Olivier Baussan, the founder of L'Occitane en Provence, understands that in terms of aiding the developing world there are few things more effective than educating women. With this in mind, Baussan in 2006 launched the L’Occitane Foundation, which supports the shea-butter industry in West Africa’s Burkina Faso. “We figured out that it was the women making money from the shea trade," says Baussan. “It was their money and it was giving them independence."

Twenty years ago, L'Occitane began with a single cooperative and 11 women— now there are more than 100 cooperatives and 11.000 participants. The foundation also supports literacy centers for women, day care for their children, and free medical-care programs. Next month. L'Occitane will launch limited-edition scents of the best-selling Ultra Rich Body Cream with 25 percent shea-butter content.

“When I discovered shea butter it wasn't just: How do I get this and export it?" says Baussan. “It was: How do I preserve this process and make it last?" The answer was education—teaching the women to run their own businesses. The foundation has become one of the best corporate-funded organizations in France. In humanitarian work, not unlike the beauty industry, it seems it is the cream that rises to the top.