free from skincare awards

25 June 2023

‘Little Bottle of Italian Magic’ wins 2023 Free From Skincare Awards
As many of you know I decided to retire the blog at the end of last year. So why am I posting again? well I thought it was only right that perhaps the final blog post should go to the one skincare awards that I have supported since 2012. 

I've given my time to the Free From Skincare Awards because they have always encouraged and rewarded manufacturers of skincare products that are ‘free from’ some of the allergens, ingredients, additives and artificial fragrances. I'm the type of consumer that these awards help. Many of you know I have been managing eczema and allergies since childhood.

So this year it's an Italian skincare brand by the name of OliPhenolia that has been crowned overall champion and awarded Best Free From Skincare Product 2023 for their Intensive Serum.

“Became a go-to product,” said one delighted product tester. “It was soothing, comforting, anti-inflammatory, and helped calm areas that were irritated, red and patchy. Kind to the skin and a pleasure to use.”

The hypoallergenic formulation — dubbed “a little bottle of Italian magic” by another tester — is based on polyphenol-rich ingredients produced from olives grown at Fattoria La Vialla, a Demeter-certified biodynamic farm in Tuscany, with added skin-beneficial compounds such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
The Best Free From Brand Award was successfully defended by 2022 winners, North Wales’s Rhug Wild Beauty
The Best Free From Brand Award was successfully defended by 2022 winners, North Wales’s Rhug Wild Beauty, who repeated their feat of last year in winning two golds and three silvers in the individual product categories.

Free from fragrance, animal-sourced ingredients and food allergens, OliPhenolia’s winning serum beat stiff competition from other category winners, including products by first-time participants Plantopia and Latvian brand Etide.

“It is rare for a few-ingredient product which is essentially allergen-free to perform quite as strongly as the Intensive Serum did,” said Awards Director, Alex Gazzola. “One of the highest scorers with testers and with some of the strongest ‘free from’ attributes across the entire competition … Judges felt it was the clear champion.”

All winners and medallists can be seen at www.freefromskincareawards.co.uk

10 November 2022

Christmas Gift Ideas inspired by Winners of the Free From Gift Awards 2022
Long time readers will no doubt be familiar with
Free From Skincare Awards but did you know about their 'spin off' The Free From Gift Awards? I'm unlikely to put together a personalised gift guide this year so I'm going to point you in the direction of the winners from these awards.

You may be interested to know that Winners and Medallists in The Free From Gift Awards are brands who manufacture products that are ‘free from’ some of the allergens, chemicals, additives and fragrances associated with skin sensitivities, allergies, and ethical, environmental and health concerns.

Congratulations go to Rhug Wild Beauty who took the Overall Champion prize for their Hand Wash & Hand Lotion Duo in Gift Box.

“A beautifully elegant duo in a chic box,” said the judges. “Gorgeous products, both of which include wild foraged ingredients from the Rhug Estate. A gift set which anyone would enjoy and would feel very spoiled and delighted to receive.”

Many of the medallists are brands I have supported over the years but it's always great to discover new ones. Let me recommend checking out the following -

Blue Labelle, Moroccan Spa Set
Made By Coopers, 'Sleepy Head' Sleep Kit
Silvan Skincare, Hands and Feet Gift Set
BEAM natural body care, Six half sized luxury soap gift set
Eco By Sonya Driver, Hydration Skin System
Green People, Be Kind
Bowe Organics, Get Glowing Face Mask
Sknfed, Rose Trio Gift Set
Lyonsleaf, Natural Skincare Solutions 04 & Hot Cloth Cleansing Revitalising Kit
Obvs Skincare, Well-Being Gift Set

There are more Gold, Silver and Bronze winners (in all categories) to discover so head over to freefromskincareawards.co.uk

Sarah x

3 April 2022

Free From Skincare Awards 2022 are now open for entries
(Press Release)

Did you know that the eleventh Free From Skincare Awards opened to entries on 21st March?

Over the years I've been a judge on these awards and I've seen many brands expand and improve under the guidance and feedback they receive from participating. Previous winners of the Best Overall Free From Skincare Product were:

* Holos’s This is More Get Better Butter (2021)

* Uoga Uoga’s Intensive Care Day Cream (2020)

* Weleda’s Skin Food Body Butter (2019)

* Harborist’s Balm-Gel Cleanser (2018)

* Benecos’s Lip Balm (2017)

* Kinvara Skincare’s Absolute Cleansing Oil (2016)

* Bloom Remedies’ Men’s Daily Moisture Care (2015)

* Tropic Skincare’s Smoothing Cleanser (2014)

* Barefoot Botanicals’ Face and Body Rescue Cream (2013)

* Qsilica’s Remove Make-up and Grime Cleansing Gel (2012)

What's it all about? The Free From Skincare Awards celebrate the best cosmetic products ‘free from’ some of the allergens and other ingredients many consumers wish to or need to avoid. This year there will be sixteen product categories, including a special awards for Best Brand, for Free From Achievement and a new award for Best Labelling.

Awards’ Director Alex Gazzola says “A Best Labelling Award is long overdue. We’ll be looking for brands and products which demonstrate excellence in labelling — be it in communicating ingredients, instructions for use, suitability, and any allergen guidance or ‘free from’ statements, if used. Those with sensitive skin or who avoid certain ingredients rely on clarity in labelling, and we’ll be rewarding the very best.”

Who can participate? These awards are open to brands sold and distributed in the UK, Ireland and Europe. Entries close 3rd May. The Finalists are revealed in June, and the Winners are announced in July. For information on rules, terms, conditions and how to enter see freefromskincareawards.co.uk

8 August 2021

Review Lily & Rabbit Coconut and Salted Coconut Soaps
(gifted/unpaid)

Truth is I haven't always been a fan of solid soap bars. Of course bars are a great way to help reduce plastic waste but they can be a bit messy on the bathroom sink. I finally over came this annoyance by investing in soap dishes with an integrated rack. It makes such a difference on containing drips and gives longevity to the soap as it can dry out been uses. It also pays to invest in a quality soap as from experience I have found many differences between brands.

Talking of quality, you may recall last year I wrote about Lily & Rabbit soaps. Goat milk is a core ingredient in their products but I'm excited to announce the launch of their Vegan range. The key ingredients in the new soaps are coconut oil and coconut milk.
Review Lily & Rabbit Coconut and Salted Coconut Soaps
The current vegan range consists of Coconut (unscented), Lemon Coconut Smoothie, Lime & Coconut and Coconut Ice plus their Salted soap counterparts. Lily & Rabbit Salted soaps have a swirl of Himalayan Pink Salt. Soap makers include salt for the benefits of exfoliation and acne prone skin may benefit from minerals naturally found in this ingredient.

As you can see Lily & Rabbit kindly sent me the Coconut and Salted Coconut soaps, both of which are fragrance free. We currently have the Coconut soap on the go in our bathroom for handwashing. It's holding up beautifully with no cracking or sogginess. I find this soap gives a lovely creamy lather and doesn't feel drying on my skin.

If you would like further information about Lily & Rabbit products then I recommend you check out their website - lilyandrabbit.co.uk

Sarah x

12 July 2021

Winners announced in 2021 Free From Skincare Awards
My first big adventure this year was a joyful trip to London to once again participate in judging for the Free From Skincare Awards. Last Wednesday the winners were announced and it's a fantastic and well deserving group of brands across all categories.

Irish handmade skincare brand Holos Skincare has scoped the winning Best Free From Skincare Product for This is More Get Better Butter. “Scoring an average of 9.6 out of 10 with our product testers, Get Better Butter deserved the overall title this year,” said Awards director, Alex Gazzola. “The wonderful texture was admired by all, and the results reported were exceptional.”

Free from artificial fragrances, colours, animal-sourced ingredients, palm-oil derivatives and food allergens, Holos’s Get Better Butter was up against other successful category winners, including first-time participants Scence, Grace & Blumë and Made on the Chalk, and Award regulars Hairy Jayne, Weleda and Fiini Naturally.

The Best Free From Brand Award was shared between Lyonsleaf, winners of almost 30 medals in the history of the Awards, and Australian brand Eco by Sonya, who received a Gold and two Silvers with their three entries this year.

As a judge and blogger there are of course entrants to the awards that I cross paths with. Some of them I have suggested give consideration to participating each year. I don't always get to judge the categories they enter so when I see them scoop awards it's a lovely feeling. Congratulations to Minimalist Skincare, Wildefruit, Ermana, Lucky Cloud Skincare, Bowe Organics, BAO Skincare and Lily & Rabbit.

In honour of Plastic Free July, I would encourage you to explore the winners list because many of the brands have minimalistic and eco-friendly packaging. If like me you have an interest in Vegan skincare then several Vegan trademark holders are also on the winners list - Hairy Jayne, HAERScence Skincare, Queenie Organics, Crystal Spring, Bowe Organics, BAO Skincare, Little Soap Co, Beauty Kitchen and Rhug Wild Beauty.

A list of all Gold, Silver and Bronze winners can be found at freefromskincareawards.co.uk

Sarah x

6 June 2021

The 2021 Free From Skincare Awards Finalists are Announced
It's been a bumper year for the Free From Skincare Awards with around 250 products making it through to the Final stage. The Finalists were decided by a team of independent testers, each with sensitive or problem skin, or with an interest in non-mainstream skincare products, who have been putting entries through their paces.

I'm a supporter of these awards because they are dedicated to celebrating cosmetics 'free from' ingredients which consumers, such as myself, choose or need to avoid. You'll spot some familiar brands on the list of Finalists, their products often feature on my blog - Annwyn, Balmonds, BAO, Eden Days, Ermana, Lily & Rabbit, Lucky Cloud Skincare, Lyonsleaf, Maison Meunier, Minimalist Skincare, Odylique.

Never in ten years have we had higher average scores in the Awards than this year,” says Awards director Alex Gazzola. “The vast majority of products performed well or exceptionally well, and it has been an almost impossible task to narrow the field down. All finalists deserve their places.

Amongst the familiar names are lots of 'new to me' brands which I've included in the photo above - Cacao Pow, Black Palm, Soft Paws Cosmetics, So Natural, The Natural Beauty Pot, Zero Soap

Finalists now go through to judging sessions, with panels made up of leading industry figures, including beauty journalists, bloggers, consultants, brand owners and formulators. Gold, Silver and Bronze winners in all 16 categories — plus additional awards for Best Free From Skincare Brand, Best Free From Achievement, and of course Best Overall Free From Skincare Product — will be announced online at the beginning of July.

If you'd like to browse the List of Finalists it can be viewed at the Free From Skincare Awards site.

Sarah x

1 February 2021

2021 Free From Skincare Awards to open 1st February
(unpaid/press release)

Positivity is what we need for 2021 so let's celebrate the tenth annual Free From Skincare Awards will open to entries on 1st February. I support these awards because a "free from" lifestyle has been part of me since childhood. I need to avoid pesky allergens some of which are present in skincare. I assume many people probably don't look beyond the matter of food allergies and often forget that skincare can be problematic for some people. You may also fall under the "free from" umbrella for lifestyle choices e.g Veganism or Religion.

I recommend following The Free From Awards on social media as that's where you will locate general news, entrant introductions and eventually winner announcements (in June). The Awards pride themselves on their fairness, rigour and transparency, and have been running a #KnowYourAwards campaign on Instagram throughout January to answer in-depth questions about the Awards, offering ‘behind the scenes’ insights into testing protocols, judging, decision-making and much more.

"No brand should be in the dark about our procedures and processes, nor the principles underpinning them. There are many awards out there, and we feel it’s important that skincare brands, especially in these tough times, have full understanding of what ours actually stand for — and what the many benefits of participation will be - Awards’ Director Alex Gazzola"

There are sixteen product categories this year which includes two new categories for deodorants and toners, waters and spritzes.
 
Previous winners of the Best Overall Free From Skincare Product were:

* Uoga Uoga’s Intensive Care Day Cream (2020)
* Weleda’s Skin Food Body Butter (2019)
* Harborist’s Balm-Gel Cleanser (2018)
* Benecos’s Lip Balm (2017)
* Kinvara Skincare’s Absolute Cleansing Oil (2016) 
* Bloom Remedies’ Men’s Daily Moisture Care (2015)
* Tropic Skincare’s Smoothing Cleanser (2014)
* Barefoot Botanicals’ Face and Body Rescue Cream (2013)
* Qsilica’s Remove Make-up and Grime Cleansing Gel (2012)

Brands sold and distributed in the UK, Ireland and Europe are eligible to participate in the Free From Skincare Awards. The key dates you need to note are 

* Entries close 21st March
* Finalists revealed in May
* Winners announced in June

And for information on rules, terms, conditions and how to enter, visit www.freefromskincareawards.co.uk

1 December 2020

Winners announced in inaugural Free From Gift Awards
(products received for judging purposes) 

I sat down one weekend during lockdown to participate in a judging session for The Free From Gift Awards. This award was launched from the team behind the Free From Skincare Awards. It's always a pleasure to discover 'new to me' skincare brands and what better to way than with a gift set. The aim was to celebrate the best beauty gift sets, skincare trial packs and cosmetic stocking fillers from brands who manufacture products that are ‘free from’ some of the allergens, chemicals, additives and fragrances associated with skin sensitivities, allergies, and ethical, environmental and health concerns.

In our launch year we had no idea what to expect from our entrants, but the variety of gifts and sets was extraordinary,” said Awards director, Alex Gazzola. “Choosing a winner from all the entries — from pretty soap sets and magical oil duos, to eco-friendly pampering gifts and vegan make-up collections — was tough, but for the effect it had on our tester, as well as the admiration it inspired in our judges, No Secrets deserved the overall top prize!

No Secrets won Best Overall Free From Skincare Gift for their Home Spa, which contains a large jar of body jelly, two mini bath jellies, a soy wax votive candle, with matches, plus extra samples — all lovingly packaged in a classic white box and peach ribbon.

Gold, Silver and Bronze winners in all categories can be viewed at freefromskincareawards.co.uk. You'll probably spot some familiar names - Lyonsleaf, Kiss the Moon, Conscious Skincare, Jane Iredale and Lucky Cloud Skincare. I've also discovered The English Mineral Make Up Company, Seilich, Moksa, Londe Botanics, Millie's Organics and Opala Botanicals.

If you are stuck for Christmas Gift ideas then definitely check out the winners as I'm sure you will find inspiration for a range of budgets.

Sarah x

3 September 2020

Free From Gift Awards New skincare awards for gift boxes and sets
(press release, not sponsored)

I have some exciting news to announce, readers and natural skincare brands should pay attention. We all love the buzz surrounding beauty awards and the team behind the Free From Skincare Awards have announced the launch of the Free From Gift Awards which will run from September to November.

1 September 2020

Fiini Naturally Oat and Bilberry Powder Face Mask
(Gifted)

I discovered Fiini Naturally through the Free From Skincare Awards having entered several products over the past couple of years. Fiini was founded by two friends, Heidi and Essi, they developed their own skincare taking inspiration from natural raw ingredients in their homeland of Finland. They have an understanding of sensitive skin and several of their products are fragrance free. As the brand is based in Finland this plays an important role with nature and the environment having a strong influence. It's not just a cosmetic range, they also make household cleaning supplies. Fiini's ethos is proudly Finnish with honesty, naturalness, purity, ecology and animal welfare at the heart of the business.

I tend to shy away from face masks, more often than not these are products formulated for solving problem issues but are simply too harsh for my sensitive skin. I was attracted to Fiini Oat and Bilberry powder mask for the properties in the ingredients. Oatmeal is often an ingredient highly recommended to eczema prone skin and I've had many an oat bath during my lifetime. It's the vitamin E, fatty acids, amino acids, and beta-glucans that protect, soothe and moisturise skin. Bilberries are also known as European wild blueberries and they are packed full of vitamins and nutrients. The bilberry powder is made by freeze drying which helps retain the vibrant natural properties. Other additional ingredients include pink clay and rice powder.

If you've ever used a powder mask before you'll know to mix with water or serum to create a smooth paste which you then apply to your skin. It doesn't look like much in the jar but the bilberries created a gorgeous deep purple colour which makes you smile, think Violet from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory when she chews the gum. After 10 to 15 minutes the mask can be removed using warm water, I find a damp flannel can help with this process. The end results are soft skin and no I wasn't left with a purple tinge, I looked good as new.

Fiini Naturally Oat and Bilberry Powder Face Mask is a simple and honest product. Fun to use as part of a relaxing routine and beneficial to dry and sensitive skin. It doesn't promise you the world and I'm OK with that. Powder face masks can be a little messy for some people but I'm not overly fussy about this aspect. If you take your time it doesn't have to create a bathroom disaster just don't use your best white towels as I'm not sure if you'd experience staining (I have coloured flannels  so it wasn't an issue for me).

If you would like further information or to explore the product range, I recommend visiting Fiini Naturally website.

Sarah x

20 August 2020

Review Lily & Rabbit Naked, Bee Naked and Lavender Soap
(gifted)

Lily & Rabbit had three soap shortlisted in the Free From Skincare Awards and they came away with a Silver for Sea Kelp with Rosemary & Spearmint and Bronze for Nettle with Spearmint. This adorably named company are handcrafting soaps in North Yorkshire. Lily & Rabbit have focused on their favourite ingredients olive oil (inspired by Italian soaps) and raw goat milk. They are mindful of sensitive skin and use natural colourants, exfoliators and essential oils. For fellow vegans, Lily & Rabbit are in the process of creating suitable soaps and so you may wish to follow them on Instagram for launch information.

Here's some feedback from the testers for the Free From Skincare Awards -

“Still rock solid after a month’s testing … didn’t go soggy, break or lose fragrance … An extremely gentle, non-drying soap that lathers lightly over the skin and leaves hands feeling clean and refreshed” (Sea Kelp with Rosemary & Spearmint)

“Really enjoyed this product .. Lather wasn’t excessive, but worked efficiently without drying out skin … cleansed effectively, leaving clean, fresh and reassuring fragrance, which wasn’t lost throughout month long use … It delivered constantly and I would buy it again” (Nettle with Spearmint)
Review Lily & Rabbit Naked, Bee Naked and Lavender Soap
Lily and Rabbit kindly sent me three soaps - Naked, Bee Naked and Lavender. It's my husband who has carried out the majority of testing and we have started with the Naked soap. This one is a simple gentle soap with no scent and formulated with goats milk, olive oil and castor oil. In comparison Bee Naked includes the addition of oatmeal and honey. It is these two soaps that I would recommended for sensitive skin and some people may find oats beneficial for skin prone to eczema.

I agree with the testers in that Lily & Rabbit soaps are solid and don't go soggy. Over the years we've had soaps that turn to mush almost instantly but these hold up to daily use. The lather produced is gentle and just enough (to be expected from a product free from SLS). As I'm prone to dry hands the Naked soap hasn't worsen this condition and leaves skin feeling soft and not stripped of moisture. I've been impressed and as for my husband he's commented a few times on how he is enjoying using the Naked soap, how it holds up well and feels nice and solid.

If you would to explore the full soap range from Lily & Rabbit then please consider visiting their website - lilyandrabbit.co.uk

Sarah x

24 July 2020

Free From Skincare Awards 2020 Winners Announced
I'm so pleased that the Free From Skincare Awards were able to go ahead even under difficult circumstances. This year I attended a socially distanced judging session and got my hands on the shortlisted products for Hair Care and Eye Care. I have supported these awards over others because it is not a popularity contest and allows entrants to win on performance rather than voting. Products are put to use and tested for a month and the tester feedback then helps determine a shortlist. Next step is to put the products in front of judges who look at every aspect of the product (including testers comments) and reach a verdict to help decide the medalists. Smaller indie brands can prove they are just as worthy as well known larger ones. Over the years I've seen brands gain a huge confidence boost from winning and they go on to grow and excel in their business. A perfect example of this would be this years sponsors, Lyonsleaf.

19 June 2020

The Free From Skincare Awards 2020 Shortlist is Announced
Wow can you believe this is the ninth year in which I share with you the Free From Skincare Awards shortlist. I'm a long time supporter of these awards because I seek skincare which is free from certain ingredients because of multiple allergies and eczema. Of course this year the testing stage of the awards has taken place in lockdown which brings some challenges to the team but they have successfully pulled through and we now have an amazing shortlist of over 200 products from 120 brands. I'm always surprise that with my extensive knowledge of brands there are name on the list that are new to me. It's wonderful to see how much the marketplace for natural skincare has grown over the years.

The Free From Skincare Awards were founded in 2012 by Michelle Berriedale-Johnson – an expert in free from and director of the Free From Food Awards – and Alex Gazzola – a writer specialising in allergies and free from – to encourage and reward manufacturers of skincare products that are ‘free from’ many of the allergens, ingredients, additives and fragrances associated with skin sensitivities, health issues, as well as ethical, personal and environmental concerns. This year’s Awards are sponsored by Lyonsleaf, previous winners of twenty medals, including five gold, during the history of the Awards.

Awards director Alex Gazzola says “The soap bars in particular were put through their paces. It was especially challenging for our testers, some of whom were NHS workers, to adapt and manage their skincare routines, especially those with caring and home-schooling responsibilities. The pampering products, such as face masks, bath jellies and even a night cream for feet, were particularly valued, both for their skin benefits, and for their therapeutic ones.”

The soap category is the one where majority of the entrants are new to to me. Everyone is deserving of their place but you'll spot that Lily & Rabbit and The Kentish Soap Company were successful in getting three products each onto the shortlist.

Overall the leading brands with six shortlisted products each are Tropic – overall Champions back in 2014 for their Smoothing Cleanser – and first-time participant Codex Beauty. I'd also like to congratulate familiar brands who have recently featured on my blog - Balmonds, Skin Genius, Naturekissd, Odylique, LouLou Belle Skincare, Lucky Cloud Skincare, Lucy Bee, Pamoja, Solo Skin London and Nature's Kitchen.

The Shortlist can be viewed at the Free From Skincare Awards site - freefromskincareawards.co.uk - shortlist 2020 and Gold, Silver and Bronze winners will be announced online at the end of July or early August.

Sarah x

28 April 2020

Alteya Liquid Soap, Benecos Lip Balm, Organii Shower Gel, Nature's Kitchen Moisturiser
(Gifted from Love Lula)

As you may know I've been working with Love Lula for a couple of years. I'm able to select products from their site and pass on my feedback to readers. Last month I chose the products pictured above so let me give you an overview of my thoughts and recommendations. As a side note every product featured is free from linalool but may contain other fragrance allergens. Remember to always  check the labels as formulas can change.

Alteya Certified Organic Liquid Soap (Chamomile & Calendula and Grapefruit & Orange) - this is a 'new to me' brand and I've merely dipped into their range by choosing to try their liquid soaps.

"Alteya Organics is a fast growing and a multiple international award-winning family-owned USDA and NaTrue certified organic beauty and skin care company with our own rose and lavender fields, distillery and a state-of-the art skin care manufacturing facility in the heart of The Rose Valley in Bulgaria"

Alteya liquid soaps come in a variety of aromas and two sizes - 250ml and 500ml. The consistency of these soaps is fluid in comparison to others I have in my home. It generates a good amount of lather which I know some people may find important as it creates enjoyment and ease of usage. Chamomile & Calendula is a calming fragrance where as Grapefruit and Orange is uplifting. Overall this soap is fairly good at not leaving my hands feeling dry but like most people at the moment my skin has suffered damage prior to trialing the Alteya liquid soaps. 

Benecos Lipbalm Vanilla  - I am already familiar with Benecos lip balms as the classic version was Winner of the Overall Award for 'Best Free From Skincare Product' 2017 at the Free From Skincare Awards. What I like about these balms is they are affordable and suitable for Vegans. They are formulated with natural and organic butters and waxes (shea butter, coca butter and jojoba oil) which protects and cares for lips helping the skin to feel soft, smooth and kissable. 

Nature's Kitchen Super Protein Skin Boosting Gentle Care Moisturiser - I've tried a couple of products from Nature's Kitchen and really enjoyed them however with this moisturiser I have decided it doesn't quite suit my needs. Even though Nature's Kitchen Super Protein Skin Boosting Gentle Care Moisturiser is packed full of interesting ingredients, for me, the consistency is too light and it doesn't tackle my dry skin. My personal opinion would be that if you have sensitive skin which is younger and less demanding or you enjoy a lighter texture of cream then it would be worth a try. 

Organii Shower Gel Argan - I've been using Organii Shea Butter shower gel for some time now but thought this was a good opportunity to try the Argan version to compare. Argan oil is rich in Vitamin E and full of fatty acids so it's a good natural moisturiser. In terms of fragrance this one is milder than the shea butter but neither are overpowering it's just a delicate hint which I appreciate. I apply my body washes with a Konjac Sponge and Organii produces a decent amount of foam which I enjoy. I'm always happy to give my recommendation for Organii as I honestly do love using their products.

If you missed my last review please click this link Madara Ocean Love Soothing Moisture Soap

Sarah x

3 April 2020

Review Lucy Bee Reviving Cleansing Cream Unscented
(I purchase this product & decided to review)

I've been using the same cleansing routine for a year and a few weeks ago, before crazy lockdown, I'd decided to switch things up. I placed an order with Lucy Bee and bought their Reviving Cleansing Cream. Now you might know Lucy Bee for their pantry staples but were you aware they made skincare products? Their natural fragrance free soap had been on my radar since the 2019 Free From Skincare Awards so I'd been meaning to explore the range. At the heart of Lucy Bee is the love for coconut oil and this includes their skincare range. I'm a huge fan of coconut oil and my skin tolerates this ingredient very well. As a brand, Lucy Bee are ethical, conscious of their impact on the environment (No Palm Oil) and have several certifications - Fairtrade, Organic, Vegan and Cruelty Free.

7 February 2020

2020 Free From Skincare Awards opens 3rd February
(photo from 2019 FFSA judging panel)

Time has flown by and here I am announcing that the ninth annual Free From Skincare Awards are NOW open for entrants. I think I say this every year but I love these awards as they celebrate the best cosmetic products which happen to also be free from some of the allergens and other ingredients many consumers now wish to or need to avoid. *jumps up and down, waves hands* People like me are their intended target audience. My long list of allergies (to include Linalool and Methylisothiazolinone) and throw in living with Atopic eczema, Seborrhoeic Dermatitis and Urticaria are what lead me to explore the world of natural and organic skincare. I had a period in my life where I felt I was reacting to every mainstream brand and sometimes prescription creams.

13 August 2019

Winners announced in Free From Skincare Awards 2019
Weleda’s Skin Food Body Butter has triumphed in the eighth annual Free From Skincare Awards, winning the Overall Award for Best Free From Skincare Product. “Fulfils its promise to banish dehydrated skin with ease,” enthused one tester. “My body is now a dry-free zone of silky moisturised skin. A beautiful formula and a pleasure to use.”

First-time participants from Finland, Laponie of Scandinavia, took the prestigious Best Free From Brand Award, while their Face Cream, jointly with Lyonsleaf’s Calendula and Marshmallow Cream, bagged the all-important Free From Achievement Award.

Free from synthetic ingredients, food allergens, and animal ingredients, Weleda’s Skin Food Body Butter beat stiff competition from 14 other category winners, including products by debutants Casa Mencarelli, NATHEO, and Bloom & Blossom, who were runners-up. 

“This year we opened up the Awards to all European brands, and the standard of entries from countries such as Spain, Greece, Finland, Bulgaria and Germany was impressive,” said Awards Co-ordinator, Alex Gazzola. “Judges and testers were excited to discover products that they wouldn’t ordinarily be able to try. Hopefully some of these brands can soon secure wider distribution across the UK.”

As you may or not know I had the pleasure of judging for my 7th year. I'm always amazed by the number of entrants and the quality of products. Aside from the task of judging I'm also keep my eye out for products that are of personal interest. Listed below, I've selected from the winners & medallists products that do not contain essential oil allergens.

Apothaka® Comforting oil booster
Fiini Naturally Oat shea butter
Fiini Naturally Oat Seabuckthorne oil serum
Honey Bee Beautiful, Sensitive Bee Face Cream
Joanna Naturals Harmony Facial Oil
Just Be Natural Be Natural Intensive Lip Balm
Laponie of Scandinavia Face Oil
Laponie of Scandinavia All-Around Balm
Laponie of Scandinavia Face Cream
Lyonsleaf Zinc and Calendula Cream
Lyonsleaf Calendula and Marshmallow Balm
Lucy Bee Fragrance Free Natural Soap
Odylique Coconut Candy Scrub
PHB Ethical Beauty Hand & Body Moisturiser with Mango & Shea Butter Scent Free
Tildas Tribe Honey & Oatmeal Goats Milk Soap

If you would like to view ALL Gold, Silver and Bronze winners then visit www.freefromskincareawards.co.uk

Sarah x

16 July 2019

The 2019 Free From Skincare Awards Shortlist is Announced
This year judging for the Free From Skincare Awards was an interesting challenge for those of us around the table. In the mix of our usual considerations was the new EU Commission guidelines surrounding free from claims. According to Commission Regulation (EU) No 655/2013 claims on cosmetic products should conform to the following common criteria: 1. Legal compliance 2. Truthfulness 3. Evidential support 4. Honesty 5. Fairness 6. Informed decision-making.

14 March 2019

The eighth annual Free From Skincare Awards are now open
The eighth annual Free From Skincare Awards are now open with plenty of changes!

As you may know I'm a long term supporter (and judge) for The Free From Skincare Awards so I'm always happy to shout about it to readers and brands in the hope it catches your interest. For those of us who manage skin conditions, allergies and ethical choices 'free from' skincare can make all the difference to our lives. Speaking from an eczema prospective, after years of suffering, a switch in body wash and shampoo changed my skin and made my daily routine manageable.

The Awards – which celebrate products 'free from' some of the allergens and other ingredients many consumers now avoid – feature fourteen categories, including new categories for Lip Care, incorporating both lipsticks and lip balms, and for Eye Care, incorporating eye make-up and eye creams.

21 August 2018

Interview with Bare Faced Skin - Luxurious, Effective Skincare
I had the pleasure of discovering Bare Faced Skin through the Free From Skincare Awards and I invited Helen, the founder, to interview. Keep reading to learn more about this up and coming natural skincare brand.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what inspired you to start your own company
I’ll tell the short version as this could turn into a novel. I’ve always been a lover nature, essential oils and have background in body therapies. I came into skincare some might say by accident. I think looking back I don’t think it was an accident. I developed Eczema at the age of 17 which started at my forehead and worked its way down to cover my body. I spent many years using prescribed steroid creams and lashings of petroleum jelly to slather all over my body, so masking a problem. I had numerous allergy tests which at the time showed I was allergic to the 20th century. I ended up in hospital with complications due to compromised skin and once I left hospital and after a time convalescing at home I came to the conclusion I had to do something. So began my overhaul, looking at the body and mind holistically inside and out.

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