A SMALL Hampshire skincare brand is going head to head with Waitrose in the UK's only organic awards.

Warsash-based Obvs Skincare (Organic, Biodegradable, Vegan, Sustainable) has been named as a finalist in two categories at the BOOM (Best of Organic Market) awards - Best of Organic Skincare & Makeup and Best of Organic Sustainable Packaging.

The high end supermarket giant is among other finalists in the prestigous awards.

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Sian Louise Colson has seen a rapid growth in her handmade, organic and vegan skincare range since launching it in 2021.

The determined entrepreneur had faced huge personal hurdles, with the shock diagnosis of cervical cancer coming right in the middle of setting up her brand.

And prior to that, Sian had experienced the trauma of suffering two miscarriages following failed IVF rounds.

Despite all of this, the skincare pioneer successfully managed to secure a deal to become the first Soil Association COSMOS Organic certified brand in the world to use a new 100 per cent biodegradable packaging.

Now, Obvs Skincare is up against the best that the organic market has to offer and faced a rigorous judging process by a professional panel of industry judges.

Daily Echo:

Sian Louise told the Daily Echo: "We're thrilled and humbled to be a finalist in the Best of Organic Skincare & Make Up and Best of Organic Sustainable Packaging categories at the BOOM Awards 2023! As a startup micro company, this achievement is truly incredible and a testament to our dedication and passion for crafting plastic-free organic skincare for problem skin."

The awards, run by leading organic certifier Soil Association Certification in partnership with headline sponsors Huboo, celebrate those who are working hard to produce the best possible organic products, recognising innovation and shining a spotlight on brands who are delivering excellence.

The finalists are being announced at a time when the organic market has shown remarkable resilience, growing 1.6% in 2022, taking its value to £3.1 billion – its highest level yet. This marks 11 consecutive years of growth and over 25.4% growth since 2019.

The BOOM awards celebrate finalists who are working at a difficult time for businesses,  and recognise the extra level of care and attention organic producers have to take to produce high-quality food that meets rigorous organic standards.