As an ingredient that is upcycled from an invasive algae species, OCEANBOOST™ LF acts on inflammaging while benefitting the environment. 

“Transformative,” “innovative,” and “one of my favorites” were some of the adjectives jurors used to describe OCEANBOOST™, a water-soluble polysaccharide that addresses inflammaging.  

This fucoidan ingredient – meaning it’s a polysaccharide derived from the cell walls of brown algae – is upcycled from an invasive algae species that negatively impacts ecosystems by blocking light and depleting oxygen. By removing the seaweed before it reaches the shore and decomposes, the harvesting regenerates marine ecosystems and positively impacts communities. The panel noted that this represents a “system-level sustainability innovation,” as it “combines biotech, environmental impact, and efficacy, which is exactly what this category rewards.” The ingredient is extracted through a patented green chemistry-based biorefinery process and combats inflammaging, sensitivity, and redness in the skin. It  is compatible with skin care and color cosmetic formulations and remains stable across a broad pH range. “Saves the oceans whilst providing a powerful ingredient,” pointed out one juror. 

 

 

 

An alternative to traditional, highly chemical perming, jurors called this technology a “breakthrough,” combining “bonding science with a sustainability-driven brand philosophy.” 

 

The panel described this perming technology “a breakthrough…delivering a safer…approach to hair texturization.” Designed for use in professional hair perming or texturizing treatments – including in the O’right Inc. P R O 4S Ling Feather Curl Lotion – the 4s Bonding Technology offers an alternative to highly chemical perming. Its cysteamine architecture is ammonia-free, thioglycolic acid-free, hydrochloride-free, and sodium bromate-free, eliminating odors and respiratory hazards. Jurors noted that the technology “solves an issue for salon professionals” while offering “a more pleasant experience for customers.” The formula spotlights the Michael Addition Reaction to synthesize stable multi-sulfur cross-links to build structure in the hair. Key ingredients include cysteamine for hair structure reorganization; hydrogen peroxide to stabilize curl morphology; date extract for strength and shine; spent grains extract to stabilize hair structure; and caffeine extract from upcycled coffee by-products for hair resilience. Jurors liked that the technology “[combines] bonding science with a sustainability-driven brand philosophy.” 

 

Eliminating aerosols from spray packaging, the Air Mist Gas-Free Spray System was judged an “engineering innovation with real environmental impact.”  

The panel pronounced this gas-free spray system as “a major advancement addressing sustainability, safety, and formulation flexibility,” adding that it offers a “highly relevant…alternative to traditional aerosol systems.” The packaging employs a gas-free spray system powered by mechanical air compression, which eliminates flammability risks and transport restrictions while maintaining stable 360° atomization. The mechanism’s separated air-and-formula architecture enhances product integrity and operational safety. The packaging is designed with a metal, spring-free internal structure, and a precision-engineered nozzle and actuator geometry for consistent atomization, with jurors noting that it offers an “amazing nebulizing effect.” The outer bottle is made from recyclable PET with lightweight PP structural components, and the bottle features interchangeable applicators for compatibility with hair care, body care, and massage products. One panel member added that the innovation “removes propellants while maintaining performance,” making it “exactly the kind of engineering innovation with real environmental impact [that] juries reward.”

 

A biomimetic hair care formula that won praise for its strong execution and multi-tasking benefits. 

 

Jurors liked this hair formula’s “strong innovation and execution,” as its biomimetic liposomal delivery offers a targeted, multifunctional performance. The serum employs Intercos’ patented phytocerasome technology, a biomimetic liposomal concentrate inspired by the architecture of natural cell membranes, to restructure the hair fiber. Now engineered for hair care, the technology is for this formula infused with vegan keratin. Its cell membrane-like structure adheres to the hair’s surface for continuous delivery of the keratin to the cortex. Alongside this, the technology forms a protective lipid microfilm that locks in place the formula’s active base – formed of cationic conditioners, smart polymers, and light emollients for cuticle alignment – extending efficacy over time. Presented as an ultra-fine emulsion, the formula’s ten-in-one benefits include smoothing; nourishment; manageability; frizz control and humidity defense; luminosity; softness; strength; thermal protection; style memory; and hydration, with the panel calling it “a nice example of a multi-tasking hair formula.” 

 

This formula stood out for capturing high oil levels – of up to 30% – in a lightweight formula, offering an “invisible density.”  

A nano-emulsion moisturizer centered around droplet density rather than droplet size, to allow for a lightweight formula with high oil levels. Jurors called the formula “genuinely impressive” for being able to infuse a 30% oil content into the lightweight texture. The nano-emulsion structure is engineered through high-pressure homogenization, which allows for the control of both the nano-scale droplet size and ultra-high droplet density. 

This means that alongside its ultra-high-density droplet structure, the formula maintains a translucent appearance and a lightweight feel, even at oil levels of up to 30%. The formula takes the idea of “invisible density” as its inspiration, delivering deep hydration without heaviness, providing comfortable, long-lasting moisture and a healthy skin appearance. One panel member called this concept a “great story,” while another pointed out the formula’s “very cool texture and application – love the technology story.” 

 

 

Innovative, hybrid ingredients, a playful formulation, and skin care benefits all made this a winning formula. 

“Sensorially engaging” with a “beautiful feel and cover” was how jurors described this foundation formula. Combining skin care performance with a sensorial texture, the formula evokes the feel of freshly whipped cream. Its technology includes an Air Infused Bubble Technology, composed of an emulsifier and jelly agent system that traps air to create the whipped texture without using surfactants. And a Bubble to Veil Transformative System sees the airy structure collapse upon application and melt into a thin satin film to offer sensorial complexion coverage. In tandem, a hyaluronic microspheres delivery system sees hygroscopic microspheres penetrate the skin and release hyaluronic acid for visible plumping. The formula creates a fresh sensation, while the silky finish enhances comfort and radiance. The panel liked the formula’s “nice mix of hybrid INCIs,” and were fans of its “foody texture,” too, noting that it “successfully [blends] playful formulation with skin care benefits.”