Beautytap Awards - Best Innovations of 2024

As the world of skincare and beauty continues to advance, many groundbreaking innovations and products demonstrate that boundaries are rarely permanent.

From next-level brightening ingredients to cutting-edge technology that enhances skin rejuvenation, these beauty and wellness companies elevate consumer expectations of what skincare, makeup, supplements, and technology can do.

Whether you’re searching for a revolutionary hair product or an at-home tool that enhances your natural glow, these discoveries are changing the game.

Next Level Brightening Ingredient – Malassezin

Before you repurchase the same old vitamin C serum, consider doing some research on Malassezin. Mother Science discovered that Malassezin, which naturally inhibits skin pigmentation, can be used on unwanted hyperpigmentation as a brightening agent. The discovery led to an exclusive patent for the ingredient’s use as well as the creation of not one but three impressive skincare products – Molecular Hero Serum, Retinol Synergist, and Molecular Genesis Barrier Repair Moisturizer.

In sum, they address everything from pigmentation to fine lines and wrinkles. Bonus: Malassezin doesn’t have the intrinsic irritation synonymous with high potency vitamin C serums, so it’s a suitable option for even those with sensitive skin.

Metal Removing Hair Care - L'Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox Collection

You may not have thought much about this, but metal particles present in our pipes mix with water and end up accumulating inside our hair fibers. These metals can mess with our hair resulting in breakage and dull or off-looking color. The always forward-thinking team at L'Oréal Professionnel created the Metal Detox Collection (the Metal Detoxifying Set includes a sulfate-free shampoo, mask and leave-in oil) to help gently remove these damaging metals from our hair with exclusive formulations designed to protect color, banish brassiness and improve overall hair quality.

The result? Shinier, healthier, more manageable tresses. Voila!

Skin and Gut Health Supplement - Kailo Nutrition Feel Well

If your digestive system seems derailed, and you’re dealing with bloating, digestive discomfort, and overall gut dismay, Kailo Nutrition’s Feel Well supplement should be on your radar. This mildly minty mix-in provides digestive support in the form of probiotics, digestive enzymes, and a host of peptides that make starting your day a true joy. In addition to eliminating the typical pain, gas, and bloating that plagues many people, Kailo reduce inflammation and provides 14 grams of protein per serving from bovine collagen to help restore your skin’s radiance as well.

Oral Photoprotection Supplement – Heliocare Advanced

For decades, we’ve used topical sunscreen to prevent sun damage, but supplemental oral photoprotection is now a reality. Heliocare Advanced combines nicotinamide (the same compound found in niacinamide skincare serums) with Polypodium leucotomos (fern leaf) extract using its clinically proven Fernblock® PLE Technology. Fernblock® has photoprotective properties that reduce the likelihood of sun damage, AND it also reverses existing damage.

As a three-time skin cancer survivor, including melanoma, this supplement is a staple in my daily routine and was recommended by my board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Dr. Ronald Moy. If you want to support your skin health – especially if you’ve already had skin cancer – Heliocare Advanced should be part of your suncare arsenal.

Note: Topical sunscreen is, and always will be, a necessity.

At-Home EMS and LED Light Therapy Tool - Althaea C•A•R•A Tool

LED tools have been around for years, but Dr. Ava Shamban elevated that technology with her Althaea Skin’s C•A•R•A Multi-Modal Tool, and this is something you must experience. The tool puts the power in your hands, so you can select red, blue, or purple light for a combo light therapy and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) treatment. The C•A•R•A tool delivers effective radio frequency energy to jumpstart your skin’s natural rejuvenation processes.

This handheld gem helps tone the skin while reducing fine lines and wrinkles resulting in a smooth, plump, taut complexion. You can truly feel this device working too. And when used in the evening with Dr. Ava’s Activation Mask, you’ll tap into your body’s innate regeneration cycle and improve your skin while you sleep.

Non-Irritating Lip Plumping Treatment – DefenAge 12-Factor Revitalizing Lip Enhancer

Think lip injections or stinging lip glosses are the only way to plump your pout? Think again. DefenAge overdelivers in the lip treatment category and has dermatologists buzzing. Their 12-Factor Revitalizing Lip Enhancer provides instant hydration and smoothing while sinking deep into the lips for a natural yet fuller end result. Alpha-Defensin 5 and Beta-Defensin 3 top the stellar ingredient list, delivering concentrated support for reparative pathways that increase cell proliferation, collagen production, and firmer, hydrated lips.

The fine hyaluronic spheres give lips an instant, smooth appearance, and DefenAge’s Maximized Lip Peptide Complex, shea butter and green tea provide moisture and antioxidant power simultaneously.

Dynamic Duo – Rhode Lip Case and Peptide Lip Tint

Looking for your lippie before snapping a selfie just got easier thanks to this ingenious iPhone Lip Case from Rhode. The cute silicone phone case has been specially designed to hold Rhode’s Peptide Lip Treatment or Peptide Lip Tint in place, making touchups a breeze. The texture gives the case extra grip, and you can customize the set by swapping out your Rhode’s lip product of choice as needed. There were even limited-edition colors for autumn (sold out now) so keep your eye out for new offerings this year.

Transforming Makeup Multitasker – Danessa Myricks Beauty Blurring Balm Powder

Imagine a single product that provides sheer or buildable coverage, primes the skin for foundation, and sets makeup without feeling heavy or looking powdery. Now, run, don’t walk, to your nearest beauty counter because the Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder does it all. The balm powder is infused with moisture retaining hyaluronic acid as well as vegan squalane, so skin feels comfortable all day.

Upsalite, which blurs the skin’s surface, also absorbs sweat and oil during the day without drying your skin. Scoop: It’s also available in gorgeous colors for cheeks and lips!

Senescent Cell Treatment Moisturizer – Stayuth Lipozombie Refillable Cream

We heard the term “zombie cells” a lot in 2024, and the Stayuth Lipozombie Refillable Cream tapped into the category in an interesting way. Their Liposome Complex gets to work on chronically dysfunctional, inflammatory cells and removes them, so healthy active skin cells can proliferate.

Since senescent (aka zombie) cells can also damage DNA via Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), the Stayuth Lipozombie Refillable Cream removes it, so the skin barrier can function normally. When used with the built-in Gua Sha (a nice bonus), you’ll also reap the benefits of lymphatic drainage and improved microcirculation as well as relief from tightness along the jaw, temples, and forehead.

Topical Reparative Serum Utilizing Your Own Cells – Acorn Bio Labs Topical Secretome Serum

The human body is a remarkable creation, and as science advances, so do technological advances to slow aging. Exosomes have taken center stage of late, and Acorn Bio Labs is now able to extract secretomes – which include exosomes along with other regenerative factors – to create customized serums using your very own hair follicles.

Obtaining mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isn’t an option for everyone, and Acorn aims to “democratize stem cell access.” Instead of utilizing MSCs from an unknown source, Acorn members have their own autologous cells – from 50 hairs plucked at the back of the head which are then harvested, cultured, and transformed into a topical serum that’s a guaranteed biological match.

In other words, Acorn’s serums are created with your very own cells and are designed for post-procedural use such as microneedling or laser treatments to improve hair density and skin healing or aid in scar reduction. Plus, Acorn offers “cell banking” where your cells are cryo-preserved, ensuring they are viable and accessible whenever you need them.

Welcome to the era of preserving your healthiest cells to create custom topical formulations that aid in skin rejuvenation.