Definitions & Categories
The submission portal is now closed. Thank you for entering the 2026 C&T Allēs.
Stay tuned for updates on the awards reception, and good luck!
Entry Types
Cosmetic Beauty Device
Cosmetic beauty devices are commercial mechanized tools developed for at-home use by beauty consumers for cosmetic and/or personal care purposes. They may be intended for stand-alone use or paired with topical products.
Cosmetic Ingredient - Active
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:
1. Active Ingredient — an ingredient intended to influence biological activity; and
2. Base Ingredient — an ingredient serving a supporting, complementary role in a formulation.
Cosmetic ingredients are divided further into product categories (see below), chosen by entrants during the submission process.
Cosmetic Ingredient - Base
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:
1. Active Ingredient — an ingredient intended to influence biological activity; and
2. Base Ingredient — an ingredient serving a supporting, complementary role in a formulation.
Cosmetic ingredients are divided further into product categories (see below), chosen by entrants during the submission process.
Cosmetic Ingredient Blend
Cosmetic ingredient blends refer to 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).
Digital Technologies – Consumer User
Digital technologies are divided into two groups based on the user: Consumer or Industry.
Consumer user digital technologies include smartphone apps, retailer “diagnostic tools,” VR/AR/metaverse appliances, online product advisor tools, etc., developed for use by consumers for beauty and personal care purposes.
Digital Technologies – Industry User
Digital technologies are divided into two categories based on the intended user: Consumer or Industry.
Industry user digital technologies may include platforms, databases, blockchain, sensors, etc., for project management, R&D collaboration, material sourcing, inventory tracking, production monitoring, etc., in the cosmetics industry.
Finished Formula - Indie
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, Mass and Prestige.
Indie formulas refer to 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.)
Finished Formula - Mass
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, Mass and Prestige.
Mass market formulas are typically products with lower price points intended for a broader consumer base and often sold through larger chain and “big box” retailers.
Finished Formula - Prestige
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, Mass and Prestige.
Prestige formulas are products positioned for the luxury consumer, often sold at a higher price point through specialized channels.
Prototype Product/Chassis
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.
Test Method/Tool
A test method/tool refers to 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.
Product Categories
Product categories for the 2026 C&T Allēs are as follows. These apply to ingredient, ingredient blend and formula entry types only. Note that entrants will make a product category selection (where relevant) during the next step of the process - not on this page.
Anti-aging
Facial care products that target signs of aging (wrinkles, sagging, dullness, roughness, hyperpigmentation, dark circles, etc.) or support longevity and a youthful appearance (suppleness, glow, etc.); includes exfoliants and menopausal skin care
Acne/Compromised Skin Care (New in 2026!)
Products designed to address specific skin conditions (acne, eczema/psoriasis, post-procedural care, healing, stretch marks/scars, soothing/reinforcing sensitive skin, etc.)
Skin Care
Products to care for skin in general (moisturizers for face/body, barrier reinforcement, etc.)
Bath, Body and Hygiene
Products that cleanse or maintain whole body health (soaps, shower gels, bubble baths, foams, bars, intimate cleansing, facial toners, hand sanitizers, body sprays, antiperspirants/deodorants, oral care, body powders, anti-cellulite, etc.)
Hair/Scalp Care
Cleansing and care products for the hair and scalp (shampoos, conditioners, stylers, protectants, etc.)
Hair/Scalp Treatments (New in 2026!)
Specialized treatments for hair and scalp issues (dandruff, itch, hair loss, hair damage, etc.)
Color Cosmetics
Products that impart color to the skin or hair (foundation, eye shadow, lipstick, mascara, blush, nail polish, hair dyes, self tanners, etc.)
Nutricosmetics
Products ingested for beauty benefits (supplements, collagen drinks, etc.)
Sun/Light Protection
Products to protect skin/hair against UV, blue light and infrared damage (UV filters, SPF boosters, photostabilizers, hair color protectants, etc.)
Wellness
Products designed to improve the user’s overall well-being and quality of life by promoting positive emotions, relaxation, immunity functions, etc. (e.g., fragrance, mind-body care, neurocosmetics, intimate care, etc.)