Single technologies/chemistries (that may include carriers, solvents, etc.) used as individual components in cosmetics and personal care preparations. Cosmetic ingredient entries are divided into two types:

Active Ingredient — an ingredient intended to influence biological activity; and
Base Ingredient — an ingredient serving a supporting, complementary role in a formulation.

Both types of cosmetic ingredients are further divided by product categories (see below).

A combination of single ingredients that work synergistically together. An ingredient blend does not stand alone as a formula. Ingredient blends are further divided by product categories (see below).

Prototype products and chassis refer to preparations that are not commercially available to consumers. They include product concepts that manufacturers could build upon and refine to commercialize, and/or concepts prepared to demonstrate ingredient capabilities and/or formulating services. They may also include contract manufacturer products that are not yet commercialized. Prototype products/chassis are further divided by product categories (see below).

Finished formulas refer to optimized cosmetics and personal care products that are commercially available to the consumer. These may include contract manufacturer formulas that have been commercialized.

Finished formula entries are divided into three types based on their intended positioning in the market (subject to interpretation by the entrant):

Indie – Boutique-style products, often positioned as “mom-and-pop shop” and/or handcrafted, that are often mid-priced and aligned with specific tenets (clean, vegan, organic, etc.);
Mass – Typically products with lower price points intended for a broader consumer base and often sold through larger chain and “big box” retailers; and
Prestige – Premium products positioned for the luxury consumer, often sold at a higher price point through specialized channels.

Finished formula entries are further divided by product categories (see below).

A mechanized tool developed for at-home use by beauty consumers for cosmetic and/or personal care purposes; may be intended for stand-alone use or paired with topical products.

AI-driven, high-throughput, in vitro, ex vivo, etc., test methods, tools, substrates, protocols and technologies developed for cosmetics R&D purposes to: support product or ingredient claims; prove efficacy, safety and stability; etc.

Digital technologies such as smartphone apps, retailer “diagnostic tools,” VR/AR/metaverse appliances, etc., developed for use by consumers for beauty and personal care purposes.

Digital technologies such as software, platforms, blockchain, sensors, etc., for project management, material sourcing, inventory tracking, production monitoring, etc., for use by businesses in the cosmetics industry.

Facial products intended to reduce signs of aging (wrinkles, sagging, dullness, roughness, hyperpigmentation, dark circles, tiredness, etc.) or support a youthful appearance (boost suppleness, skin glow, etc.); includes exfoliants and menopausal skin care

Products intended to cleanse and maintain the health of the face and/or body (soap, shower gels, bubble bath, foams, bars, intimate cleansing, facial toners, acne care, hand sanitizers, body sprays, antiperspirants/deodorants, oral care, body powders, microbiome-balancing products, sebum regulation, etc.)

Products intended to impart temporary color to the skin (foundation, eye shadow, lipstick, mascara, blush, nails, etc.); includes primers and demi-permanent hair dyes

Products intended to cleanse, treat and care for the hair and/or scalp (shampoo, conditioner, styling products, thermal protectants, anti-dandruff products, anti-itch treatments, microbiome-balancing products, anti-hair loss, hair dye, repair and bonding agents, etc.)

Cosmetics and personal care products in any market segment containing mainly ingredients derived from nature; may include organic, COSMOS, Natrue, etc., designations. Note: This category is focused on the natural sourcing and processing of materials – not on their sustainability and/or eco-friendly profile.

Products ingested for beauty benefits (supplements, collagen drinks, etc.)

Products intended to treat or maintain the health of skin (moisturizers, anti-cellulite products, self-tanners, eczema/psoriasis/derm care, microbiome-balancing products, stretch marks/scar treatments, skin soothing)

Products intended to protect the skin and/or hair against damage caused by UV, blue/visible light and heat/infrared exposure (includes UV/blue light filters, SPF boosters, photostabilizers, hair color protectants, etc.)

Cosmetics and personal care products intended to boost self-confidence, relaxation, immunity, etc., for the consumer’s overall well-being, quality of life and related beauty benefits (fragrance, intimate care, immunity support, psychodermatology-focused care, etc.)