Luis Mejia of The Estee Lauder Companies won the Society of Cosmetic Chemists’ 2025 Green Star Award. Sponsored by Colonial Chemical, the Green Star Award recognizes a formulator’s outstanding work in green formulation during the previous 12-month period.

Mejia’s formulation, Aveda Abundant Blowout Volumizing Spray, received the highest Green Star rating for delivering a formula optimized for renewable, biodegradable, non-toxic and otherwise sustainable materials. The formula was recognized for the efficiency and eco-friendliness of the production process, and the sustainability of its packaging.

The Green Star Award committee also awarded an honorable mention to formulator Chris Rosenthal of Enviromedica for his submission, Ancient Minerals – Mineral Deodorant Cream. The committee recognized its innovative format and thoughtful formulation, which delivers in both product efficacy and sustainability.

“The SCC, through the generosity of Colonial Chemical, is proud to recognize the efforts of cosmetic science professionals formulating green, natural products with safety, efficacy and sustainability in mind,” said SCC CEO Erica L. O’Grady, CAE.

The Green Star Award at the SCC Annual Meeting

The Green Star Award Selection Committee, comprised of formulation and
ingredient experts, determined the recipient based on the Green Star rating. The Green Star rating is a classification system developed by industry professionals. It is designed to allow the formulation chemist the ability to maximize the natural component in products. The Green Star assessment includes novelty, level of innovation in formulation, creativity in fulfillment of marketing claims, efficacy using “green” ingredients, production processes and packaging sustainability.

Join nearly 1,000 of your peers to see the Green Star Award presentation live in New York – click here to register for the SCC 79th Annual Meeting, December 16-17, 2025.