Free From Skincare Awards 2020 (Part 2, Hair and Body)
If your skin tends to be touchy, read on for the second batch of results of the Free From Skincare Awards 2020. While most people know about food sensitivities and allergies, the cosmetic issue has always been much less widely recognized so access to support and information is limited.
The Free From Skincare Awards, which started in 2012, have been pioneering in focusing attention – both of the beauty industry and sufferers, actually health professionals too – on the concerns. Organiser Alex Gazzola explains that the concept stemmed from peoples’ difficulties trying to decipher labels and find out what ingredients the products contained, and how likely they were to trigger a reaction.
The products are put through rigorous trials with a panel of testers, according to a protocol that Beauty Bible helped draw up, then a panel of industry judges (including Sarah) gather to examine the products, read the questionnaires and discuss the results. It’s a thorough process and the discussion can get pretty vigorous.
As Alex Gazzola also points out, ‘the issues aren’t just about allergy or sensitivity. Some people choose to avoid certain ingredients for ethical, religious or environmental reason or simply personal preference.’
So, here now are the Gold Award winners for Body Care, Hair Care and Men’s Grooming products, plus the Best Brand Award.
Body Care (Leave On)
Boo Cottage Botanicals Coastal Lotion Bar/£9.50
"Moisturises, gives skin a glossy sheen ... My skin just drunk this up ... Does a brilliant job at keeping skin soft and smooth ... All the dull, grey, scaly skin on my shins has been replaced by smoother and healthier looking skin ... My legs are now better prepared for summer than they have been in years ... The idea of a lotion bar is so simple, I'm surprised more companies haven't introduced one”
Body Care (Rinse Off)
YES, YES CLEANSE/£7.99 for 150 ml
"Was pleasantly surprised that the foam was so gentle on the intimate area ... Does not feel heavy like other brands of intimate body washes, which have a shower gel consistency ... I felt cleansed, refreshed, not irritated, and pampered ... I will be buying this product going forward”
Body and Bath Oils
Bloomtown The Meadow Lavender & Rose Geranium Infused Oil/£12 for 100 ml
"Heavenly fragrance, reminded me of a luxurious spa atmosphere ... Impressed the first time I used this oil ... I applied it to my arms and my shins which tend to be dry and I saw an immediate improvement to skin's texture ... Used it first thing in the morning, last thing at night, and skin has definitely improved with fewer dry patches ... Delivers deliciously scented skin ... Absolutely love this product, with is luxurious heady fragrance, the light, silky oils absorbs easily into skin, leaving it smooth and hydrated all day ... Honestly one of the nicest body oils I have ever tried”
Hand, Nail and Foot Care
Kiss the Moon DREAM Night Cream for Feet/£26 for 90g
"Absolutely astonished by the cream the first time I used it ... Massaging it into my feels was almost like a meditation, a winding down ritual ... Feet looked plump and pink and my toenails gleamed, the following morning, they were soft and comfortable ... Wonderfully soothing and relaxing fragrance, made me feel pampered and special ... gave me summer-ready feet, they look healthy and ready for sandals ... Perfect”
Men’s Grooming
Green People For Men Itch Away Shampoo/£13.50 for 150 ml
"Did its job exceptionally well ... cleaned my hair and rinsed away without residue. Reduced itchiness and tightness ... Texture of my hair has improved — it feels a lot softer and more silky ... There has been a significant improvement in the condition of my scalp, which feels more nourished, is no longer flaking, and no longer feels tight and itchy ... Delivered exactly what it promised and exceeded my expectations"
Hair Care
Hairy Jayne Citrus Shampoo Bar/£8
"I was absolutely staggered ... Have used 'hair soap' products which have a residue problem so was not expecting a lot ... But my hair was perfectly clean with just a quick swipe of the bar ... A light clean fragrance and a rich creamy texture ... Had a small patch of eczema at the back of my head that had been there for months — that disappeared within two weeks ... My hair is clean and vibrant without a conditioner more than once every third or fourth wash ... Perfection, no other word for it ... I will stick with this for life ... I am besotted.”
Soap Bars
Maison Meunier Skincare, Gentle cold process soap - oat & soya milk/£5
"Lathered up better than any soap that I've used before ... Rich, creamy, buttery texture which felt whipped and smooth ... Cleansed well, without leaving any tightness or dryness ... Natural, pure and comforting fragrance of oatmeal and soya milk ... Cost effective, delivers great results, high quality ingredients ... An amazing soap for someone with allergies ... A joy to use”
Free From Brand Award
