In the Spotlight: Skincare Winners of the Universal Beauty Awards 2025

The Universal Beauty Awards skincare categories remained among the most closely examined areas in 2025, reflecting continued consumer interest in formulation credibility, sensorial texture and ingredient transparency. Rather than simply looking at standout packaging or brand name, judging prioritised product performance, texture, usability and results. Skincare efficacy accounts for 50 percent of our scoring, meaning every entry must prove itself beyond claims.

Below is an editorial overview of selected skincare categories and the products that stood out in judging.

Moisturisers with SPF

Sun protection has now become an everyday expectation rather than a seasonal step. In the SPF day cream category, The Organic Pharmacy Daily Mineral SPF30 delivered a consistently even finish without the chalkiness some mineral formulas struggle with. Vedic Lab impressed with Energizing Day Cream + SPF20, which feels lightweight for daily wear. Ella & Jo Plump & Protect SPF30 Day Cream offered a hydrating slip that makes makeup application smoother, while Solo Skin London SPF Moisturiser earned recognition for nourishing comfort suitable for dry or sensitive skin users.

High Protection SPF 50

Higher SPF creams are always heavily debated in judging due to texture. Ultrasun Face Fluid Anti-Pigmentation SPF50+ stood out with an elegant skin feel, proving that high protection does not have to equal heaviness. Earth's Kitchen Kawakawa & Tamanu Natural Sun Protection SPF50 brought a more botanical direction, while Eco by Sonya Glory Veil Face Sunscreen SPF50 offered a fresh texture which performed well in warmer climates. Reluminate Beauty Natural Facial Sunscreen 50+ completed the selection, noted for moisture retention and everyday wearability.

Night Creams

Evening formulas are where brands often push richer textures and actives. Tropic Skincare Skin Dream remained a strong all-round performer with a plush consistency that absorbs gradually rather than sitting on the surface. Reluminate Beauty Kakadu Plum Dream Night Cream appealed for antioxidant support, while Pure & Care Vitamin C Night Cream offered a brightening approach for those looking to improve tone. CIMOR GHK-CU Cream introduced a peptide-focused angle which several judges noted for firmness and overnight recovery feel.

Anti-Ageing Night Care

Angelina George Skincare Women Age Defence Night Cream led this category with an approach that balances nourishment with active delivery. Surmanti Advanced Anti-Ageing Night Serum earned attention for texture spreadability and visible softening, while INIKA Organic Phytofuse Renew Night Cream offered a clean formulation with comfort for sensitive users. Solo Skin London Night Face Oil closed the podium with a calming, replenishing profile ideal for evening ritual.

Products for Fine Lines

This category offered some of the most interesting formula discussions during judging. Both BBBlikø entries delivered a modern approach to moisture and plumping, with Deep Moisture Lotion Fusion and HydraLift EyeSerum scoring highly for spreadability and glide. SKINTRUTH Vitamin C Youth Shield Serum and Holos This Is More Facial & Eye Serum presented brightening and texture-refining approaches that speak to consumer demand for multi-use serums.

Night Masks and Overnight Treatments

Ole Henriksen Après Skin Multi-Use Rescue Creme Overnight Mask led with a rich cushion texture that melted well into the skin. Away With Nature Soothing Overnight Mask with Calendula & Turmeric offered a calming herb-focused direction. Pickle’s Potions Mango Butter Night Cream also received recognition for nourishing richness ideal for colder months.

Sensitive Skin Night Care

Comfort-first formulation was central here. Vedic Lab Sleep Recovery Cream offered a gentle overnight experience, while Flânerie Skincare Restorative Face & Eye Night Cream performed well for reactive skin types. Declaré 5 Secrets Night Cream for Stress Sensitive Skin and Eleni & Chris Active Restoring Night Cream both demonstrated how soothing actives, ceramides and barrier support remain important in 2025 formulations.

Ultra-Delicate Beauty

Hydrosols and simple actives remained strong performers in this gentle category. Loelle Organics Neroli Water delivered a refreshing aromatic experience, while DY5 Rose Hydrosol was appreciated for soft scent profile and neutral formulation.

The 2025 results reflect a wider movement in skincare toward textures that feel enjoyable to use while still delivering measurable benefits. Barrier-supportive formulas, antioxidants and gentle retinol alternatives remain central themes. Looking to 2026, we anticipate an increase in microbiome-supportive creams, peptide blends, vitamin C alternatives and hybrid SPF products that combine treatment with daily wear comfort.

Entries for the Universal Beauty Awards 2026 are now open. Full category details, entry pricing and deadlines can be found on our website.