AK Pure Skin at the Universal Beauty Awards 2026

A closer look at the products behind the brand’s multiple award wins

Among the skincare entries in the Universal Beauty Awards 2026, AK Pure Skin was one of the brands that stood out for appearing multiple times across the winners list. Rather than one isolated success, the brand received recognition across different types of products, from exfoliation and cleansing through to moisturising.

AK Pure Skin is an Icelandic skincare brand developed around the idea of simple, effective formulations built on high-quality ingredients. The products are created and produced in Iceland, with formulas typically using a high percentage of natural-origin ingredients and pure Icelandic spring water. The brand focuses on supporting skin health and barrier function through carefully selected actives and nourishing oils, with an emphasis on products that are comfortable to use daily and suitable for a wide range of skin types.

One of the strongest results was the Body Scrub, which received a silver award. This product combines exfoliating ingredients such as Epsom salts and jojoba beads to remove dead skin cells and smooth the skin, while a blend of coconut oil, almond oil and apricot kernel oil helps maintain moisture. Shea butter adds further conditioning, so the skin feels soft and comfortable after use rather than dry. Judges noted that the exfoliation felt effective but controlled, and that the skin was left noticeably smoother without feeling overworked.

Another Gold win came for the Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer, recognised in the lightweight moisturiser category. Ceramides are widely used to support the skin barrier, and in this formula they are combined with a texture that absorbs quickly and leaves the skin comfortable without heaviness. Lightweight moisturisers can sometimes feel too thin or short lived, but this one provided hydration while still feeling breathable on the skin, making it practical for daily use. Judges commented that the finish on the skin felt balanced and that it layered well with other products, something that increasingly matters in modern skincare routines.

AK Pure Skin also appeared in exfoliation categories with the Brightening Exfoliating Cleanser, which received a Bronze award. Combining cleansing and exfoliation in one product requires careful formulation to avoid irritation, and this cleanser managed to resurface the skin gently while still leaving it feeling clean and balanced. The texture and level of exfoliation were both noted positively, particularly because the product remained comfortable for regular use.

Further recognition came for the Face Gel Scrub, which was Highly Commended. Gel based exfoliators can sometimes feel too mild, but this one provided enough exfoliation to smooth the skin while remaining comfortable to use regularly. Judges highlighted the freshness of the texture and how easily the product rinsed away, leaving the skin feeling clean rather than coated.

The brand was also Highly Commended in the cleansing balm category. Cleansing balms are judged closely on how well they melt, remove makeup and rinse away, and this formula performed well across all three, leaving the skin soft and comfortable after cleansing. One of the points noted in testing was how easily the balm emulsified, which helped it rinse cleanly without residue.

Results like these show a brand performing strongly across several steps of a skincare routine, from cleansing and exfoliating through to moisturising, with a consistent focus on skin comfort, balanced formulations and textures that work well in everyday use.