There are a lot of beauty products out there in the market. New launches hit the shelves every week, claiming to be the next big thing in skincare, makeup, or haircare. But how do you separate the truly innovative, effective, and game-changing products from the rest?

That’s where we come in.

At Beauty Innovation Awards, we recognize the best beauty products of the year by going beyond just good packaging or trendy ingredients. Whether it's a buzzy serum or a genius hair tool, we look at what actually makes a product award-worthy. Here's a peek behind the scenes at how our beauty awards judging criteria work.

1. Innovation Is Key

We’re all about celebrating beauty innovations that move the industry forward. That means:

New ingredients or formulasSmarter packagingCool tech in skincare and toolsUnique solutions to common beauty problems

Basically, if it makes us say “Wow, why didn’t anyone think of this before?”—we’re paying attention. We’ve seen some truly standout ideas over the years, and each year the bar gets higher.

2. Does It Actually Work?

Innovation is great, but a product has to deliver. We take a close look at how well something performs:

Does it do what it says it will?Are people raving about it?Is there science or testing to back it up?

We love seeing products that don’t just look good but work really well—because that's what gets them into Beauty Awards Winners territory.

3. The Story Behind the Brand

We’re big believers that a great product often has a great story. Is the founder solving a personal skincare issue? Are they bringing something new to the table? Is the brand focused on sustainability, inclusivity, or giving back?

We care about brands that care. And those stories definitely influence who becomes a Beauty Awards Finalist (or takes home the win).

4. User Experience Matters

It’s not just about what’s in the bottle—it’s about the whole experience.

Is the packaging easy to use and beautiful to look at?Does it smell amazing? Feel great?Does it make your beauty routine better or more enjoyable?

Great products should make people feel something. And that counts for a lot in our judging process.

5. How’s It Doing in the Real World?

We also look at what kind of buzz a product is getting. That includes:

Sales momentumSocial media loveGlowing reviewsIndustry attention

A product doesn’t have to go viral overnight, but if it’s building a loyal fanbase and standing out in a crowded space, that’s a great sign.

6. Sustainability & Ethics

Consumers today care about what goes into their products—and we do, too. We give serious points for:

Eco-friendly packagingCruelty-free or vegan formulasTransparent sourcing

It’s not just about being trendy—it’s about being responsible. That’s the kind of beauty innovation we love to highlight.

7. The Voting & Judging Process

We get a lot of questions about how the beauty awards voting process works. Here’s the scoop:

A panel of experts goes through all entries based on the criteria above.We shortlist the best of the best as finalists.From there, we evaluate again, sometimes with consumer input depending on the category.

It’s a fair, thoughtful process—and we make sure every product is judged on its own merit.

Final Thoughts

From the Best Beauty Products of 2019 to the Beauty Award 2024 contenders, our goal has always been the same: spotlight the products and brands that are truly making waves in the industry.

If you’re a brand doing something fresh, exciting, and meaningful—we see you. And we’d love for you to be part of the Beauty Innovation Awards 2025.