There's a reason so many brands and products feel the same—because they are. While they have this time and place, private-label products will only get you so far in a landscape that has never been more crowded or competitive.
The art and science of product development is a common denominator in brands that break through the noise and rewrite the rules with forward-thinking concepts that challenge the tried and true. From formulation and ingredient advancements to transparency and responsible production, innovation is setting the scene for the next generation of products and treatments.
Are your products raising the bar and shaping the future of beauty and wellness?
2025 BeautyMatter Awards for Product Innovation
The awards recognize innovation in a finished product launched after January 1, 2024. Examples of innovation include formulation, delivery system, new format type, use of technology, or sustainability.
New Product Categories
- Best Breakthrough Skincare - Scrub/Cleanser
- Best Breakthrough Skincare - Treatment
- Best Breakthrough Skincare - Moisturizer
- Best Breakthrough Skincare - Acne
- Best Breakthrough Skincare - Devices/Tools
- Best Breakthrough Skincare - Eye/Brow
- Best Breakthrough Haircare - Shampoo
- Best Breakthrough Haircare - Conditioner
- Best Breakthrough Haircare - Treatment
- Best Breakthrough Haircare - Styling
- Best Breakthrough Haircare - Accessories/Tools
- Best Breakthrough Haircare - Color
- Best Breakthrough Color Cosmetics - Palette
- Best Breakthrough Color Cosmetics - Complexion
- Best Breakthrough Color Cosmetics - Eye/Brow
- Best Breakthrough Color Cosmetics - Tools
- Best Breakthrough Color Cosmetics - Nail
- Best Breakthrough Wellness - Topicals
- Best Breakthrough Wellness - Supplements
- Best Breakthrough Wellness - Tools/Devices
- Best Breakthrough Wellness - Food/Beverage
- Best Breakthrough Youth Product
The Product Categories
- Best Breakthrough Product – Hybrid
- Best Breakthrough Product – Suncare
- Best Breakthrough Product – Home Fragrance
- Best Breakthrough Product – Fragrance
- Best Breakthrough Product – Personal Care
- Best Breakthrough Product – Bodycare
- Best Breakthrough Product – Men
- Best Breakthrough Product – Wellness
- Best Breakthrough Product – Device/Tools
The Submission Process
- Description of the brand
- Describe the product concept and why it matters
- Explain what makes the product unique (form, function, technology, patents, clinical studies, etc.)
- The option of uploading supporting photography, video, or creative assets
- Quantify and expand with specific numbers, percentages, statistics, testimonials, or social proof
- Send physical samples for the judges to review
We believe everyone should have a fair shake at winning industry awards. At BeautyMatter, it's not a popularity contest, and you cannot buy your way to a win. BeautyMatter Awards are determined purely on the merit of the entry and product submission by a panel of independent experts.
The Judges
- Matin Maulawizada, Makeup Artist
- Ocean McDaeth, Hairstylist and Educator
- Ginger King, Cosmetic Chemist
- Manessa Lormejuste, Product Developer and Beauty Scientist
- Birnur Aral, Research Scientist and PhD
- Tamar Kamen, Product Development and Innovation Expert
- Amy Nicole Cohen, Makeup Artist and Educator
- Carmine Montalto, Skincare Influencer
- Jen Novakovich, Cosmetic Scientist and Science Communicator
- Ian Michael Crumm, Esthetician and Influencer
- Alexx Mayo, Makeup Artist
- Brielle Bahr, Hair and Makeup Artist
- Dr. Shirley Madhère, Plastic Surgeon
- Gregg Lennon Jr, Hair Stylist
- Laura Rugetti, Hair Stylist
- Lorne Lucree, Product Development and Innovation Expert
- Nick Lennon, Hair Stylist
- Sharonda Newsome, Cosmetic Scientist
- Kudzi Chikumbu aka Sir Candle Man, Brand Consultant
- Tina Hedges, Innovation Expert
The Judging 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 Process:
- Entry deadline April 4, 2025.
- Product sample deadline April 18, 2025
- BeautyMatter Award Finalists announced June 11, 2025
- BeautyMatter Winners announced August 4, 2025
If you don't enter you cannot win. Start here.
