Their story began in Brighton, England in 1976. It all started with their founder, who believed in something revolutionary - that business could be a force for good. Following his vision, they have been shaping, honest and generating change for over 40 years.
Not an average cosmetics company again
When The Body Shop first opened its doors in 1976, it was just a tiny, green-painted boutique on a street in Brighton. It was completely different inside and out from the other big companies in the cosmetics industry. Yet it was utterly simple - ethically sourced, natural-based ingredients from around the world, in packaging that was returnable and refillable. The products and beauty rituals were designed for everyone, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity, to make every customer feel good in their own skin. All the while never promising to make a difference.
Pioneers of change
More than 40 years ago, this kind of approach was considered the tip of the iceberg. With Anita's passion for planet earth and her campaigns for a better world - The Body Shop was never just a cosmetics brand. Their aim is to make profit and principles work together in harmony. Their products have never been tested on animals, and no one has been exploited in their production. They work fairly with their farmers and suppliers, and have helped many communities around the world to thrive through their Community Fair Trade program. Today, more and more brands are following in their footsteps, and they are immensely proud to welcome them into their ranks. Our world needs it.
Redefining beauty
When The Body Shop started out, beauty was a rather limited idea of what a girl or a woman should look like. But Anita had her own take on it. She believed that beauty was a source of pleasure, comfort and confidence. It's about what makes you truly happy. Her beauty products were mostly a self-loving moment of everyday rituals, rather than a false promise of slimming or wrinkle-relieving. He never wanted to produce something that would make women look a certain way, but wanted to bring out the best in women as the best version of themselves.
Empowering women and girls
Anita was a true activist. This is what gave The Body Shop its special purpose and what has always led them to and generated social change. Anita was a true feminist and human rights campaigner. She has built a brand that supports women and girls with every product and business decision, fights for equality and creates opportunity through the Fair Community Trade program. Our brand is built on inclusion, collaboration and compassion.
Business can be a source of good
The Body Shop is activist at its roots - with a history of campaigns dating back to 1986. Anita joined forces with the Greenpeace team in the 'Save the Whales' campaign. To combat the cruelty of whaling, she campaigned to promote jojoba oil instead of the widely used whale sperm oil in the cosmetics industry. They started big and they never want to stop. Today, The Body Shop is a trusted global brand with decades of successful activism behind it. They are in a unique position to interpret the voices of millions and voice their concerns to decision-makers around the world, ensuring long-term positive change.