In a market saturated with options, the skincare category has experienced massive growth in recent years, and with this growth comes increased competition. In this environment, a product earns breakthrough status through a perfect storm of creativity, chemistry, culture, and consumer intuition.

Game-changing technologies that have unlocked transparency and efficiency, transforming the possibilities of what can be achieved with topical skincare, have been fueling the category and raising the bar on new launches.

Our judges for this category have deep experince, from a plastic surgeon to an esthetician and product delveloper to a cosmetic chemist. Dive into the finalists for the BeautyMatter Awards skincare categories.

Best Breakthrough Skincare (Moisturizer): Recognizes innovation in a finished moisturizer related to either formulation, delivery system, new format, use of technology, or sustainability.

Beekman 1802 Milk RX Advanced Better Aging Cream - The Rexosome complex claims to be four times more effective than retinol at stimulating collagen production without the purging and irritation typically associated with traditional retinol or prescription tretinoin. This makes Milk RX a safe and effective option for even the most sensitive skin, offering the benefits of retinol without the usual drawbacks.

Mother Science Molecular Genesis Barrier Repair Moisturizer - The product unlocks a next-generation solution that works at the cellular level to fortify and repair the skin barrier by harnessing the revolutionary power of malassezin, which works through a novel pathway that has undergone 600 million years of evolutionary refinement. Unlike traditional barrier moisturizers that increase hydration through lipid replenishment and locking in water, the groundbreaking formula works to strengthen, repair, and fortify the skin's protective barrier.

Bonjout Beauty Le Balm Unscented - A distinctive solid serum form sets it apart, offering a concentration three times greater than liquid serum due to its 100% waterless composition. Each balm contains 1.5 million native plant stem cells, sustainably extracted through patented biotechnology, preserving the full spectrum of beneficial nutrients including vitamins, minerals, proteins, amino acids, and essential fatty acids.

DEINDE Barrier-Building Moisture Cream - The cream contains a patented biotech version of naringenin. Clinical data shows barrier function improved immediately after use, protecting against water loss to help improve barrier integrity. Redness on the skin was visibly reduced in just four weeks, with 100% of clinical participants experiencing a measurable improvement.

Verdoie La Crème Hydratante - This mushroom-powered, clinically proven, biomimetic moisturizer fortifies the skin barrier, locks in moisture, and soothes irritation—all in a breathable, silky texture. Designed with biomimetic ingredients, its key actives mirror natural compounds in the skin, allowing for seamless absorption and optimal regeneration. At its core, SymRepair, a patented barrier-repair complex, reinforces the skin’s natural lipids, strengthening the barrier while remaining gentle and effective.

Best Breakthrough Skincare (Treatment): Recognizes innovation in a finished treatment product related to either formulation, delivery system, format type, use of technology, or sustainability

Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum - The serum features an ultra-concentrated repairing formula, supercharged with 2% ectoin, 2% copper lysinate complex, 2% acetyl hexapeptide-8 complex, and 1% copper tripeptide complex, to help promote skin recovery for soothed, healthier-looking skin. It's also dermatologically tested, with clinically proven results for all skin types.

The INKEY List Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex Serum - The most accessible prestige exosome product at Sephora is priced at $22. It's a skin-smoothing and renewing transformative solution that performs like an advanced, daily professional facial and gives your skin the ability to repair and rejuvenate for the ultimate glow.

Dr. Few Skincare Clean Retinol - This clean, clinically tested retinol is designed to deliver visible improvements to even the most sensitive skin types. The multitasking retinol blends potent active ingredients and botanicals. Retinol helps fade fine lines and wrinkles, peptides support collagen production, antioxidant-rich green tea shields against free radicals, and olive oil intensely hydrates.

Skinfix Exo + Ectoin Intensive Repair Baume

Inspired by in-office procedures and the healing balms derms use to enhance their results, the product leverages peptides and plant-derived exosomes to reveal a renewed complexion—even on sensitive, depleted skin with incredible clinical results. Skinfix uses biomimetic exosomes with bitter melon to deliver smoother, more even skin without irritation.

Dermalogica Exo Booster Treatment - Powered by bacterial and pro-resolution technology, it incorporates a first-of-its-kind vegan exosome complex derived from Lactobacillus, a beneficial bacterium. Each session delivers 10 billion Lactobacillus exosomes, infusing transformative bioactive compounds to elevate skin vitality, texture, and elasticity. This treatment also supports post-treatment recovery, making it ideal for rejuvenation and healing.

Best Breakthrough Skincare (Acne): Recognizes innovation in a finished acne product related to either formulation, delivery system, new format, use of technology, or sustainability.

Kat Burki VitaBiome Active Skin Optimizer - A one-step alternative to a full skincare routine, the product is designed to replenish, protect, and balance the skin’s microbiome on the go. It's formulated with antimicrobials to target harmful bacteria, prebiotics to nourish beneficial bacteria, and vitamin therapy to calm inflammation and reduce breakouts. The product is powered by a potent blend of bioferments, polysaccharides, and antioxidants that work together to replenish and fortify the skin’smicrobiome.

Face Reality GlowTone Corrective Serum - The serum is specifically designed for post-acne care using a unique Hexa-Bright Complex, a proprietary blend of six active ingredients, including azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, alpha-arbutin, niacinamide, acetyl glucosamine, and vitamin C. The formulation's multifaceted approach to treating hyperpigmentation simultaneously interrupts discoloration pathways, promotes surface renewal, and provides antioxidant defense. It's a comprehensive treatment that goes beyond superficial brightening by targeting the root causes.

MARA Clear Skin Mineral Milk - Designed with 2% salicylic acid, niacinamide, and mandelic acid, the barrier-supporting BHA serum exfoliates and clarifies to target breakouts and blemishes. The product aims to work with the skin to treat acne, while providing incredible hydration, with signature anti-aging algae and a glass-like glowy finish.

Rael Brightening Carotene Pads - These multifunctional pads serve as both an everyday toner and a targeted resurfacing treatment, offering a customizable approach to skincare. The gel-infused side delivers an instant brightening effect, while the textured side gently exfoliates for smoother skin. Infused with beta-carotene, tranexamic acid, and AHA, these pads work to brighten the complexion, reduce discoloration, and refine skin texture. The inclusion of eight types of hyaluronic acid ensures long-lasting hydration.

Ogee Targeted Blemish Treatment Clarifying Acne Solution - A powerful plant-based salicylic acid spot treatment that works to control acne and prevent the development of new blemishes, the solution is  infused with a skin-soothing blend of black tea and frankincense extracts to soften the appearance of inflammation and redness.

Best Breakthrough Skincare (Eye/Brow): Recognizes innovation in a finished eye or brow product related to either formulation, delivery system, new format, use of technology, or sustainability.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DermInfusions Fill + Repair Eye Cream - This cream represents a paradigm shift in eye area treatment by addressing a fundamental gap in traditional eye care: the limited focus on under-eye concerns alone. Dennis recognized that the eye area encompasses six distinct zones—crow's feet, under eyes, lids, bunny lines, elevens, and the inner tear trough—all of which contribute to visible aging and fatigue. Rather than treating these as separate concerns requiring multiple products, he developed a comprehensive 360-degree solution.

Three Ships Eye Hero Bio-Retinol Smoothing Eye Cream - Designed to tackle under-eye concerns like fine lines, puffiness, and dryness, this plant-powered, lightweight formula offers an instant cooling effect, providing visible results upon application. It's powered by bio-retinol from rambutan leaves, which smooths fine lines and boosts firmness. Honey locust seed provides an immediate lift, and vegan Squalane locks in moisture, to keep the under-eye area soft, nourished, and rejuvenated all day long.

Tatcha The Brightening Eye Cream - Powered by 12-hour time-release vitamin C, with depuffing bioferments and niacinamide, it works to reduce the look of three types of dark circles. It is also inspired by the Japanese concept of kagayaki or creating your inner glow and contains vitamin C-rich Japanese plum (ume). Ultimately, the cream works to brighten the under eye; visibly firm, lift and depuff; target hyperpigmentation; and strengthen the skin's barrier.

ALLEVEN Brilliant Eye Cream - This eye contour treatment merges advanced skincare technology with botanically sourced ingredients to deliver visible and long-lasting results. Whether from sleepless nights, digital strain, or environmental stressors, the eye area is increasingly vulnerable. Brilliant Eye Cream offers a targeted, multicorrective approach that not only treats current concerns but supports the skin’s long-term resilience.

TAD Beauty Lashes -  This is a DIY lash system that is easy to apply, long-lasting, and comfortable. Traditional lash manufacturing couldn’t deliver the founder's vision, so she turned to advanced technology to create TAD 3D Memory Flex Lashes.

Best Breakthrough Skincare (Tool): Honors innovative skincare tools that enhance effectiveness through unique design or technology.

Medicube Booster Pro 6-In-1 Korean Glass Glow Device - The device offers six  key functions to achieve skin goals. This high-tech beauty device provides professional-level skincare in the comfort of the home, combining the latest skincare technologies: electroporation, microcurrent, EMS, electric needles, LED, and sonic vibration. Benefits include improved skincare product absorption, enhanced radiance, elasticity care, facial contouring, and pore car.

SKORR Glow - This product is an innovative six-in-one skin renewal system that integrates multiple clinically proven technologies to target cellular function, collagen remodeling, and tissue repair for a comprehensive anti-aging and skin health approach. Six innovative technologies include microelectroporation improved skincare delivery, LED multiwave phototherapy, sculpting and toning microcurrent technology (EMS), rejuvenating radiofrequency (RF), high powered sonic vibrations, and intensive care for the delicate eye area and lips.

RoC Skincare AI Skin Insight - Unlike generic skincare tools, AI Skin Insight goes beyond surface-level analysis, offering an intuitive yet comprehensive understanding of skin health. By incorporating Skin Age Diagnostics, the technology not only enhances accuracy but also ensures consumers receive tailored recommendations that evolve with their skin’s needs. This means users get skincare guidance that aligns with their unique aging journey, rather than one-size-fits-all advice.

NIRA Pro+ Laser - Using patented, nonfractional, nonablative laser technology at 1,450 nanometers, NIRA Pro+ gently heats the dermis just below the pain threshold to stimulate natural collagen production—achieving smoother, firmer skin without pain, redness, or downtime. Unlike traditional in-office lasers that deliver energy in a single treatment, NIRA Pro+ disperses energy gradually over daily sessions, delivering equal or better wrinkle reduction results at home in just 90 days.

Therabody TheraFace Depuffing Wand - The wand is designed to deliver cold and heat treatments with scientifically calibrated temperatures, which are clinically proven to reduce puffiness, diminish dark circles, and enhance radiance in minutes. The refreshing cold treatment instantly helps reduce puffiness, revitalize tired-looking eyes, and reduce the appearance of pores. The rejuvenating heat treatment helps encourage lymphatic drainage, improve product absorption, and enhance radiance.