SHEA BUTTER
The story of L'OCCITANE and the women shea butter producers of Burkina Faso began in the 1980s. Since then, we've built up a joint development partnership and a close, supportive relationship. There were about a dozen women at first. Now there are over 10,000! And since 2009, our shea butter supply chain has been 100% Fair Trade (Fair Trade certified according to the Fair for Life standard available at www.fairforlife.org).
An inspirational producer of Shea Butter
In Burkina Faso, Salimata transmits her love for the Shea butter tree to her daughter Mariétou;
The process of making Shea butter is a secret passed from mother to daughter. Thanks to this love, L’Occitane offers exceptional products that guarantee a fair trade to the women L’Occitane works and partners with.
Empowering women is a key commitment for L’OCCITANE, we believe in gender equality and empowering women to achieve their goals. Through our work in Burkina Faso, we've enabled the women who make our shea butter to gain more independence. Our Foundation has helped them to have access to microcredits, literacy programmes and education for their children. Every year, we sell fund-raising products to promote women's leadership. These may seem like little steps, but they can make a big difference
For over 30 years, L’OCCITANE has closely supported the work of the Burkinabe women and worked with producers to encourage the leadership in women of Burkina Faso. To date, over 30,000 women have been given socio-economic freedom through this initiative. In 2018 L’OCCITANE created the RESIST programme; a 3 year, $2 million project to celebrate, empower and improve conditions for 10,000 additional Burkinabe women.
SINCE THE CREATION OF THE FOUNDATION IN 2006, + 30,000 WOMEN HAVE BEEN SUPPORTED BY THE FOUNDATION IN BURKINA FASO.
OUR AIM: BY 2020, TO SUPPORT OVER 33,000 WOMEN IN BURKINA FASO IN THEIR SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
Traceability
In the early 1980's, L’OCCITANE set up a joint-development program with the women of Burkina Faso. The number of women producing shea butter has gone from an initial group of less than 100 to over 15,000 today.
Did you know?
L’OCCITANE wants to go further than a trade business. It ensures that the women of Burkina Faso reap the full benefits of their work by purchasing the butter directly from them in situ..
Effectiveness
Shea butter is a beauty balm ideal for dry to very dry skin. It restores hydrolipid film for skin that is softer, more supple and more comfortable.
What are the benefits of Shea Butter?
Extracted from the nut of the African shea tree, shea butter is one of the beauty world’s most diverse natural ingredients. Shea butter is renowned for its nourishing properties, treating both oily and dry skin by creating a smooth and soft barrier that seals in moisture. It’s also ideal for use as anything from a daily moisturiser, to a specialist treatment in cases of eczema, chapped lips, razor burn and even nappy rash.
But that’s not all this magic ingredient can do. Organic shea butter can also be effective as an anti-inflammatory to help calm redness or swelling. It can also help to stimulate the production of collagen in the fight against fine lines and wrinkles, which makes it a great addition to anti-ageing skincare products. It can even protect skin from the sun – proving that mother nature really does provide the best medicines.
OUR SHEA BUTTER COLLECTIONS
Shea Skincare
Nourishing, moisture boosting and soothing face care suitable for all skin types.
SHEA BODY CARE
Moisture rich body and hand care designed to protect and replenish dry skin.
SHEA BABY
Scientifically-tested and hypoallergenic baby care created to nourish and protect the most sensitive of skins.