For healthy hair and a nourished body, these Best of Natural Award winners - and runners up are a refreshing choice to introduce in your day.
From cruelty-free ingredients that are ethically sourced, to recyclable packaging that gives back to our earth, the judges loved seeing innovative and unique approaches to natural hair and body care.
Featuring soothing scrubs that cleanse, shampoo for nourishing healthy locks, botanical toothpaste that cares for your oral microbiome and more - take self-care to the next level with options that are good for you, and our planet too.
1. Best body wash: Only Good Calm Body Wash
After a soothing, soap free bodywash? Relax and take a moment with moisturising and enriching vitamin e, mānuka honey and sweet almond to cleanse and care for your bod.
What the judges loved:
- Great balance of gentle yet effective natural cleansing
- Gorgeous calming natural fragrance
- Vegan and palm oil free
- 100% recycled PET bottle
“Works well, smells great and is nice to use. Awesome luxurious bubbles in a bath.” - Rachel Grunwell
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Body wash runner up - Koko Body Tahitian Lime + Coconut Fairtrade Sugar Scrub
An indulgent natural treat for your skin that will leave you feeling smooth and silky. Naturally exfoliates to reveal glowing skin, with skin-loving vitamin E and macadamia oil.
2. Best body lotion: Weleda Skin Food Body Butter
This body butter offers rich moisture the easily melts into the skin, with a delicate and more-ish scent – no wonder it’s a well-loved favourite with natural beauty enthusiasts.
What the judges loved:
- Rich formula for thirsty skin
- Intensive moisture from cocoa and shea butter
- NATRUE certified and vegan friendly
- 85% recycled green glass jar
“I'm actually obsessed with this. Great smell, really nourishing and moisturising without feeling heavy on my skin.” - Sara Corleison
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3. Best healing balm: ŌKU Kawakawa & Arnica Balm
A comforting balm to soothe muscles and joints. Made here in Aotearoa using native and wild harvested botanicals, combined with cooling peppermint and clove essential oils.
What the judges loved:
- Ease tired and tight muscles
- Native Kawakawa and NZ grown Arnica
- Can be used several times daily
- Infinitely recyclable glass and aluminum jar
“A rich formula, full of beautifully selected ingredients. Soothing on my tight muscles.” - Liz McNamara
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Healing Balm runner up - Frankie Apothecary Kawakawa Repair Balm
This natural balm features antibacterial Calendula and native Kawakawa to support healing and skin regeneration. Soothing for any type of damaged skin, also great as a lip or nappy balm.
4. Best deodorant: Little Mango Fearless Vanilla Deodorant
An effective deodorant that lasts all day, with essential oils and kaolin to target odour and leave a pleasant fragrance.
What the judges loved:
- Glides on and is easily absorbed
- Odour fighting essential oils
- Skin nourishing Shea and Mango seed butter
- Eco friendly glass jar
“Works well, nice subtle fragrance, this one is a winner.” - Sara Corleison
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5. Best sunscreen: Evolu Protective Day Cream Clear Zinc SPF30
A hydrating daily facial sunscreen with all-natural ingredients to protect your skin from photo-aging and antioxidants for healthy cell renewal.
What the judges loved:
- Natural zinc oxide sunscreen
- Moisture-rich nutrients for luscious skin
- Antioxidant-rich green tea and kiwifruit
- Vanishes into the skin and can be used under make-up
“Love the smell and absorbs well, doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. Glides on clear.” - Rachel Grunwell
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Sunscreen runner up - My Sunshine Natural Sunscreen + Antioxidants
A fusion of sun care and skincare - sun protection with added protective antioxidants. Helps protect and preserve an even skin tone - goes on clear and is suitable for both face and body.
6. Best oral care: LOVEBYT – Cinnamon & Clove Botanical Toothpaste
For clean teeth and a delicious spicy flavour, this tasty toothpaste uses gentle ingredients that help fight plaque formation and leave you with fresh breath and a healthy oral microbiome.
What the judges loved:
- Clove and cinnamon for antibacterial action
- Natural xylitol for a healthy oral microbiome
- Calendula for gum health and healing
- Cleanses while also whitening and brightening
“Really enjoying using this, I want to use this forever.” - Sara Corleison
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7. Best shampoo & conditioner: EverBlue Repair & Hydrate Shampoo
Looking for silky and luscious hair that shines with health? This moisturising shampoo strengthens and protects against breakage – you’ll never dread shampoo days with this treat for your hair.
What the judges loved:
- Naturally cleanse while retaining moisture
- Nourishing Vitamin E and wheat protein
- New Zealand made and Vegan friendly
- Great for dry, damaged or coloured hair
“Really happy with this - left my hair feeling clean and did a good job on my curls while smelling fresh.” - Liz McNamara
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Shampoo & conditioner runner up - Good Cube 2 in 1 shampoo conditioner – Dry & damaged bar
This bar delivers salon quality results and is gentle on colour treated hair with plant-derived ingredients, like NZ native harakeke. With over 100 washes per bar it saves the use of four plastic bottles, great for your hair, great for the planet.
8. Best hair treatment: Holistic Hair Essential Scalp Spray
This spray on hair tonic helps condition and nourish both the scalp and hair – need we say more? Formulated with botanical extracts support normal hair growth – it’s a kind choice for moments you need it most.
What the judges loved:
- Rosemary essential oil for healthy scalp circulation
- Soothes dry scalp conditions
- Supports strong hair
- Convenient spray application
“Softens my hair without leaving it oily, super easy to use and evenly distribute the product over the scalp.” - Rachel Grunwell
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Hair treatment runner up - Akin Miracle Shine Conditioning Hair Mask
Show your locks some love with squalene and jojoba to lock in moisture. If shiny, luscious hair and decreased breakage are your hair goals, why not go for this intensive nourishing mask?
Leaving a lasting, positive impression on all judges, these winners and runners up are a rewarding choice for your self-care ritual - and for our planet. Whether it’s tending to tired muscles that deserve some R&R, rewarding thirsty skin in need of some love, or prioritising the health of your scalp and hair - get ready for the ultimate pamper session with these nourishing options.
