Innovations in Skin Care and Sustainability: New Zealand Viva Beauty Awards 2024 Recap

On this page

• Innovation Award
• Breakthrough Brand of the Year
• Best Hair Styling Product or Hair Treatment
• Best for Hydration
• New on the Market
• Ingredients to Watch
• Conclusion

Some of the most innovative beauty products were showcased at the New Zealand Viva Beauty Awards 2024. This year's entires emphasized natural and sustainable formulations, with many brands addressing modern skincare concerns, especially around "skin screen". This trend focuses on protecting skin from environmental aggressors like blue light, UV rays, and pollution. Read on for some ingredients that stood out during the event!

Innovation Award

Emma Lewisham took home the Innovation Award for the Supernatural Vitale Elixir, a non-invasive, anti-aging product that rebuilds the skin's structure from within. It smooths fine lines and wrinkles by filling them from the inside out, providing a more natural alternative to harsh treatments.

Key ingredients include:

• IBR-snowflake, which reduces muscle contractions to soften expression lines.
• Gatuline-expression AF, derived from the Acmella oleracea plant, helps reduce fine lines. 
• Acetyl-hexapeptide-38, which boosts skin fullness by enhancing lipid production.
• Pentavitin, known for long-lasting hydration and skin barrier support.

Breakthrough brand of the year

Raaie won the Breakthrough Brand of the Year award for its innovative, science-backed formulations. The brand's Sun Milk Drops is a mineral SPF 50 sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection against UV rays, blue light, pollution, and infrared radiation. 

The key ingredients include:

• Zinc Oxide, a natural mineral offering sun protection.
• Niacinamide, which supports the skin barrier and improves texture.
• Bisabolol, recognized for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Raaie's use of native New Zealand botanicals and sustainable packaging has revolutionized how consumers approach skin protection and sustainability.

Best Hair Styling Product or Hair Treatment

The Chloe Zara Hair Glossifying Hair Mist was awarded Best Hair Styling Product or Hair Treatment. This leave-in conditioner not only hydrates but also protects hair from UV rays and heat styling. It is made with 100% natural, plant-derived ingredients that repair and strengthen hair.

Key ingredients include:

• Hair Oleobooster, which enhances shine and protects hair from environmental damage.
• Hydrolyzed Soy Proteins, known for strengthening and conditioning.
• Blackcurrant Seed Oil, rich in essential fatty acids that nourish the scalp.

Chloe Zara's all-natural formula makes it stand out in a market saturated with synthetic hair products, proving that natural alternatives can perform just as well, if not better. 

Best for Hydration

Aotea Kawakawa Balm took home the award for Best Hydration Product. This multi-purpose balm is handmade from locally grown native New Zealand plants and is known for its soothing, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory properties. Kawakawa, the key ingredient, is celebrated for its therapeutic effects, making it ideal for irritated or compromised skin. 

The balm exemplifies the power of locally sourced, natural ingredients in providing effective, gentle skincare that also supports environmental sustainability.

New on the Market

One of the most exciting new products to emerge is Dewy Days Antioxidant Glow Serum, a multitasking serum that provides deep hydration while protecting the skin from environmental stressors. It contains a rich blend of antioxidants to support compromised skin barriers, offering a youthful glow and long-lasting hydration.

Key ingredients include:

• Ectoin, which protects and repairs the skin.
• Orange Stem Cell Extract, promoting skin regeneration.
• Vitasource™, an anti-aging ingredient that rejuvenates skin at the cellular level, boosting collagen production and restoring elasticity.

Dewy Days is a prime example of how the beauty industry is shifting towards protective, multi-benefit products that address modern skin concerns like blue light and pollution.

Ingredients to Watch

Looking ahead, there are several ingredients that are set to make a significant impact in the beauty industry, particularly in the New Zealand and APAC regions. Ones uch ingredient is PlantæDerMX™ Mānuka Leaf Extract, known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. This extract helps combat acne and reduces skin irritation. 

Another key ingredient is OceanDerMX® RESTORE & PROTECT,  which combines Red Seaweed and Mamaku (Black Fern) with potent antioxidants like Blackcurrants and Green Tea. This formulation provides detoxifying and protective benefits, offering a unique way to restore and protect the skin from environmental damage.

Conclusion

The New Zealand Beauty Awards 2024 highlighted the incredible innovation and talent within the beauty industry, with a clear focus on natural, sustainable, and scientifically advanced formulations. From non-invasive anti-aging elixirs to modern sun protection, this year's winners show that the future of beauty is both clean and green. As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect even more groundbreaking advancements that prioritize skin health and environmental sustainability.

👉 Join Stacey Fraser at in-cosmetics Asia for her talk, Designing new age "skin screen" face & hair mists, in the Spotlight On Theatre! Happening 7 November 2024, 13:30 - 14:00. Click here for more information