The brand receives this prestigious recognition in Madrid for the second consecutive year, having been awarded in 2025 for the Bioplasty Cuticle Sealer.
The hair care industry gathered in Madrid on the occasion of the presentation of the Marie Claire Hair Excellence Awards 2026, awards that recognise each year the most outstanding proposals for their innovation, effectiveness and ability to respond to new hair needs. The event began with an institutional meeting at the Congress of Deputies, from where the guests and award-winning brands moved on to the Hotel Palace Madrid, venue for the presentation ceremony and the subsequent official lunch.
The opening of the event was conducted by Magdalena Fraj, executive director of Marie Claire, who highlighted the publication's commitment as a discerning trendsetter and in its recognition of the innovation, research, and technological development that are transforming hair care.
In this edition, the Marie Claire Hair Excellence Awards a total has been recognised 15 products of different categories and brands, selected by the editorial team for their ability to provide innovative solutions for hair care and styling. Among the winners are K18, Alma Secret, Unicskin, Kerasilk, Les Secrets de Loly, Ellips, Marta Masi, John Frieda, NEQI, L’Oréal Professionnel, Salerm Cosmetics, I.C.O.N., Onisa Cotó, Wella Professionals and Rowenta. Among this selection, Salerm Cosmetics has been recognised for its new S21 Thermal Protector, thus consolidating its presence at awards that once again put the spotlight on innovation applied to hair care.
S21 Thermal Protector: advanced nutrition and heat defence
Designed to fit easily into your styling routine, S21 Thermal Protector it is a dry, leave-in spray that preps and protects hair before using blow dryers, straighteners, curling tongs and other thermal styling tools, as well as helping to keep it nourished, soft and frizz-free.
Its formula incorporates encapsulated vitamins E and B5 and it is designed to help protect the hair fibre against dehydration and heat damage, as well as promoting cuticle sealing, smoothness and shine with the 21 benefits of the Salerm 21 range.
Its light, residue-free texture allows you to maintain the natural movement of your hair, whilst providing a long-lasting anti-humidity effect and frizz control, particularly relevant characteristics for sensitised, treated or damage-prone hair.
This recognition arrives in a particularly significant year for S21 Thermal Protector, since the Salerm 21 family has turned 30 and the campaign starring the actress has been launched María Castro, under the concept “Your best-kept treasure”.
Through this campaign, the brand highlights hair as a hallmark of identity and the importance of caring for and protecting it. María always champions hair as one of her greatest assets, as it is part of her personality on both a personal and professional level. For her, caring for and protecting it is essential as part of any daily routine.
Innovation as part of Salerm Cosmetics' DNA
For Salerm Cosmetics, this new recognition also represents endorsement of a way of understanding innovation closely linked to the real needs of the hair professional and their clients.
Ana Ribes, vice-president of Salerm Cosmetics, noted “Receiving this award from Marie Claire for the second consecutive year makes us especially happy because it confirms that the innovation we develop at Salerm Cosmetics responds to real needs and successfully delivers professional results for hair care. And the fact that this time it is the S21 Thermal Protector, from our Salerm 21 family which is just celebrating 30 years, makes it even more meaningful for us.
An award that is repeated year after year
The award also has a special meaning for Salerm Cosmetics, as it marks the brand's second consecutive recognition at the Marie Claire Prix d’Excellence Capillaire.
In the previous edition, Salerm Cosmetics was recognised for its Bioplasty Cuticle Sealer, once again highlighting the brand's ability to develop professional solutions that combine innovation, efficacy and hair fibre care.