Entry Requirements
Each entry requires:
- The submitter’s contact information;
- Entry name (as it should appear in official documents) with 100-word description and INCI disclosure (if relevant);
- Entry fee ($350 Early Bird/$550 Standard – per entry); and
- 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). 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.
Eligibility
Eligible entries for the 2027 C&T Allēs include innovations launched or implemented any time in 2026.
Exceptions can be made for entries launched late in 2025 that were not previously entered. Please contact the organizers for details.
Entry Types
Entry types for the 2027 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
- Cosmetic Beauty Devices
Entry Types
1. Cosmetic Ingredients
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).
2. Ingredient Blend
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).
3. Prototype Product/Chassis (NEW!)
Prototype products and chassis refer to preparations that are not commercially available to consumers. These may include product concepts from which manufacturers could further build upon and refine to commercialize, and/or concepts prepared to demonstrate ingredient capabilities and/or formulating services.
These may also include contract manufacturer products that are not yet commercialized. Prototype products/chassis are further divided by product categories (see below).
4. Finished Formulas
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; 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 large “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).
5. Beauty Device
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.
6. Test Method/Tool
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.
7. Digital Tech – Consumer User
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.
8. Digital Tech – Business User
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.
Product Categories
Product categories for the 2027 C&T Allēs are applicable to ingredient, ingredient blend and formula entries.
These include the following:
- Anti-aging
- Acne/Compromised Skin Care
- Bath, Body and Hygiene
- Color Cosmetics
- Hair/Scalp Care
- Ingestibles/Supplements (new in 2027!)
- Skin Care
- Sun/Light Protection