The Body Shop through the years
The Body Shop is the trailblazer. Where an unwavering rebellious spirit, ethical actions, natural ingredients, and hardworking products, all galvanise people to see and stand up for their true worth, and recognise their value, in body and mind.
In celebration of our 50th year, we have been looking through our archives. We weren't able to track down the original photographer or rights holder. If that's you, please reach out to us at support-gb.thebodyshop.com and we'll sort it out quickly.
1994-1996
1994
Human Rights
Fearless. Provocative. Relevant. Funny. Satire can be the sharpest weapon to undermine authority.
We brought the fight on two fronts: the destructive, murderous power of male tyranny (which is sadly pervasive still, today), and animal testing.
We mocked the hubris of the former to shame the cruelty of the latter.
But what difference can a timid little female beauty brand possibly make?
1995
Save The Whale
Big causes, done beautifully. When we all take from Mother Nature we all owe her. Helping protect our environment and everything in it - big or small - has always been a cause worth rebelling for.
When she can’t fight back, we will. Wherever we can. Making noise, causing trouble, and taking the punches.
1996
Against Animal Testing
The Body Shop’s greatest victory? We shone a light on, stood up to, and helped change the law on animal testing in the UK. That still stands today.
While everybody else was happily testing, we were angrily protesting.
Sometimes being a rebel really matters. And everyone else will follow.
1997-1999
1997
Fake It
Subverting the beauty industry’s gaze with boldness and irreverence, to turn a few heads and raise a smile.
Sometimes being rebellious doesn’t have to be, well, hard. It can be fun.
And done well it can sell great products, too.
1998
Ruby Doll
When "thin" went in the bin.
We challenged the normalised, toxic and destructive body tyranny defined by the beauty industry.
With bravery. With bite. With our own, unique beautiful boldness.
Meet "Ruby": a rebel for the ages.
And when it feels like the world is going backwards, the fight is just as important all over again.
1999
Mother's Day
Saccharine Mother's Day tropes? We were having none of it. Big blokes in big boots love their mums, too.
The big softies.
2003-2008
2003
Valentine's Day
Sometimes a little cheek will go a long way. Subtlety be damned ... when British reserve got the boot(y).
2003
Stop Violence In The Home
Unspoken and challenging fights are often worth picking. The truth calls for courage and comfort with the uncomfortable, and we have been where others feared to tread for longer than most.
Being an ally, and calling out the perpetrators of violence in a society that diminishes victims, takes a different, bold and brave kind of rebelliousness.
And statistics show there is work still to be done.
2008
HIV
Tackling head-on one of the most significant, global humanitarian crises of the late Twentieth Century, with passion, relevance and boldness, when few were speaking up and the most affected, marginalised groups did not have the voice they needed.
When brand and cause coalesce, great things can happen and meaningful change take place.
And with HIV on the rise once more, the message is just as important again.
2010
2010
Community Fair Trade
Our groundbreaking Community Fair Trade programme started over 35 years ago with the sole aim of engaging in fair trade - not aid - with community-based organisations that draw on generations of wisdom to produce the highest quality ingredients and materials for our products. Through these partnerships with brilliant artisans, farmers, producers, and craftspeople around the world - which are bult on longstanding trust and respect - we are able to jointly tackle the most pressing social and environmental challenges.
Community Fair Trade has changed the way we work, and it has changed the lives of 1000s connected to it.
50 years of doing beauty differently
Powered by nature, shaped by community and rooted in rebellion, our products are, and always have been, shaped and loved by all your beautiful bodies, all around the world.
Trading fairly, with love
Creating a meaningful and positive impact through fair trade that helps to support local businesses, initiatives and families and households.
Ethically sourced
Natural-origin ingredients enrich our products - handcrafted, harvested and shaped, by collectives of female artisans around the world.
Empowering women
Being an ally to women and girls around the world, by recognising and giving voice to female independence, power and rights, through our trade partnerships.