The beauty industry’s most impactful moments from the past 25 years

By Alessandro Carrara | Published: 5-Mar-2026
Fragrance Skin Care Retail

In honour of the Pure Beauty Awards turning 25 this year, CB reflects on the most important moments in beauty over the past two-and-a-half decades, and what this means for the future of the industry

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The beauty industry’s evolution over the past quarter of a century is an astounding achievement to reflect on.

From the early 2000s ‘clean’ beauty movement to the recent technological and scientific leaps through artificial intelligence (AI) and longevity science, few industries have seen such drastic transformations as ours.

In honour of our prestigious event The Pure Beauty Awards turning the big 2-5 this year, Cosmetics Business rounds-up the most important beauty moments of the past two-and-a-half decades and how they changed the game for the better.

 

Have you launched an innovative product, brand or campaign in the past 12 months? Then you could be in with a chance of winning at this year's new and improved Pure Beauty Awards 2026.
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