakthrough Product (Suncare): 

• Duette, The Serum and The Supplement
• EltaMD, UV Clear Deep Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
• La Roche-Posay, Mela B3 UV
• Lion Pose, GHOST-BUSTER 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 42
• OneSkin, OS-01 BODY SPF
• Toty, Ilumina CC Creamy Compact SPF50+

Best Breakthrough Product (Kids): 

• YAWN, YAWN WORLD Kit 01

Best Breakthrough Product (Tweens): 

• Blume, Meltdown Gel Cream
• BTWN, The Daily Cleanser and The Daily Moisturizer
• Talomi, Vita Makeup Stick

Join us in Los Angeles, CA, for the NEXT Award and Summit on October 24, 2024, to find out who wins. Secure your space.