The beauty collection whose benefits are more than just skin deep

We’re always on the hunt for beauty products that make our skin look good. But what really makes us happy is when those nourishing formulas come with the feel-good bonus of knowing that we’re also helping make a difference in the world.  

That’s one of the reasons why we love The Body Shop. Besides the fact that their body butters have been keeping our skin silky smooth since our teen years (purchasing one of their heavenly-scented tubs of goodness is like a rite of passage for any budding beauty addict!), they’ve always been a brand that supports marginalised communities with their Community Trade initiative, and we’re ALL for it.

Through this initiative, The Body Shop has not only been building stronger and more prosperous communities, but they’ve been empowering women around the world for decades. This year specifically marks the 25th anniversary of producing Community Trade shea butter in partnership with The Tungteiya Women’s Association in Ghana.

And in those 25 years, what started out as 50 members in The Tungteiya Women’s Association has grown to 640 across 11 villages. That’s 640 women who are now independent and able to better provide for their families without solely relying on the men in their community. It’s something that we may take for granted but is such a huge step forward in other corners of the world. #girlpower

The Body Shop has also been paying a premium on top of a fair price for the shea butter over the past 25 years, which has contributed to the Tungteiya’s social fund, The Northern Ghana Community Action Fund and local projects like healthcare, sanitation, water and education. Every year 49,000 people in Ghana benefit from this program!  

So just remember, every time you buy one of The Body Shop’s shea products - be it the Shea Nourishing Body Lotion, Shea Butter Richly Replenishing Shampoo, Shea Butter Richly Replenishing Conditioner, Shea Butter Richly Replenishing Hair Mask or the new multi-purpose Shea Butter (yes, shea butter is good for your skin and hair), you’re boosting the independence and quality of life for 640 women PLUS 49,000 members of the Ghana community.  

As for what’s in it for you, besides all the good feels? Well, no more dry skin or frizzy, parched hair sounds like a pretty sweet deal to us.

If you're looking for more ways to feel good, book yourself in at one of these Australian spas.

Do you use shea butter in your beauty routine? Let us know in the comment section below!

Main image credit: Getty