Skincare standouts from the Universal Beauty Awards 2026

A closer look at award-winning skincare from the Universal Beauty Awards 2026

Alongside brands that achieved multiple awards across a full routine, several individual skincare products also stood out in the Universal Beauty Awards 2026 for their formulation, ingredients and clarity of purpose. Among them were winners from Sagrada BioSkincare, Reluminate Beauty and Sand & Sky, each taking a slightly different approach to skincare.

Sagrada BioSkincare

Sagrada BioSkincare is a natural skincare brand built around botanical ingredients and gentle formulations designed to support the skin without unnecessary complexity. The brand focuses on plant extracts, mineral ingredients and carefully balanced formulas intended for regular, comfortable use.

One of its standout products was the Cardamom Silver Cleanser, which received a Gold award. This cleanser combines botanical ingredients with silver in a formula designed to cleanse effectively while remaining gentle on the skin. The texture allowed the product to spread easily and rinse cleanly, and judges noted that the skin felt refreshed after use without tightness, something that often distinguishes stronger cleansers.

Sagrada was also recognised with a Gold award for the Licorice Pearl Under Eye Serum .Products in this category are judged closely on visible brightening and comfort in use, and this serum performed well in both areas. The lightweight texture absorbed easily, and judges commented that the under-eye area appeared smoother and more even-looking with continued use.

Reluminate Beauty

Reluminate Beauty takes a science-led approach to skincare, with formulations designed to improve tone, texture and clarity while remaining gentle enough for regular use. The brand combines active ingredients with balanced textures, aiming to deliver visible results without compromising skin comfort.

Reluminate received a Gold award for its Gentle Facial Scrub. Facial exfoliators rely heavily on achieving the right level of exfoliation, and this product delivered smoothing without irritation. The texture felt even and controlled, and judges noted that the skin felt refined and balanced after use rather than over-exfoliated.

Another Gold award went to the Revival Serum with Bakuchiol. Bakuchiol has become an increasingly popular ingredient as a gentler alternative to retinol, and this serum demonstrated how effective it can be when formulated well. The serum absorbed easily and left the skin feeling comfortable, and judges observed improvements in overall skin texture and radiance during testing.

Sand & Sky

Sand & Sky is an Australian skincare brand known for incorporating ingredients sourced from Australia, particularly various forms of clay and botanical extracts suited to oil-prone or combination skin. The brand’s formulations are often designed to address specific concerns such as congestion, excess oil and dullness.

The Australian Pink Clay Deep Pore Cleanser, which received a Gold award, stood out for how clearly it delivered on its purpose. Pink clay is widely used to help absorb excess oil and impurities, and this cleanser performed well in reducing shine while leaving the skin comfortable. Judges commented that it cleansed thoroughly without leaving the skin feeling stripped, which can be a common issue in oil-control products.

Sand & Sky also received recognition for the Tasmanian Spring Water Splash Serum, which was awarded Silver. Hydrating serums are judged closely on both texture and performance, and this formula provided lightweight hydration that layered easily with other products. The serum absorbed quickly and left the skin feeling fresh and balanced, which judges noted as a strength.

These results highlight how different brands can stand out for different reasons, whether through botanical formulations, carefully balanced active ingredients or targeted treatments designed for specific skin concerns. Products that combine clear formulation, effective ingredients and good usability continue to define many of the most memorable skincare winners in the Universal Beauty Awards 2026.