Introducing the 2026 Global Green Beauty Awards Categories

Introducing the 2026 Global Green Beauty Awards Categories

Green beauty is no longer a niche corner of the industry. It is where some of the most progressive work is happening, from formulation and ingredient sourcing to packaging design, production choices and environmental responsibility.

The Global Green Beauty Awards exist to celebrate that work. Each year, the categories are reviewed to ensure they reflect how brands are genuinely developing products, responding to change and raising standards across green and clean beauty.

For 2026, the categories continue to focus on recognising products, services and brands that are moving the industry forward in practical and meaningful ways.

Green beauty today is about more than labels. Brands are being asked to demonstrate responsibility through ingredient transparency, considered formulation, lower-impact production and more thoughtful packaging, alongside performance and quality. The awards are designed to reflect how green beauty actually works in practice, rather than rewarding claims in isolation.

Why vegan beauty matters

Vegan beauty has become a core part of the green beauty landscape. What was once a specialist positioning is now an expectation for many brands and consumers, driven by greater awareness around animal welfare, ingredient sourcing and ethical supply chains.

For many brands, vegan formulation is no longer about restriction. It is about innovation, problem-solving and transparency. Vegan alternatives now exist across skincare, body care, tanning, supplements and beauty tools, allowing brands to meet ethical expectations without compromising performance or user experience.

The Global Green Beauty Awards recognise vegan beauty as an integral part of the wider green movement, celebrating products that demonstrate thoughtful formulation and responsible decision-making across a broad range of categories.

New categories for 2026

For 2026, a small number of new categories have been introduced to reflect areas where green beauty continues to evolve.

• Best Natural Foaming Cleanser

• Best Natural Balm Cleanser

• Best Natural Clay Face Mask

• Best Natural Brightening Product

• Best Vegan Tan

• Best Vegan Beauty Tool

• Best Men’s Supplement

• Best Women’s Intimate Product

• Best Low Carbon Product

• Best Recycling Service

  
  

The new natural skincare categories reflect the continued refinement of textures, formats and targeted results within natural formulations. The vegan additions acknowledge growing demand for ethical alternatives in areas such as tanning and tools, while the new supplement and intimate care categories recognise how green beauty increasingly intersects with wellbeing and personal care.

Best Low Carbon Product recognises products designed to reduce carbon impact through manufacturing, packaging, transport or refill systems, while Best Recycling Service highlights the increasing importance of circular solutions within the beauty industry.

Across all categories, entries are assessed using a clear and consistent green beauty framework. Judges consider formulation quality, ingredient safety, sourcing practices, sustainability measures and overall product performance, recognising that responsible beauty is an ongoing process rather than a fixed endpoint.

The Global Green Beauty Awards continue to evolve alongside the industry they celebrate, providing a platform for brands that are helping to shape the future of green and clean beauty.

Entries for the 2026 Global Green Beauty Awards will open on 1 May.