A RYEDALE skincare brand has been nominated for four national awards.

ANNWYN Botanicals, owned by Alice Lavin, is celebrating being shortlisted for the Free From Skincare Award, which recognises eco-friendly ingredients.

The shortlisted categories include leave-on body care, leave-on face care, rinse-off face care and Free From Achievement, for the sensitive skin moisturising cream.

Since the coronavirus pandemic, Alice has focused her attention solely on the business by developing two new products - a anti-viral handwash and sanitiser.

“Lockdown has been at the forefront of everyone’s mind, especially hand hygiene,” said Alice, who runs her business from a workshop in Farndale.

“I’ve been producing skincare products for a while, but now seems like the time to pursue this passion wholeheartedly.

“With such positive feedback from our customers, I have always felt confident in the quality of our products, but to be recognised by such a respected group of industry professionals is flattering.

“Hopefully, this national exposure will propel ANNWYN to the next stage in its growth.”

A team of more than 100 testers initially judged the nominated products in 15 categories, trialling items on their sensitive skin for a month-long period.

The shortlisted products will now go forward to panel of judges, including skincare professionals, allergy experts, cosmetic formulators, brand owners and beauty writers.

“This has been the year defined by testing under lockdown,” said Alex Gazzola, director of Free From Skincare Awards.

“It was especially challenging for our testers, some of whom were NHS workers, to adapt and manage their skincare routines.

“The pampering products were particularly valued, both for their skin benefits, and for their therapeutic ones.”

Winners will be announced online at the end of July. For more information, visit annwynbotanicals.co.uk