Fairtrade Fortnight at Lush

Fairtrade Fortnight
27th February - 11th March 2012

Trading fairly is a prerequisite for LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, as MD and Co-Founder Mark Constantine OBE states: "For me, personally, the concept of Fair Trade is an odd one.  We hope everyone deals in fair trade - why do otherwise? We have a company policy of checking that we deal with responsible suppliers - this is an example of us checking all the way back."

In 2009 the Fairtrade Foundation launched its first category for the cosmetic sector and LUSH was proud to be amongst the first five companies to be involved from the offset. This exciting development allowed products containing ingredients such as sugar, Brazil nut oil and cocoa butter to be certified as Fairtrade and make a huge difference to disadvantaged farmers in developing countries.

Lush's Fair Trade Foot Lotion (£8.95 for 225g) has been awarded certification by The Fairtrade Foundation for the organic and Fairtrade cocoa butter we use.  Lush has always used Fairtrade cocoa butter in this product but it's only with the introduction of this category that we were able to formalise our support for Fairtrade. Fair Trade Foot Lotion has since carried the FAIRTRADE Mark, an independent consumer guarantee that suppliers are getting paid a fair wage for their produce.

Fair Trade Foot Lotion not only contains this richly emollient cocoa butter, but also a blend of softening almond oil; spearmint and peppermint essential oils to help stimulate circulation while relieving aches and pains; and glycerine and lanolin to carry moisture deep into the skin, while reducing moisture loss. Feet are left soft, supple and refreshed.

In 2011, Lush introduced the world's first Fairtrade tooth-cleaning product as part of a brand new, revolutionary and innovative range, called Toothy Tabs. Available in six beautiful and unique flavours, Atomic (£2.50) is the one certified by the Fair Trade Association. A strong palate cleanser, it contains Fairtrade coffee and herbs such as cardamom, clove and ginger.  All ancient remedies for cleaning and treating the teeth, clove has a soothing, almost antiseptic effect on your mouth.  Atomic is 'the ultimate tooth bomb' to blow away anything that was there before and leave your mouth as good as new.

A patented idea from LUSH, Toothy Tabs offer a solid alternative to regular peppermint toothpaste and eradicate the need for both excess packaging and preservatives. All flavours are full of beautiful ingredients such as essential oils and fine spices, which is unique in the world of toothpastes.