New Forest-based Bees and Botanicals have won a bronze medal in the lip care category at the 11th annual Free From Skincare Awards with their best-selling Chamomile Honey Lip Balm. They were also finalists in the soap category.

The Europe-wide awards were founded to encourage and reward manufacturers of skincare products that are ‘free from’ many of the allergens, preservatives, additives, and fragrances associated with skin sensitivities, allergies, and ethical, environmental and health concerns.

‘We’re thrilled to have won an award on our first ever attempt at entering a cosmetic award,’ said Jade Prentice, Founder of Bees and Botanicals.

‘The lip balm means a lot to me because I formulated it with my mother in mind and includes the chamomile she loved that would sprawl out over the numerous terracotta pots and spring up in surreptitious places in her garden.’

A tester at the awards said: ‘I couldn’t have been happier when I saw this little cute tin. I loved the effortlessness and effectiveness of this balm. A true little gem! We became inseparable.’

The announcements followed a long judging process which included a rigorous month-long assessment by four experienced cosmetic testers, and concluded with round-table expert judging sessions.

Jade founded Bees and Botanicals in 2021 along with her beekeeping husband Justin. They are proud members of the New Forest Marque championing local produce within the New Forest. Their range features self-care products containing honey and beeswax spun straight from hives around Lover.

Bees and Botanicals products are available via their website and local stockists, including A.R Pharmacy, Lyndhurst and Lepe Beach Gift Shop.

For the full set of results of the Free From Skincare awards, see the Awards’ website.