The beauty industry's Dark Legacy
A recent exposé sheds light on the disturbing ways in which colonialism continues to profit beauty companies, perpetuating cultural appropriation and exploitation.
From the sale of coconut oil as a luxurious moisturizer to the marketing of 'exotic' fragrances, the beauty industry has long profited from the resources and traditions of colonized cultures. The video reveals how companies like Lush and Drunk Elephant have capitalized on African and Asian beauty practices, often without proper understanding or credit.
The use of traditional ingredients like shea butter and honey is a prime example. Once exploited by colonial powers for their economic value, these ingredients are now rebranded as 'natural' and 'organic', sold to consumers as a luxury item. The irony lies in the fact that many of these same communities were forced to abandon their traditional beauty practices under British rule.
Furthermore, the industry's reliance on 'inspiration' from colonial cultures has led to a lack of representation and credit for indigenous beauty experts. The latest trend in beauty products, 'Tropical Rose', is just one example of how companies are co-opting cultural symbols without permission or understanding.
As consumers become increasingly aware of these issues, the industry is being forced to confront its dark past. While some companies are taking steps to rectify their practices and partner with indigenous communities, much work remains to be done. The video serves as a stark reminder that true progress requires a deeper understanding of colonialism's ongoing impact on marginalized cultures.
A recent exposé sheds light on the disturbing ways in which colonialism continues to profit beauty companies, perpetuating cultural appropriation and exploitation.
From the sale of coconut oil as a luxurious moisturizer to the marketing of 'exotic' fragrances, the beauty industry has long profited from the resources and traditions of colonized cultures. The video reveals how companies like Lush and Drunk Elephant have capitalized on African and Asian beauty practices, often without proper understanding or credit.
The use of traditional ingredients like shea butter and honey is a prime example. Once exploited by colonial powers for their economic value, these ingredients are now rebranded as 'natural' and 'organic', sold to consumers as a luxury item. The irony lies in the fact that many of these same communities were forced to abandon their traditional beauty practices under British rule.
Furthermore, the industry's reliance on 'inspiration' from colonial cultures has led to a lack of representation and credit for indigenous beauty experts. The latest trend in beauty products, 'Tropical Rose', is just one example of how companies are co-opting cultural symbols without permission or understanding.
As consumers become increasingly aware of these issues, the industry is being forced to confront its dark past. While some companies are taking steps to rectify their practices and partner with indigenous communities, much work remains to be done. The video serves as a stark reminder that true progress requires a deeper understanding of colonialism's ongoing impact on marginalized cultures.
the beauty industry is literally profiting off ppl's culture and tradishuns without even giving them credit lol like whats up with coconut oil being sold as some fancy moisturizer when it actually came from african women for centuries? 
and dont even get me started on lush and drunk elephant theyre always trying to pass off other people's cultural symbols as their own its so sus 
i feel bad for the ppl who have been exploited by these companies and i hope more people start speaking out about this issue 
. It's heartbreaking to think about how companies are profiting off the resources and traditions of colonized cultures without proper understanding or credit. The fact that traditional ingredients like shea butter and honey were exploited by colonial powers for their economic value is just devastating 
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And don't even get me started on how they try to spin it as some kinda "natural" or "organic" thing, like we wouldn't know about all these traditional beauty practices anyway. 
. I mean, have we never gotten tired of seeing the same exotic patterns and ingredients being slapped together as if they're some kind of luxury item? It's like companies are profiting off people's cultural heritage without even trying to understand it properly.
. Like, who knew coconut oil could be super luxurious? 
. hope more companies start doing their research and partnering with indigenous communities 
lush and drunk elephant are just two examples of big brands profiting off others cultures, it's like they think they can just slap some african or asian ingredients on their products and call it a day 
and don't even get me started on these 'exotic' fragrances 
they're basically just cultural appropriation in disguise 
and support the ones that are actually working to uplift marginalized communities 
i hope more brands start doing their research and partnering with the right people ASAP 
and now it's some fancy moisturizer lol. but seriously, it's so messed up how the beauty industry profits from our ancestors' traditions without giving nothing back. like what even is 'natural' if you're selling shea butter as a luxury item to people who don't even know where it comes from? 