Our StoryUpdated a month ago

The Body Shop's journey began on March 26, 1976, in Brighton, England, when our founder, Dame Anita Roddick, opened the first store with a simple yet revolutionary idea: to create a business that cared about more than just profits. She envisioned a place where beauty products were made with ethical, sustainable ingredients and a commitment to animal welfare.

Anita’s dream was to create products that weren’t just about looking good but also doing good for the planet and the people who lived on it. From the beginning, The Body Shop was different. It challenged the norms of the beauty industry by using natural ingredients, ensuring products were cruelty-free, and fighting for fair trade practices long before they became mainstream.

As the business grew, so did its mission. In 1980, The Body Shop became one of the first companies to sign a "no animal testing" policy, and in 1987, we launched our Community Trade program, which helped support small-scale farmers and artisans in developing countries.

The Body Shop's approach to business became a beacon for ethical consumerism, inspiring companies around the world to rethink their practices. Throughout the decades, we've continued to fight for social and environmental justice, standing for causes like women's empowerment, sustainability, and equality.

Today, The Body Shop has over 3,000 stores in over 60 countries, continuing the legacy of Anita’s vision—a business that empowers people and the planet. We remain as committed as ever to our values of respect, fairness, and change, standing up for what’s good, just, and beautiful in the world.