Clean Beauty Awards
Recognising beauty brands committed to clean, non-toxic, transparent formulations
The Rise of Clean Beauty
Clean beauty is no longer a niche movement — it is one of the fastest-growing segments in the global beauty industry, driven by consumers who demand to know exactly what they are putting on their skin. At its core, clean beauty is about formulating without ingredients associated with health concerns, prioritising transparency in labelling, and building trust with an increasingly informed audience.
Brands leading the clean beauty revolution have redefined what excellence looks like: replacing synthetic fragrance with botanical alternatives, removing parabens and phthalates, achieving EWG Verified status, and earning Leaping Bunny cruelty-free certification. These brands do not compromise on performance — they prove that safe and effective are not mutually exclusive.
The World Beauty Awards Clean Beauty category celebrates the pioneers and practitioners of this movement. From indie founders crafting small-batch formulations to established global brands reformulating for cleaner standards, we recognise the full spectrum of clean beauty excellence across skincare, colour cosmetics, haircare, and body care.
Clean Beauty Sub-Categories
Six dedicated awards celebrating every dimension of clean beauty excellence
Clean Beauty Brand of the Year
The flagship award for the brand that most comprehensively embodies the clean beauty ethos across its entire product portfolio, business practices, and consumer communication. Open to brands of all sizes globally.
Best Clean Skincare
Recognising the clean skincare brand or product line that delivers outstanding clinical results without harmful ingredients. Judges evaluate formulation integrity, efficacy, ingredient transparency, and consumer trust.
Clean Makeup Excellence
Colour cosmetics brands that have cracked the code — delivering high-performance pigment, longevity, and wearability while meeting the strictest clean formulation standards. Foundation to lip colour, all categories considered.
Clean Haircare Award
For haircare brands that have removed sulphates, silicones, and synthetic preservatives without sacrificing lather, shine, or repair. From shampoo and conditioner to styling and scalp care.
Ingredient Transparency Award
A special distinction for the brand that goes furthest in educating and empowering consumers through ingredient transparency — full INCI disclosure, sourcing information, third-party testing data, and honest communication.
Best Clean Beauty Innovation
Celebrating the most exciting new clean beauty product, technology, or formulation approach of the year. This award spotlights brands pushing the boundaries of what is scientifically possible within clean parameters.
Who Should Nominate
The Clean Beauty Awards welcomes nominations from across the beauty ecosystem
Skincare Brands
Independent and established skincare brands with a committed clean formulation philosophy — whether EWG certified, Skin Safe listed, or operating to a credible internal clean standard with third-party verification.
Clean Makeup Brands
Cosmetics and colour brands that have deliberately removed controversial ingredients and can demonstrate both safety testing and consumer-comparable performance against conventional alternatives.
Clean Haircare Brands
Haircare companies that formulate free from SLS, SLES, parabens, synthetic fragrance, and PEGs — from prestige salon brands to direct-to-consumer clean haircare pioneers.
Clean Beauty Founders
Entrepreneurs who launched their brand specifically because of the clean beauty movement — founders driven by personal ingredient journeys, health stories, or a mission to make safer beauty accessible to all.
Retailers & Curators
Clean beauty retailers, online platforms, and concept stores that have built their entire business around a curated clean ingredient standard and helped consumers navigate the clean beauty landscape.
Formulators & Labs
Contract manufacturers, formulation chemists, and R&D labs that specialise in clean formulation — driving innovation, developing new clean actives, and enabling smaller brands to meet the highest safety standards.
What We Evaluate
The Jury team or the Management of Golden Tree assesses nominees across eight rigorous criteria
Formulation Integrity
The extent to which the brand avoids ingredients on established concern lists (EWG, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, EU Annex II/III prohibitions) across its entire product range.
Ingredient Transparency
Full and clear disclosure of all ingredients, sourcing information where available, and proactive communication with consumers about what is in (and out of) their formulations.
Third-Party Certification
The presence and credibility of independent certifications such as EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny, COSMOS, Skin Safe, B Corp, or equivalent international standards.
Product Efficacy
Evidence that clean formulations deliver genuine performance — supported by clinical trials, consumer testing data, dermatologist endorsement, or independent review.
Ethical Sourcing
Responsible sourcing of raw materials, fair trade practices, sustainable supplier relationships, and a commitment to ingredient provenance that aligns with the clean beauty ethos.
Sustainability Alignment
The brand's environmental credentials — recyclable or refillable packaging, reduced plastic usage, carbon offsetting, biodegradable formulations, and broader sustainability commitments.
Consumer Education
Investment in educating consumers about ingredient safety, how to read labels, and the science behind clean beauty — through content, campaigns, partnerships, or in-store training.
Brand Consistency
Consistency of the clean standard across the entire product portfolio, ensuring no compromises in newer lines, collaborations, or limited editions that undermine the brand's clean credentials.
Winner Benefits
World Beauty Awards winners gain recognition that drives real business results
Global Recognition
Your win is announced to a global audience of beauty professionals, retailers, press, and consumers across 60+ countries, positioning your brand as a world-class leader in clean beauty.
Brand Prestige
The World Beauty Awards seal is a mark of distinction — displayed on packaging, websites, and marketing materials to immediately communicate your brand's excellence to consumers and trade buyers.
Media Coverage
Winners are featured in World Beauty Awards press releases, social media announcements, and editorial content reaching beauty editors, bloggers, and journalists worldwide.
Consumer Credibility
An independent, internationally judged award provides third-party credibility that strengthens consumer trust, supports retail conversations, and differentiates your brand in a crowded clean beauty market.
Trophy & Certificate
Winners receive the prestigious World Beauty Awards trophy and an official certificate of excellence — physical symbols of your achievement to display proudly at your offices, clinics, or retail spaces.
Business Growth
Award recognition opens doors — to new retail partnerships, distributor conversations, investment opportunities, and consumer discovery. Many past winners report measurable sales and partnership growth following their win.
Nomination Process
Four simple steps to submit your clean beauty nomination
Submit Your Nomination
Complete the online nomination form, selecting the relevant Clean Beauty sub-category. Provide your brand name, contact details, and a brief overview of your clean beauty credentials and product range.
Provide Supporting Evidence
Upload supporting documentation — certifications, ingredient lists, efficacy data, consumer testimonials, press coverage, and any other evidence that demonstrates your clean beauty excellence and brand story.
Expert Panel Review
Your nomination is reviewed by the Jury team or the Management of Golden Tree, who assess each entry against our published criteria.
Winners Announced
Finalists and winners are announced at the World Beauty Awards ceremony and across our global media channels. Winners receive their trophy, certificate, and digital assets to celebrate and amplify their achievement.
Frequently Asked Questions
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ExploreContact Us
Have a question about the Clean Beauty Awards? Our team is here to help guide you through the nomination process and answer any queries.
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