Grow | GinGingers – Trusted natural skincare backed by research and expertise

GinGingers is a small, family-run business rooted in Yorkshire dedicated to developing natural products that improve skin health and help people feel more confident. Founded on a passion for combining the benefits of natural ingredients with a thoughtful, evidence-led approach, the business is working towards becoming a trusted health and wellbeing brand in the UK.

Challenge/ opportunity

Founded by former financial services and compliance professional, Tina Harris, GinGingers develops natural products, made from locally sourced ingredients, that support healthy skin and improve confidence, built on the principles of quality, transparency and consumer trust.

Its flagship Apple Cider Vinegar Gel is produced using a traditional cold-process method, designed to preserve the natural properties of its ingredients while reducing energy consumption during manufacture.

One of the biggest challenges in developing the product was managing the distinctive smell of natural apple cider vinegar, a key active ingredient. Rather than masking the scent with heavy perfumes or alcohol, GinGingers remained committed to its natural principles, seeking ways to improve the user experience while maintaining the integrity of the formulation.

As an early-stage business, founder Tina also faced the challenge of balancing product development, evidence generation and commercial growth, alongside family commitments, with limited time, funding and resources.

Incubator support

Support from the Huddersfield Health Innovation Incubator enabled GinGingers to accelerate both product development and business growth. Through access to specialist expertise and consultancy support, the business progressed a formulation collaboration with the Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem (BREE) at the University of Bradford, to develop a reduced-odour version of its flagship product while maintaining its natural principles.

The support received has also strengthened GinGingers’ evidence-led approach, enabling independent laboratory testing of common skin concerns and laying the groundwork for future real-world user testing. These activities will further enhance future investment opportunities, accelerate market adoption and improve consumer acceptance.

Outcome and impact

The business has achieved significant milestones, including securing a high street retail listing and gaining prestigious industry recognition through awards such as the Free From Skincare Innovation Award (Silver), Universal Beauty Awards (Bronze), Vegan Beauty Awards (Winner), and Pure Beauty Global Awards (Finalist). 

In addition, GinGingers achieved COSMOS certification through the Soil Association and cruelty-free approval through Cruelty Free International, strengthening consumer confidence and market credibility.

These achievements have positioned GinGingers for sustainable growth, increased market reach and future innovation, demonstrating how research, collaboration and business support can help small businesses transform ideas into commercially viable, evidence-led products.

Next steps for Tina include completing the reduced-odour formulation, undertaking real-world user testing, attracting investment and bringing GinGingers to a wider audience. Through continued collaboration with innovation partners, universities and industry experts, the business will further strengthen its evidence base while developing trusted natural products that inspire consumer confidence.