The keys to success for Cosmopack Awards Winners
The best 2025 beauty products have been unveiled at Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna.
The 7th edition of Cosmoprof & Cosmopack Awards, the “Oscars of Beauty” in collaboration with the international agency BEAUTYSTREAMS, celebrated the excellence of the cosmetic industry among the exhibitors of Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna.
Among the 800 nominations presented by the exhibitors, for the first time a technical jury analysed the proposals and their value in terms of innovation, circularity, and appeal to the market. For winners a multidisciplinary jury merged with the technical jury, which expressed the preferences both online and on-site.
Let's find out together the reasons why the finalists emerged victorious!
FOR SUSTAINABILITY CATEGORY WINS KOLMAR KOREA (South Korea)
An eco-friendly Centella asiatica extract that is produced using a pulsed electrical field process, or PEF, which has been certified under Korea’s Low Carbon Green Growth Act for its sustainable and environmentally friendly technology. This extraction method attracted jurors’ attention for the fact that it “preserves the freshness of raw materials while enabling rapid, efficient extraction.”
The method acts to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions by 22.4%, and works by applying a non-thermal, high-voltage pulsed process in a short time. This creates an extract with higher concentrations of Centella asiatica’s four key components: madecassic acid, Asiatic acid, madecassoside, and Asiaticoside — compared to traditional heat extraction. Additionally, the process enhances the soothing effects of the extract, so it is ideal for both skin-calming and sustainable beauty products. One panel member called the extraction method “truly impressive.” “The formulation and production process are exceptional, with sustainability as a standout feature [and] the innovative extraction method…further [enhancing the ingredient’s] potency, elevating its performance to a superior level,” they noted. Another juror wondered “what other ingredients are possible” using the innovative method.
FOR INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY CATEGORY WINS KOLMAR KOREA (South Korea)
One juror called this AI-powered skin diagnostic device “the best product I have ever seen.” What sets CAIOME apart is its use of bio-optical technology alongside AI algorithms to analyze the skin’s microbiome, to provide individualized skin care recommendations. This, jurors say, makes “professional-grade analysis accessible for both home and clinical use.”
With its analysis performed in five minutes, the device employs UV and cross-polarized light imaging to analyze the skin’s microbiome, with the skin tested using both a swab and the pen device, which connect to the CAIOME platform. The pen device “visualizes” the diagnosis kit and analyzes the data. The analysis also takes into account skin type and a person’s environment and lifestyle for optimal skin care product selection. Based on the analysis, the device’s AI’s real-time biomarker data processing can then create a customized skin care formulation. “Love the concept and the innovation for customized skin care solutions,” noted one juror. To create the skin care solutions, the system is integrated with Kolmar’s skin care ingredient and formulation database. Another juror described the device as “a connection to the future.”
FOR PACKAGING: DESIGN & MATERIALS CATEGORY WINS FR&PARTNERS SA (Switzerland)
The panel appreciated this compact’s “advanced UVC hygiene technology,” alongside its “ergonomic and high-end design.” The powder compact uses UVC, or short-wave ultra-violet light, to sanitize the sponge within the compact. The compact’s action eliminates bacteria from the sponge, which is kept in a sanitization chamber that’s separate to the product.
And when the compact is opened, the UVC exposure automatically shuts off, to guarantee the product’s safety. “The advanced UVC hygiene technology addresses a key hygiene concern in make-up use,” said one juror, while another noted that it “elongates the use of the puff.” “I wonder if this product is more sustainable in the long run than repurchasing sponges,” mused one panel member. The make-up pan within the compact is refillable, while the product is made with recyclable materials and a low-energy UVC module. Between uses, the compact can be charged using a USB cable.
FOR HAIR CARE FORMULA CATEGORY WINS COLEP CONSUMER PRODUCTS (Portugal)
A nitrogen-propelled aerosol hairspray that offers styling without using silicones, microplastics, or traditional propellants, one juror called the formula “a strong step toward truly eco-conscious styling.” The formula employs plant-derived and advanced styling agents, biodegradable polymers, bio-based fixatives, and an eco-conscious propellant system to offer 24-hour curl retention and frizz control.
The formula is presented in a 100% PCR aluminum can and is designed for precise, even, and fine misting while minimizing environmental impact. One juror noted that the product “scores very high in sustainability and performance,” dubbing it “one of the most eco-conscious hair sprays available.” The spray leaves hair with a soft, touchable finish with no sticky residue, and is designed for all hair types, both volumizing fine strands and nourishing curls. Indeed, one juror called the formula a “game-changer.”
FOR SKIN CARE FORMULA CATEGORY WINS PASSAGE COSMETICS LABORATORY S.A. (Poland)
Jurors variously called this product an “innovative concept,” “genius,” and “forward-thinking.” The hand care formula harnesses the power of blue light, to transform it from a skin foe into a conduit for DNA repair. Its ingredients include microalgae, whose enzymes are activated by blue light, thus initiating the skin’s DNA repair process.
One panel member noted that “with all the hours we spend on our cell phones or in front of a PC, we need one for our faces too! Brilliant.” The enzymes within the microalgae are photolyase CPD, which is activated by blue light to repair cellular DNA; and phycocyanin, a blue pigment that acts as an antioxidant. Alongside this is an extract of polysaccharides derived from quinoa seeds, for anti-aging and lifting benefits, whose 3D structure molds to the skin's surface. Added to its active ingredients, the hand cream is infused with an AI-created fragrance, with notes including limoncello, black pepper, “kaleidosmoke” – an ingredient embodying “the complexity and depth of AI” – blue vetiver, and gray sand.
FOR MAKE-UP FORMULA CATEGORY WINS CHROMAVIS FAREVA (Italy)
Describing this product as “revolutionizing nail polish removal,” jurors praised this stick-format, solid-to-balm nail polish remover as offering a “very unique concept and delivery.” The product is crafted with a semi-solid texture that melts upon contact with the nail, to dissolve polish while nourishing and protecting nails.
Its ingredients include a network of natural waxes, which gradually release a 100% natural solvent, to offer deep yet gentle nail polish removal without weakening the nail structure. Jurors noted that the product “really worked,” and that it provides an “excellent alternative [to] traditional liquid removers.” The balm’s ingredients also include avocado oil and vitamin E to hydrate, repair, and strengthen nails, with one juror saying their nails “felt great” after use. The formula is non-flammable and low in volatile organic compounds, while its anhydrous, hot-poured formula allows for a controlled release of active ingredients for effective, non-damaging nail polish removal. The stylo format, meanwhile, makes the concept ideal for traveling and convenient to use. “Solid and consistent performance across all evaluation criteria…a truly deserving product for the award in this category,” said one panel member.
Timeline
10 December 2024
Platform Opening
12 February 2025
Entries closing
28 February 2025
Finalists Announcement
17 March 2025
Deadline for Receiving Products
21 March 2025
Awards Ceremony
Winners Announcement