Frankie Apothecary's Kawakawa Balm has always been about the real wins for whānau – like the message from a mum saying her daughter can finally crawl on the grass without flaring up. That kind of feedback just makes our day. Recently, we received some very special news: Frankie Apothecary picked up seven category wins at the 2026 Beauty Shortlist Awards, an independent international competition that receives entries from all over the world. Wow!
It's so great to have the hard work and effort that goes into every product recognised in this way. We also know we wouldn't be able to do what we do without support from our amazing community. Ngā mihi! We know that awards are not the be‑all and end‑all, but they are definitiely the icing on the cake.
Award‑Winning Kawakawa Balm for Sensitive Skin and After Sun Care
Kawakawa Repair Balm: multi‑tasking hero, triple winner
Our famous Kawakawa Repair Balm, the multi‑tasking hero for all ages and stages won an incredible three Winner awards - that's the best product in its category among all entries.
Kawakawa Repair won:
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Best After Sun Product
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Best Beauty Product – Feet
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Best SOS/Healing Balm
We know lots of people use our balm for itchy skin, but it's so great to see it recognised for everything easing sunburn to to softening cracked heels and those “help, I just need something that works” moments.
“Hi I just wanted to say thanks for the balm! It has really helped with my baby's skin and when she flares up I just put some on the flare ups 🙂 her skin looks so much better now thanks again!" - Emeline H
Best Face Oil for Redness and Rosacea‑Prone Skin
Replenishing Kakadu Facial Oil: a happy discovery for redness
Replenishing Kakadu Facial Oil began life as a rich, replenishing botanical oil, designed to support skin that feels a bit dull, tired or out of balance. Then one of my (Georgina's) kaiako/tutors tried it on her rosacea‑prone skin and noticed it made a noticeable differece: it was less hot and less red! From there, more people with redness‑prone and reactive skin began to use it and find relief too. Margot, even told us this:
"First time using this face oil , as I have Rosacea for many years and never found anything that helped . I never heard of Frankie but saw you on a market and i gave it a go . After only a couple of day's i saw the redness on my face fading and my rosacea clearing up , my skin also feels nourished and wonder full , thank you so much for your products." - Margot
Those experiences have now been reflected in its award: Best Face Oil – Balancing/Redness/Inflammation.
When we created it, we didn't want to use a cheap base oil with just a smattering of high-potency oils. Instead, we built our formula around exceptional botanical oils from the ground up. Kakadu plum extract sits at the highest percentage in the blend, supported by argan and cacay oils, which are chosen for their antioxidant profile and lightweight, nourishing feel on the skin. Where many oils lean on a simple almond base, this one prioritises the best ingredients at the highest meaningful concentrations, so every drop is is effective.
Low‑Waste Kawakawa Conditioner Bar for Soft, Shiny Hair
Vanilla & Kawakawa Conditioner Bar: low‑waste, high performance
Vanilla & Kawakawa Conditioner Bar also took home a win in the 2026 Beauty Shortlist Awards, earning a Commended award.
This bar was created to feel like a genuine upgrade, not a compromise – bringing together kawakawa with conditioning oils like argan to leave hair soft, smooth and easy to detangle, all in a solid format that keeps plastic out of the shower.
Customers put it best:
“My hair feels like silk and I love that I don’t have three plastic bottles lined up in the shower anymore. I was sceptical but this bar has completely converted me.”
Mineral, Plastic‑Free Facial Sunscreen
A quick word on Natural Sun Defence SPF40
While Natural Sun Defence SPF40 is currently sold out, it also featured in this year’s awards with two wins: Best Plastic‑Free Self‑Care Product and Best SPF – Face. That kind of recognition in a global field is huge for a mineral, plastic‑free formula. It confirms what so many orders and restock alerts have already suggested – that there is strong appetite for sun care that feels beautiful to wear and aligns with thoughtful, low‑waste routines.
Ngā mihi nui/Thank you from Georgina, Matt & The Frankie Team x
