Brand

The Body Shop

The Body Shop was founded in 1976 by Dame Anita Roddick in Brighton, England, as one of the world's first ethical beauty brands. Roddick pioneered practices that would later define the industry: against animal testing, community trade sourcing, minimal packaging, and social activism as brand identity. The Body Shop was among the first beauty companies to source ingredients directly from communities in developing countries through fair trade partnerships. L'Oreal acquired The Body Shop in 2006, later selling it to Natura & Co in 2017. The brand faced financial difficulties and entered administration in the UK in 2024 before being restructured. Despite its corporate challenges, The Body Shop's legacy of ethical beauty pioneering and its product lines -- particularly the Tea Tree range for acne-prone skin and Hemp range for dry skin -- remain widely recognized.

DrugstoreMid-Range Est. 1976 Brighton, United Kingdom Aurelius Group (acquired from Natura & Co)
2 Products
15 Evaluations
71 Avg Score
2 Categories

Brand Philosophy

The Body Shop was built on the radical premise that business could be a force for positive social and environmental change. The brand's founding principles -- against animal testing, community fair trade, defend human rights, activate self-esteem, and protect the planet -- predated the modern ESG movement by decades. Products are formulated with naturally-derived ingredients sourced through community trade partnerships, and the brand has consistently used its platform for social activism.

Who It's For

Consumers who prioritize ethical sourcing and social activism in their beauty purchases. Good for those seeking natural-ingredient-based skincare at mid-range pricing, particularly the Tea Tree and Hemp ranges for targeted concerns.

Known For
  • Pioneered ethical and cruelty-free beauty in the 1970s
  • Tea Tree range for acne-prone skin
  • Community Trade fair sourcing program
  • Founded the modern ethical beauty movement
  • Hemp Hand Protector cult body care product
Signature Ingredients
  • Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil (Tea Tree Oil)
  • Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil (Tamanu Oil)
  • Leptospermum Petersonii Oil (Lemon Tea Tree)
  • Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
  • Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)

The Body Shop at a Glance

Strongest Categories

The Body Shop performs best in: Moisturizer (1 product, avg 75/100); Acne Treatment (1 product, avg 64/100).

Best Conditions Served

Across all products, The Body Shop scores highest for: Acne-Prone Skin (avg 79/100); Oily Skin (avg 79/100); Combination Skin (avg 79/100). If your primary concern is one of these conditions, The Body Shop products are particularly worth considering.

Certifications

Common certifications include 100% Vegan, Paraben-Free, Community Fair Trade, Gluten-Free, Silicone-Free, Not Tested on Animals.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Body Shop

What is the best The Body Shop product?
Based on our scoring, The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil is the highest-rated The Body Shop product with a score of 82/100 for acne-prone skin. Solid spot treatment with clinical antibacterial power. Effective for mild-moderate acne but drying for widespread use.
Is The Body Shop worth the price?
The Body Shop products are positioned at the drugstore tier with an average score of 71/100 across 2 evaluated products. Check individual product scores to determine whether specific products justify the investment for your skin concern.
What skin type is The Body Shop best for?
The Body Shop scores highest for acne-prone skin, with an average score of 79/100 across relevant products. They also perform well for oily skin and combination skin. Check condition-specific scores for the product you are considering.
Every The Body Shop product above has been scored individually for each relevant skin condition. Click any product to see its full evaluation, ingredient analysis, and usage guidance for your specific concern.