Mexican plastic-free makeup line named a top invention of 2026 by TIME

TIME magazine's annual list of the best inventions, published since 2000, recognizes products that change daily life. This year, AORA's plastic-free cosmetics were among the top 300 innovations, alongside Apple's iPhone Duo and Bosch's new microplastic filter. The list was announced on October 15, showcasing AORA's commitment to sustainability through reusable and recyclable packaging made from materials like aluminum, tinplate, and wood.

TIME praised AORA for its eco-friendly approach, stating, "A sustainable ingredient list rings hollow if the packaging isn't earth-friendly too." Founded in Mexico City in 2022 by Nour Tayara and Rodrigo Peñafiel, AORA's identity revolves around vibrant colors, ingredients from Mexico, and designs that make beauty products more appealing while minimizing single-use plastic reliance.

The brand's success includes being the first plastic-free makeup sold at Sephora. Nour Tayara, AORA's co-founder, emphasized the company's mission to transform the beauty industry by eliminating plastic from products and contributing to cleaning up industry waste. "The beauty industry is full of trash, and we're on a mission to change that, not just by eliminating plastic from our products, but by helping clean up the industry's waste," Tayara told Mexico News Daily.

"We set out to make sustainability sexy, cool, colorful and fun while tackling what seemed impossible: creating incredible makeup people want to cherish, without plastic." AORA's achievement in being named one of TIME's Best Inventions of 2026 validates their efforts. The selection process for the list involves nominations from editors and correspondents worldwide, followed by evaluation based on originality, effectiveness, ambition, and impact.