The Body Shop: Social Responsibility or Sustained Greenwashing?

Body Shop clarified that the acquisition by L'Oreal would not dilute its ethical stance and that it would continue its position on anti-animal testing. Body Shop spokesman Bill Eyres said, "It has been agreed that all our values are ring-fenced and we will continue to apply our animal testing policy."

Roddick justified the deal by saying that L'Oréal wanted to learn from Body Shop's commitment to the environment and human rights in business. She also denied that she had sold out and maintained that the company's values would not change. She said, "I don't see it as selling out. L'Oreal has displayed visionary leadership in wanting to be an authentic advocate and supporter of our values."...

Some analysts felt that L'Oreal did not share the principles of Body Shop and that this acquisition had removed the biggest supporter of ethically-sourced beauty care products from the market. Despite the assurance to the contrary, Body Shop might not be able to function autonomously. They pointed out that already five members of the board, namely Peggy Bruzelius, Howard Mann, Jack Keenan, Irene Miller and Gordon, had resigned, and were replaced by former L'Oréal UK chief Tom Vyner and current L'Oréal CEO Jean-Paul Agon, along with four others...