The brand, which launched in 2022 under founders Nour Tayara and Rodrigo Peñafiel, replaces conventional plastics with aluminum, tin, and wood. Beyond its packaging, AORA holds a Plastic Negative certification from rePurpose Global. This initiative funds the recovery of plastic waste at nine times the weight of every product sold, resulting in the removal of over 2,390 kilograms of waste to date.

Developing the collection required years of research to balance durability with sustainability. The final products feature ingredients native to Mexico, such as cactus flower and tepezcohuite, housed in mono-material designs intended for easy recycling. For the 2026 list, TIME editors evaluated contenders based on originality, efficacy, and industry impact, ultimately highlighting AORA as a leader in proving that high-end beauty does not require synthetic waste.