TheIndustry.beauty Awards Winners’ Interview: Elemis co-founder Noella Gabriel on the enduring success of its Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
TheIndustry.beauty Innovators Awards 2026 celebrated the people, products and businesses driving the beauty industry forward - recognising not only groundbreaking innovations, but also the diverse range of expertise, disciplines and leadership required to achieve true market distinction.
In this interview, co-founder and CEO Noella Gabriel speaks about the iconic product, how the cleansing balm balances performance with the ritual and indulgence of skincare, what role innovation has played in keeping the cleansing balm at the forefront of the market, what consumers can look forward to from Elemis next, and more.
What are the core values that define Elemis and how are these brought to life across the business?
At Elemis, we're guided by our core philosophy: powered by nature, enhanced by science and backed by results. We combine responsibly sourced natural ingredients with cutting-edge science to create products that support skin wellness and deliver clinically proven results. Elemis was born in the spa and treats millions of people across the globe every day. This expertise is embedded in our skincare ranges and routines, which always balance science with touch-led techniques and spa-like aromatics. We also achieved B Corp certification in 2023, which recognises our commitment to balancing profit with social and environmental considerations.
The cleansing balm has achieved iconic status in the beauty industry. What do you believe has been the secret to its longevity and continued relevance over the years?
The Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm has earned its place because it consistently delivers. We sell one cleansing balm globally every 10 seconds! It’s unlike anything else on the market. It effectively removes makeup and impurities while leaving skin feeling nourished, and its signature blend of nine essential oils, including lavender, chamomile and eucalyptus, invigorates the senses. Combined with its unique balm-to-oil-to-milk texture, it transforms cleansing into a luxurious daily ritual. When a product combines visible results with a sensorial experience people genuinely enjoy, it becomes something consumers return to time and time again.
Consumers are increasingly looking for products that deliver both efficacy and a sensorial experience. How does the cleansing balm balance performance with the ritual and indulgence of skincare?
Our spa heritage has always taught us that skincare should be as enjoyable as it is effective. Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is clinically proven to strengthen the skin’s barrier and deliver instant hydration, while its luxurious texture and signature aromatics create a moment of wellbeing. It’s a perfect example of our belief that consumers shouldn’t have to choose between results and experience - they deserve both.
What role has innovation played in keeping the cleansing balm at the forefront of the market and how do you decide when it’s time to evolve an iconic product?
Innovation is about enhancing what consumers already love, not changing it for the sake of it. We protect the formula that has earned such loyalty while introducing thoughtful innovations - whether that's new aromatics or complementary formats - that respond to evolving consumer needs without compromising the product's performance or identity. Most recently, we brought the iconic sensoriality of our cleansing balm into bodycare with the launch of Pro-Collagen Body Cleansing Balm, responding to growing consumer demand for the same level of care and efficacy for the body as the face.
What did winning Product Icon: Skincare mean for Elemis and how does this recognition reflect the brand's journey and vision?
It's a proud moment because it reflects the trust consumers have placed in the Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm over many years. Awards like this recognise not just the product, but the consistency, innovation and commitment behind it. It reinforces our belief that when you combine exceptional efficacy with a sensorial experience, you create something truly timeless.
How does innovation shape Elemis' growth strategy and how do you identify and respond to emerging consumer needs?
Innovation is central to our growth. We listen closely to our consumers, follow advances in skin science and continue investing in formulations that deliver meaningful results. Our focus is always on creating products that support skin wellness, combine nature with science and respond to evolving consumer expectations without losing sight of what makes Elemis distinctive.
What opportunities and challenges do you see shaping the future of beauty and how is Elemis positioned to adapt and lead?
Consumers are more informed than ever and expect transparency, proven efficacy and responsible innovation. That's where Elemis is well positioned. We've always balanced nature with science, and our commitment to clinically proven performance, sensorial experiences and responsible business practices means we're well equipped to meet the needs of today's consumers.
What can consumers look forward to from Elemis next?
Consumers can expect us to continue building on the products they know and love while bringing meaningful innovation to the category. We'll keep investing in exceptional ingredients and pioneering biotechnology, combining the best of nature and science, and creating award-winning skincare and spa rituals that deliver visible and proven results. We have an exciting innovation coming very soon, which is set to redefine the future of eyecare. Watch this space!
As the Product Icon: Skincare award was presented by Renude, we asked the company about its role in supporting the beauty industry.
Why is it crucial for brands to offer standout, engaging experiences in today’s competitive beauty retail landscape?
Today’s beauty industry is more competitive than ever and with that comes rising consumer expectations - it is no longer enough to have great products.
Modern consumers want to buy from brands that understand them, delight them and earn a place on their beauty shelf. This means brands must go above and beyond to offer engaging, personalised experiences to win (and retain) customers.
What sets Renude apart as a strategic partner for beauty brands in today’s market?
Renude has been developed by a team of specialists across dermatology, formulation and aesthetics, so we truly understand the beauty consumer. Our technologies have been designed to recreate the effectiveness of a professional consultation, on demand and in real time on brand and retailer websites.
Our focus on recommendation accuracy is designed to achieve long-term loyalty for brands. Implementing Renude on-site has shown to increase 90-day repeat purchase rates by as much as 74%. Our value goes far beyond a one-time sale by truly matching customers with the right products.
Beyond this, Renude’s rich insights can be used to inform every aspect of your business. Our technologies capture who your customer is, and how different skin profiles drive different purchasing behaviour. This continuous customer feedback loop can drive more personalised communications, improve PDP copy, inform the NPD pipeline and more.
What key trends do you believe will shape the future of the beauty industry and how is Renude positioned to help brands and retailers navigate these changes and meet evolving consumer expectations?
In the beauty industry and beyond, agentic commerce is driving the next wave of growth. Consumers have always wanted fast, personalised advice - previously offered via live chat or decision-tree chatbots - and now the technology capabilities have finally caught up to meet the demand.
Renude AI Skin Advisor combines the latest advancements in Conversational AI, paired with our specialist knowledge base and proprietary skin analysis and recommendation technologies, to offer an all-in-one solution. We are currently seeing mass adoption of AI chat technologies across e-commerce and beyond, and I believe that the brands who fail to adopt within the next two years will fall behind.
Renude is uniquely positioned to support this evolution for beauty brands and retailers. Our specialist understanding, paired with technical know-how, means we can offer something that not only caters to the customer’s immediate need for real-time advice, but drives value far beyond that first use. In an industry where customer trust is everything, it is important for businesses to adopt technologies that are built on the right foundation, to ensure that value (to both consumer and company) continues to compound over time.
