Body friendly? (The Body Shop)

Member Name: ninacolada86

Product:	The Body Shop
Date:	09/12/08 (170 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Smells good.

Disadvantages: Overpriced and not skin friendly.

Ah a women's paradise, and a mans bane, many a woeful male has been sucked into this expensive trap, lured by the sweet smell of perfume and longing in his girlfriends eye!
Everything from the Bodyshop looks divine, from their scented lipbalms, scrubs and creams, to rejuvenating night creams, and intensive foot treatments. Best yet, they are all color coordinated and scented!

HISTORY.

The Body Shop, has over 2,000 stores in more then 50 countries, and is the second largest cosmetic franchise in the world. The company, which was started in England, started off as a cheap and eco friendly shop, that soon exploded to worldwide proportions. Now it is a much more expensive store and caters to a different crowd. Where before it was frequented by hippys and nature lovers, today it appeals to every level of society.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.

I have found the bodyshop staff to be very informative and knowledgeable on their products. All the staff are required to try out their products and study on each new line that comes out, so they have first hands experience.
Several times I have gone into a store to buy a small lip balm, and their staff, have sold me on several more products. The prices are pretty steep for their products and you are in reality paying extra for brand status.

I used to really like the bodyshop until, several of their products started to irritate my skin. I suppose I assumed, like probably many others, that because they promote fairtrade, organic products and are against animal testing their products would for some reason be more skin friendly. But after reading the small print on the different creams and gels that I have in my cupboard, I found that they really aren't different from most skin care products when it comes to the chemicals they use.

I dont want to get into all the little factors as most skin care products have these chemicals such as paraben. The body shop is no exception they have several types of paraben including the notorious butylparaben. Read here for more information http://www.starflower.com/Dangers-of-Parabens_ep_3 2-1.html.

Personally I don't buy only products that don't contain parabens or sulfates. But I do try to avoid them when possible, especially due to its recent link with breast cancer.

So if you are like I was and bought bodyshop products thinking I was doing my skin a favor, then think again. Yes it smalls great and looks darn pretty on the shelf but just keep in mind what you are putting on your skin.

Summary: If you are looking for natural products with few chemicals, then give this store a miss.