Naturally Bionic is a British indie skincare brand created to support the skin barrier, particularly for prosthetic users and sensitive skin, using ancestral ingredients alongside modern regenerative actives.
For people who wear prosthetics, skin health plays a direct role in day-to-day comfort and movement. Friction, sweat and prolonged socket wear can contribute to irritation and skin breakdown, and finding barrier-supportive skincare that works consistently is not always straightforward.
The brand was born from the lived experience of founder Sarah Beamis, who became an amputee in 2019. After struggling with friction, sensitivity and recurring infections linked to prosthetic wear, Sarah began experimenting with formulations at home. What started as a personal solution gradually developed into a natural skincare brand grounded in resilience, biology and nature.
In this interview, Sarah shares her journey to becoming an amputee, the barriers she faced in finding suitable skincare for her residual limb, and how those challenges led her to launch Naturally Bionic.
Sarah Beamis on becoming an amputee
Can you tell us about yourself and how you became an amputee?
I am Sarah, and I am a 44-year-old mother of three. My children are 22, 20 and 15. I am also a nanny to my granddaughter, Daisy.
I was born with spina bifida. Although investigations were carried out when I was discharged aged five, doctors believed I had spina bifida occulta and did not think I would have any serious issues.
My childhood felt fairly typical, although I did have some issues with my left foot. After the birth of my second daughter, the symptoms in my left leg became significantly worse. My left foot was always numb, and movement was restricted.
I had a real battle getting GPs to take this seriously. Finally, in 2008, after an MRI scan, it was discovered that I had a tethered spinal cord, a syrinx and a borderline Chiari malformation. The decision was made to attempt to detether my spinal cord by completing an L3–L5 laminectomy. The operation was not successful and left me with further neurological deterioration, including loss of feeling below the knee.
In 2017, I developed a wound on my right foot. Due to neuropathy, it was similar to a diabetic foot ulcer, even though I am not diabetic. After two years of unsuccessful treatments, I became a below-knee amputee in 2019. I recovered well and was able to walk using a prosthetic.
In 2021, I developed sepsis, which meant I needed both a through-knee and an above-knee amputation within a few weeks. Recovery was much slower, and walking has been more difficult since then. Over time, I began experiencing recurrent infections in my residual limb. This is when my skin issues became more persistent, particularly following repeated treatment and surgery.
Outside of business, I love cooking, drawing when I have time, and swimming. I also enjoy walking, although I have been largely a wheelchair user for the past 18 months. We also have an eight-year-old cocker spaniel whom we all adore.
The launch of Naturally Bionic
You first started this business to find a personal solution to your skincare needs. How much research did you do, and did you have experience in skincare before starting?
My search started with researching online and trying different products, including prescriptions, but nothing seemed to help. Eventually, I came across discussions about tallow-based skincare. I initially tried a few simple formulations at home and noticed a difference. That encouraged me to learn more about natural ingredients, irritants and inflammation.
I have always been creative, and once I see a recipe or formula, I want to experiment with my own version. During recovery from surgery, I spent time researching ingredients and their properties. Before this, I had no professional skincare experience.
What was your process in turning this into a business and building the Naturally Bionic brand?
When my first formula began working well for me, I shared it with friends and family. They also reported positive results. Because of my health, working in a conventional job outside the home has not been realistic in recent years. That made me consider whether this could become something sustainable.
I would love to grow Naturally Bionic into an inclusive workplace in the future. The name reflects both the natural ingredients and my lived experience. Although I am more than my amputation, it is part of my story and directly shaped this brand.
You currently have three products in your collection. Can you share more about each one?
Get Naked is a fragrance-free whipped tallow balm formulated with bisabolol and chamomile CO2. It was created for reactive, sensitive and compromised skin, particularly skin experiencing friction or dryness. The balm melts on contact and can be applied gently.
Naturally Bionic’s “Get Naked” whipped tallow balm in a wide, screw-top jar. The jar design was chosen for ease of opening and application, offering a practical alternative to squeeze tubes for people with reduced grip strength or dexterity.
Clarity is designed for blemish-prone skin. Tallow has a fatty acid profile similar to human sebum, which may help replenish lipids without leaving the skin feeling stripped. Ingredients such as liquorice root and chamomile are traditionally used for their calming properties, and a small amount of tea tree oil is included for its cleansing qualities.
Bio Renew combines tallow with botanicals including rosehip and sea buckthorn oils, coenzyme Q10 and bakuchiol. The focus is on supporting the skin barrier and maintaining comfort rather than relying on harsh actives.
All formulas are created without synthetic fragrance or unnecessary additives.
Persistent skin infections or wounds should always be assessed by a medical professional. These products are intended to support skin comfort and barrier care, not replace clinical treatment.
Are you looking to expand your collection?
Yes. I am currently refining a cleanser and developing serums, scrubs and masks. I also hope to introduce gift sets later this year.
I am developing an amputee-focused collection, including a natural residual limb deodorant and an all-in-one limb and liner spray. Sweat management can be challenging for some prosthetic users, so I am keen to create options that support daily comfort.
How does Naturally Bionic differ from other skincare brands?
Every formula begins with a specific problem. My lived experience shapes how I think about skin under pressure and why barrier support matters.
Sarah Beamis pictured on a coastal trip, standing with her prosthetic leg and crutches. Managing skin comfort while staying active played a key role in her decision to create Naturally Bionic, a skincare brand shaped by lived experience.
You say your products are designed with disabled bodies in mind. Can you explain more?
The formulas were developed with an understanding of skin under pressure from prosthetic wear. The products are packaged in jars rather than tubes, as squeezing tubes can require grip strength and fine motor control. The soft texture means they can be applied without vigorous rubbing, which is important for people with nerve sensitivity or pain.
The website has also been designed with accessibility in mind, using simple navigation and layouts that work with screen readers and assistive technology. Feedback is always welcome.
How has the business been since launching in 2025?
Most sales so far have come from people who know me personally, although I am beginning to build traction on social media and through advertising. Growth has been steady.
What feedback have you received?
- “It’s the perfect base for makeup – it doesn’t cake, crack or highlight my wrinkles.”
- “After trying several treatments with no success, I was sceptical – but within a week my skin was much better. Five weeks on, the difference is noticeable.”
What advice would you give to other disabled entrepreneurs?
I would say start at your own pace. Because of repeated sepsis and fatigue, I have to work flexibly. Some days I can do more than others. Visibility in business and media matters, particularly for younger disabled people who may not often see themselves represented in these spaces.
You can find out more about Naturally Bionic by visiting the website or following the brand on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.