March 8th is International Women’s Day, and L’Occitane En Provence is celebrating with the launch of Shea Hibiscus Solidarity Balm. 

The company will donate 100% of profits (minus taxes, transport, and production costs) from the sale of its Solidarity Balm to the L’Occitane Foundation, to fund projects from non-governmental organizations that support women’s leadership in Burkina Faso. This message is featured on the round tin, which says on a label: “Profits Donated for Women’s Leadership.”

The vibrantly colored tin is decorated with a floral pattern featuring the ‘star’ of its refreshing floral scent — hibiscus, which symbolizes of the African scent, hibiscus sabariffa. The multi-use balm can be used on the legs, body, hair or lips. 

The Women of Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso is a country in West Africa, where making Shea Butter is a skill passed down from one generation to the next. Many of these women live in rural areas, and earn the majority of their income by transforming the fruits of the Shea tree into butter. “We want to do all we can to help them and support women’s entrepreneurship,” states L’Occitane. The collaboration provides an opportunity for the women to own projects.

L’Occitane says it has helped support women in Burkina Faso since the 1980s. At first there were only a dozen or so women involved, and now over 10,000 women are making Shea butter for L’Occitane, using mechanized equipment.

About the L’Occitane Foundation

The L’Occitane Foundation began in 2006, with a goal to contribute to women’s socio-economic development. It focuses on six key areas – respecting biodiversity, supporting producers, sustainability, caring for sight, celebrating craftsmanship and women’s
women’s empowerment. To date, over 30,000 women have been able to benefit from the support.

Read More About Shea Butter in Beauty

From Seed to Shelf: A look at the history and value of shea butter

Brands Can ‘Do Well By Doing Good’: Beauty consumers care, and Kahina, Burt’s Bees, Shea Moisture & Kjaer Weis, do as well.

Beauty & the Environment: Women, Shea Trees, & Climate Change