US-based natural skin care brand Burt's Bees is building on its established presence in the UK by moving into continental Europe, it has been reported.

Industry analyst Organic Monitor notes the availability of the company's body lotion, face cream and lip balm to the UK market.

However, it adds that new distribution deals are increasing the coverage of the natural skin care brand, particularly in France.

This is improving its penetration of the European market following a period of being primarily available in the UK alone.

Organic Monitor previously reported that the European natural cosmetics market as a whole is growing strongly at present.

Factors behind this include consumer demand for products that are free of chemicals, as well as the wider availability of organic cosmetics in mainstream retail outlets.

While the already well established UK market slowed during the recent economic turbulence, emerging countries such as France and Germany continued to see growing demand, the report noted.