Botanicals won the prestigious 'Best Brand' in last year's 'FreeFrom' Awards. And we've just heard the exciting news that four of the five products we submitted for this year's awards have been shortlisted. We've also been shortlisted again for this year's Best Brand Award. Which is fantastic!

The awards were created in 2012 by Michelle Berriedale-Johnson and Alex Gazzola to reward manufacturers of skincare products that are 'free from' many of the allergens, ingredients, additives and artificial fragrances associated with skin sensitivities, health concerns, and which also meet the highest standards of ethical, personal and environmental issues.

All the entries to the awards have undertaken a vigorous two month trial by a 100-strong panel of experienced Beauty Bible testers. So it's great that we've had four products shortlisted from so many products. Now it's up to the judges to decide who will be the winners in each category.

"The shortlist includes only products which performed well on a day to day basis and offered longer term benefits too." Alex Gazzola, Awards co-ordinator

Exciting times!

For all of us at Botanicals, the awards are an exciting time of year as they celebrate our core values of skin-friendly, organic ingredients, sustainability and transparency. This year's short-listed Botanicals products are (click the links to view the products on our website)...

• In the Hand, nail and Footcare category: Beautiful hands Anti-ageing serum
• In the Face care, leave on category: Nourishing face balm
• In the Face Care take off category: Gentle cleansing melt
• In the Problem skin category: Soothing salve

The awards ceremony will take place at the Love Natural Love Organic Show in London on the 3rd of July, and will be presented by the well-respected Radio 2 personality and Beauty journalist, Janey Lee Grace.

You can find the full short list for all categories on the Free From skincare awards website. We'll keep you updated on how we get on. So fingers crossed!...