Yea, yea, I know, no ethical consumption under capitalism, but presuming that I want to not have skin that makes me want to scratch it off like it’s a band-aid, where would I get Shea butter to minimize the slave labor involved? I know you can get coffee that isn’t slave labor coffee if you buy it from the Zapatistas, does anything like that exist for Shea butter?

I like making DIY body butter, Shea butter based ones feel amazing and are relatively cheap when made myself

PS I know it’s silly and liberal to be this concerned about the origin of products, but it sort of dampers your moisturizing routine when every time you put on your products it reminds you of the horrors of this world

  • Maoo [none/use name]
    ·
    4 months ago

    Sorry I don't have a recommendation for shea oil in particular but I can suggest an alternative direction for research. Native Forest is a brand that produces coconut products and markets itself at vegetarians/vegans, claiming to not use monkeys to pick the coconuts and that all labor is paid for. I haven't personally verified any of this but it could be good to look into! My thinking is that coconut oil can be used similarly to shea butter, especially if you combine it with other stuff.

    • EelBolshevikism [none/use name]
      ·
      4 months ago

      Sadly no, coconut oil is extremely comedogenic which means it can cause tons of acne. It is very moisturizing afaik but it needs more and probably more complicated ingredients to ensure it doesn’t cause acne.