The Cosmetics & Toiletries (C&T) Allē Awards bring behind-the-scenes beauty innovation into the spotlight – ranging from cosmetic ingredients and formulas, to testing methods/tools, digital technologies and consumer beauty devices. (Check out our growing list of past winners!)

Presented by C&T, the premier trade journal for cosmetics R&D, along with parent company Allured Business Media, the Allēs honor the scientific acumen, formulating skill, intuition and vision of innovators involved throughout the cosmetics and personal care R&D process.

Exclusive Red Carpet Awards Dinner

The C&T Allē Award winners will be announced at an exclusive, red carpet-style awards dinner celebrating all the finalists in Spring 2026 (details forthcoming).

Eligible entries for the 2026 C&T Allēs include innovations launched or implemented any time in 2025.
Exceptions can be made for entries launched before 2025 that were not previously entered. Please contact the organizers for details.

Note that entries submitted in previous years may NOT be re-submitted.

Entry types for the 2026 C&T Allēs include the following (see Definitions page for details):

• Active Ingredients
• Base Ingredients
• Ingredient Blends
• Prototype Products/Chassis
• Finished Formulas – Indie, Mass or Prestige
• Test Methods/Tools
• Digital Technologies - Consumer or Industry Users
• Cosmetic Beauty Devices

Entry categories for the 2026 C&T Allēs are applicable to ingredient, ingredient blend and formula entries. These include the following (see Definitions page for details). Note that companies may submit in as many categories as they like.

• Anti-aging
• Acne/Compromised Skin Care (new in 2026!)
• Bath, Body and Hygiene
• Color Cosmetics
• Hair/Scalp Care
• Hair/Scalp Treatments (new in 2026!)
• Nutricosmetics
• Skin Care
• Sun/Light Protection
• Wellness

Each entry requires:

1. The submitter’s contact information;
2. Entry name (as it should appear in official documents) with 100-word description and INCI disclosure (if relevant);
3. Entry fee ($350 Early Bird/$550 Standard – per entry); and 
4. Supporting documents.*

*Supporting documents: Supporting documents for each entry must be submitted for key details such as novelty, effectiveness, sustainability, etc., (see 7 Key Attributes Judged, below).  These serve as the basis for judges' ratings. Multiple file types are accepted (e.g., PDF, Word, PPT, videos, images, brochures, white papers, etc.). 

***  To ensure your entry receives the best possible judges’ ratings, be sure the information provided is complete. After the final submission deadline, additional information will NOT be considered by the judges. ***

Tip: Prepare your documents in advance to simplify the submission process.

Entries will be judged by members of an independent panel of experts who will review the submitted documents and rate entries from 1-10. Up to 7 key attributes will be assessed (see below). Entries must achieve a minimum score in order to qualify as a finalist. 

The entry in a given category with the highest total across all attributes will be declared the winner. Runners up will receive a merit for one attribute in which they rated highest, individually.

7 Key Attributes Judged*

1. Novelty
2. Effectiveness
3. Sustainability
4. Safety and Stability
5. Practicality and Ease of Use
6. Relevance to Parameter Measured (Testing category only)
7. Significance to the Industry

*Where relevant; not all attributes are relevant for all entry types

Timeline: Finalists for the 2026 C&T Allēs will be announced by December 2025 ; winners will officially be declared at the awards dinner in March 2026 .

Whether you win, place or show, the C&T Allē Awards program offers entrants direct feedback about their entry from the judges. The views expressed are the judges' alone and intended to provide constructive criticism about the innovation and/or praise for a job well done.

C&T Allē Awards winners and finalists will be profiled in C&T magazine, online, in e-newsletters and on the major socials. As a participant, you are encouraged to share your success across your own networks. Winners and finalists can also promote having received C&T Allē Awards recognition by licensing* the 2026 awards logo (details forthcoming).

*Additional fee applies

For questions regarding C&T Allē Award submissions, please contact Rachel Grabenhofer at 1-630-344-6072 or CTAlles@alleawards.com.