The Free From Skincare Awards 2024 is officially open for entries, giving natural and allergy-friendly beauty brands from Europe the opportunity to shine a spotlight on their free-from products.
The awards, now in their 13th year, are a true celebration of beauty products that are free-from particular ingredients, allergens or aromas that some may find irritating, or for those who simply prefer a more natural, simplistic routine. The awards themselves focus on 16 categories, from family skincare and men’s grooming to deodorants and problem skin (and everything in between), ensuring that there is the perfect category for every brand who fit the awards criteria.
As well as the 16 product categories, and the Best Overall Free From Skincare Product, the Free From Skincare Awards also have 4 special awards. These include the Free From Achievement, Best Labelling, Best Free From Skincare Brand and the Digital Presence Award, which was added to the awards last year.
I was fortunate to be a Digital Presence judge and was impressed by the diversity, passion and standard of the brands and products being assessed. It was great to be part of the awards that not only reward the products themselves, but look at every aspect of branding and ethos of those entering.
Entries for this year’s awards closes on 25th February 2024, with the finalists being selected in May and winners announced in June 2024. The time frame allows each product to be tested and judged effectively, ensuring that the right brands and products are rewarded for their exceptional formulating and branding skills. The Free From Skincare Awards are not only a way for brands to get the recognition they deserve, but also a way of giving consumers the confidence to make informed decisions when purchasing the very best free-from skincare. You can find more information on the awards themselves, as well as the entry criteria, judging process and benefits of being a Free From Skincare Awards entrant, over on their website.
As the Free From Skincare Awards 2024 begins, here are some of my favourite Medallists from previous years:
Amaranthine: Face Oil
I am a big Amaranthine fan and their face oil is certainly no exception, winning bronze (2023), silver (2022) and Gold (2020) in the Free From Skincare Awards in the Problem Skin category . The formulation, which has been created with all skin types in mind, is a delight to use. It nourished my dry skin beautifully without leaving a greasy residue behind, leaving my complexion looking instantly brighter in its appearance. Like the rest of the Amaranthine range, it is also certified palm-oil free, cruelty free and vegan friendly and contains a wealth of high quality natural ingredients.
Green People: Nordic Roots Truffle Night Cream
The Nordic Roots range from Green People is a favourite of mine, so it came as no surprise that their Truffle Night Cream was a bronze medallist in the leave on face care category in 2023. The cream is a silky, non-greasy blend of skin loving ingredients designed to repair and regenerate your skin while you sleep. Despite the highly absorbent formulation, my dry skin felt deeply moisturised and softer to the touch, with my complexion looking fresher and brighter in the morning.
The Wild Nettle Co: Hair & Scalp Oil
This Hair & Scalp Oil from The Wild Nettle Co is certainly a hair (and scalp) hero, collecting the bronze medal in the 2023 hair care category. The carefully selected oils makes this a pleasure to use as the lightweight oil applies easily to the scalp, with a small amount going a long way, washing out easily from the hair without leaving any residue or heaviness behind. What makes this even more special is the beautiful, balanced minty aroma that remains on your hair during use, providing an energising treat for your senses as well as goodness for your hair and scalp.
North Devon Soap: Ocean Shore Bar
I love finding a great soap bar and North Devon Soap’s Ocean Shore Bar, the silver soap bar winner 2023, is certainly one of my favourites. The palm-oil free and vegan soap is formulated for hands, body, face and hair, so is a real multi-tasker that performs incredibly well on the skin and hair, forming a gentle lather that is non-drying. The bar is long-lasting and has a stunning aroma of lemongrass and eucalyptus that is fresh yet not overpowering in any way.
Raven Botanicals: Digital Presence
I was thrilled to see Raven Botanicals collect a bronze medal in last year’s Digital Presence category as their website is incredibly easy to navigate on both mobile and desktop when browsing and making a purchase. I love the clean look of Raven Botanicals website and social channels, with a simplistic, modern aesthetic that mimics the very essence of the beautiful products themselves.
Casa Mencarelli: Bellissima Balm Sea Buckthorn Balm
Casa Mencarelli are a brand I have enjoyed for several years and one of my favourite products, their Bellissima Balm, was a worthy silver medalist in the Problem Skin category in 2020. The silky-smooth balm contains a wealth of nourishing ingredients including almond oil, shea butter, grapeseed oil, rosehip oil, sea buckthorn and beeswax to smooth dry patches, help repair damaged skin and maintain a healthy-looking complexion. The balm has a unique texture that is buttery, melting into the skin to leave behind a subtle, radiant sheen that gives skin a delicate dewy appearance.
Have any of your favourites Free From Skincare Award winners? Don’t forget to check out all the winners and finalists from the past 12 years over on the Free From Skincare Awards website, and if you’re looking to enter the awards this year, don’t forget there is an early bird discount available for entries before 28th January 2024. For all other entries, you have until 25th February to apply.
Good luck to all the entrants in this year’s awards, I cannot wait to find out who the worthy winners are!
Take Care,
Emma @ Beauty Folio
Beauty Folio 