Beautyworld Dubai Awards 2026 Finalists

The shortlist for the Beautyworld Dubai Awards 2026 has been revealed, featuring 85 finalists across 17 categories as part of the Beautyworld Dubai program, taking place from 6-8 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The Beautyworld Dubai Awards bring together established international names, homegrown Gulf brands and first-time challengers competing side by side, a list that reflects a region increasingly shaping the direction of global beauty. 

Recognizing achievement across the entire supply chain, from the products on the shelf to the packaging, retail and technology behind them, the Awards celebrate the brands, products and people driving the industry forward.

Ravi Ramchandani, Event Director, Beautyworld Dubai, said:

“Seven editions in, the Beautyworld Dubai Awards have earned their place as one of the most respected recognitions in this industry. Look at the names on this shortlist. These are companies, brands and individuals setting the pace for beauty, and they’ve been judged by an independent panel on the strength of the work alone. That’s what makes the finalist list matter. It isn’t a popularity contest. It’s a read on where the real energy in beauty is right now, and this year it’s coming from well beyond the region.”

The 2026 categories span the full breadth of the industry, from Popular and Niche Fragrance to skincare, packaging, media campaigns and beauty technology, recognizing achievement across the entire value chain. 

This year’s highlight categories include:

• Popular Fragrance of the Year: reflecting the Gulf’s rising global influence in scent, with finalists including Assaf, Kayali and Lattafa. 
• Niche Fragrance of the Year: spotlighting craftsmanship and distinctive composition, with names such as Adamo Parfum, Clive Christian and Oman Luxury. 
• Media Campaign of the Year: showcasing the power of celebrity and cultural moments, including Huda Beauty’s Easy Bake Intense Eau de Parfum, Assaf’s campaign with Karim Benzima, and Armaf’s Club de Nuit Bling.
• Hair Product of the Year: recognizing performance and innovation in haircare, with finalists including Living Proof’s PhD Style Refresh Mist, Danger Jones’ Gloss Toners with Bonder, and Color Wow’s Dream Coat Supernatural from L’Oréal Groupe Middle East. 
• Personal Care Product of the Year: reflecting the crossover of skin-care-led innovation into everyday care, with finalists including Medicube and SKIN1004. 

The full list of finalists and categories is available on the Beautyworld Dubai Awards 2026 website.  

This year’s shortlist was assessed by 20 independent judges from across the international industry – brand leaders, perfumers, editors and educators – including Kelly Kovack, Founder & CEO of BeautyMatter; Olivia Phillips, Founder of The Desk and Editor at Large at Harper’s Bazaar Arabia; Kirsty Doolan, Editor of Cosmetics Design Europe; and Ahaana Khosla, trend forecaster and editor for Vogue and BeautyMatter.