Alaffia (29)

Alaffia—a body care company—was founded to empower communities through fair trade, a movement across supply chains that empowers both producers and consumers to prioritize people as much as profits. When you see a fair trade label, it means the product was made under fair conditions—no child labor was involved, and the farmers and artisans who made the products were paid fairly. Because the certification also includes premiums (additional fees on top of paying for the product), it means farmers have a say in how the premiums are invested into their community, often opting for education, sanitation, and other programs to improve their lives.

The History of Alaffia

The story of Alaffia begins in 1996, when a young man from Togo, West Africa met a woman from Washington state and they fell in love. He moved to the United States two years later, and they began working on their shared dream to make a difference in the world. Alaffia launched in 2003, and continues creating natural and luxury hair, face, and body products while supporting African communities to grow at the same time. And if you’re wondering about the name, “alaffia” is a common greeting originating in central Togo, Nigeria, and Benin, which means “a state of peace, health, and well-being.”

Alaffia Company Mission

Alaffia is on a mission to help West African communities become sustainable through the fair trade of indigenous resources. In addition to offering a line of shampoos, soaps, body washes, and more, the brand supports local community projects, women’s cooperatives, and education. Its commitment to fair trade means farmers are paid a fair wage, healthy and safe working conditions are accessible, and the number of middlemen are reduced between producers and consumers.

Benefits of Alaffia

You’ll love Alaffia’s soothing products by themselves, but they’re even better once you know what goes inside every bottle. Here are some of the benefits of using Alaffia:

• The products are fair trade certified by ECOCERT.
• Utilizes non-GMO ingredients
• The formulas include indigenous ingredients from West Africa like baobab, samphire greens, and black soap.
• Alaffia’s “social enterprise” model helps communities rise out of poverty by supporting women’s cooperatives, and promoting gender equality and education.

Top Alaffia Products

Give your skin some TLC with these top Alaffia products you’ll love.

Unscented African Black Soap

Less is more, especially when you can use this soap three ways: as face wash, shampoo, and body wash.

Everyday Shea Kids Bubble Bath

In a relaxing lavender scent, Alaffia’s bubble bath foams naturally and moisturizes skin with shea butter and clary sage.

Neem Turmeric Night Cream

Restore your skin while you sleep with a rich night cream whipped with nourishing ingredients like lotus flower, samphire greens (a bright green marsh plant), turmeric, and shea.

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