The Million Lives Changed Blog

Akoma are proud to announce that all our products are now Fair Trade USA certified. Our accreditation as a Fair Trade USA partner is a significant step towards achieving our mission to promote ethical and sustainable trade around the globe.

If, like Akoma, you believe everyone of us has the power to fight poverty and injustice by making ethical choices as consumers, you’ll be as excited as we are about Fairtrade Fortnight. 

Fairtrade Fortnight takes place from 26th February to 11th March 2018 and is your opportunity to show support for farmers around the globe, who make the products we enjoy every day.

Black soap is one of the healthiest soaps you can use on your face and body. Unlike many hard soap bars which contain harsh chemicals to help them retain their shape, genuine African black soap is made from natural ingredients packed with healing properties.

Compassionate Derby is an ethical living event we always look forward to at Akoma. So, on 25th November we headed over to St Peter’s Church in Derby to get involved and show our support.

Did you know that facial skin differs between men and women? Apart from the obvious difference of facial hair, men’s skin is approximately 25% thicker than a woman’s, oilier and tougher.

During puberty, stimulation of androgens; including testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, creates structural differences in the skin. These hormones also increase sebum production, explaining why males are more susceptible to longer lasting bouts of acne during puberty.

With a little advance organisation and some help from Akoma, we can help you source everything you need now, ready for a healthier start to the New Year. The best part is that all these products are ethically sourced, to help you do good and feel good at the same time.

We’re all familiar with the beneficial effects of essential oils like lavender and rosemary for our health and wellbeing, but one you may not be so familiar with is carrot seed oil.

The benefits of shea butter have been understood in Africa for centuries, used as a healing skin ointment and a protective balm against the fierce sun. In a skincare industry always on the lookout for the next miracle treatment, shea butter is fast becoming a magical moisturising skin superstar.

Natural shea butter is a luxurious moisturiser packed with healing antioxidants to soothe and nourish your skin. An array of shea butter products can now be found online, from pure raw shea butter, to lip balms, body butters and a variety of topical skin applications. However, it is important to note that although all shea butter is natural, not all shea butter products are made using 100% natural ingredients, or natural processing techniques. If you are looking to buy genuine natural shea butter, you need to look for raw or unrefined shea butter products, originating from Western Africa.

Shea butter is widely used as an ingredient in cosmetic and skincare products and is celebrated for its rich moisturising and healing properties. The use of shea butter within cosmetics and as a cooking oil dates back thousands of years, appearing in records from Ancient Egypt. Shea butter has been used in Africa for centuries as a healing ointment for skin conditions and to protect skin and hair against the harsh sunlight.