African bush elephants frequently come into conflict with people: growing human population combined with land conversion is one of the biggest threats to the population of this species. One of ELEPHAS' main objectives is to secure Shea tree forests in West Africa so that elephants can roam free & avoid animal-human conflict. 

Elephas produces their soaps at a local soap factory run by a women’s cooperative in the south of Burkina Faso, where some of the poorest human populations in the world live, but one of West Africa’s largest elephant populations can be found. These women have been trained to make the finest soaps, however, struggling to compete with the flood of soaps imported from Asia.

Social Commitments Close To Their Hearts

Olivier Behra - the founder of Elephas - has dedicated his life to finding ways to involve local communities in biodiversity conservation. Having developed assets for Chanel, Yves Rocher etc. and having involved them in his projects, he decided to create ELEPHAS Paris® some years ago. 

They now work closely together with local NGOs that they have met. Women groups have been supported to plant a tree, to make scented soaps for the local market, provided 500 kilos of rice to pupils in need and much more. Each ELEPHAS Paris®’s soap sold finances 1 school meal at the cafeteria.

Why Shea Butter and Coconut Oil?

ELEPHAS’ soaps are made from the world’s finest organic oils combined with fresh, 100% natural plants that are free from chemical pesticides and fertilizers. 

 Shea butter is widely known by African women and by a growing number of European and American women for its incredible beauty benefits. The essential fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid) in our Shea butter are combined with esters that have antioxidant properties and to phytosterols that have been scientifically shown (in vitro) to slow down skin aging. 

 Coconut oil hydrates, heals, soothes and prevents early signs of aging. Its undeniable benefits are the result of its composition, which is extremely rich in essential fatty acids, lauric and myristic acids, easily absorbed by the skin and hair. Moreover, coconut oil contains Vitamins A and E that are known to produce antioxidant and anti-radical effects.

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