In the spotlight is the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) movements and brands complicit in genocide, as Israel’s action in Gaza continues. It’s a challenge to find pro-Palestinian, BDS friendly brands, so in collaboration with Mariah Idrissi, we’ve curated a list of brands featuring ethics and humanity.
When the world is going through global upheaval, it becomes important for one to stay proactive to contribute to society. Free Palestine campaign is being amplified through the use of social media, that has also become an emotional outlet to spread important information.
The events of recent times have shown how important education is in advocating for justice through truth telling. Boycotting brands is successful because we need to know what we’re avoiding but also what we’ll support.
Fashion and Beauty Brands Prioritizing Humanity Over Profits
Here are 11 pro-Palestinian, genocide-free brands to consider:
1. MamaSia
MamaSia, founded by Maame and Rhian, is a beacon for organic, ethically made beauty and well being products from Ghana. It goes beyond trade for them, and they devote 5% of their annual income to uplifting and supporting extended family back in rural Ghana.
It is the ethos databidding and its dedication embodied in bridge sustainable business practices with impactful social initiatives. Their products, mainly handcrafted in ancient African techniques combined with modern beauty standards, represent cultural richness and have a community empowerment purpose.
2. Haute Hijab
New York based Haute Hijab led by Melanie El Turk, takes hijab fashion beyond. But it’s more than that — it’s a brand that sells beautiful, high quality hijabs but also fosters the community and storytelling. The brand had become a place for connection and for elevating every story that matters.
But Haute Hijab is more than just a pretty face. It’s about inclusivity, it’s about representation, it’s about empowerment. The commitment to sharing stories and the global presence of the company make its presence felt much further than the fabric it offers.
3. MZ Skin
MZ Skin is Dr. Maryam Zamani’s venture into luxury, wrapped with scientific precision in skincare. Known for formulations that are effective while being backed by proven scientifically ingredients.
Dr. MZ Skin products benefit from Zamani’s background as a global leading Oculoplastic Surgeon and Aesthetic Doctor in London. Every product is a well thought out balance between luxury and clinical excellence, setting a standard in the skincare industry.
4. ANZ Clothing
British founded label ANZ Clothing rethinks heritage knitwear with a modern point of view, basing their business in partnerships with family run factories in the UK. The result is a combination of her immigrant London upbringing and contemporary aesthetics.
The commitment of ANZ Clothing to reinventing traditional knitwear whilst staying true to heritage is a mix of cultural homage and innovative design. The brand crafts its designs in North London, works with family run factories and strives for quality and craftsmanship while supporting local partnerships.
5. Huda Beauty
American Iraqi entrepreneur Huda Kattan has made her mark on the world of cosmetics. Her ardent public advocacy for Palestine rings true and wins her a lot of attention and customer loyalty.
But, in addition to all of Huda Beauty’s cosmetic offerings, Huda Beauty is a movement for something much bigger: a movement for something that supports causes that are inherently tied to social justice. The successful brand has not only been built on makeup prowess, but also the values and sentiments of its global consumer base are in alignment.
6. Tuesday in Love
Tuesday in Love is a Halal nail polish brand from Canada founded by Dr. Umar Dar and aims to break traditional beauty standards through its values. Dr. After going through Dar’s personal journey, he founded a brand that sells a number of beauty products but with an ethical twist.
It echoes the company’s dedication to being the go to destination for Halal-certified products and amplifying the range from nails polishes to other beauty essentials across a wide price segment.
7. Comfee
Comfee is Samia’s brainchild and redefines what comfort means in the clothing space. Beyond the minimalist and stylish designs though, the brand has a philanthropic drive.
Comfee, through a well thought out business model, donates a percentage of its sales in support of orphaned people and is a perfect example of fashion and altruism coming together. Through this brand with a conscience, Comfee shows the power of fashion to be a force of good, socially.
8. PaliRoots
PaliRoots is more than just a brand, it’s a movement steeped in Palestinian culture. Its products and designs resonate with the spirit of Palestine and wave the nation’s identity into its creations.
PaliRoots was founded in 2016, but the company has a mission that goes beyond commerce, creating a platform for Palestinian culture in addition to supporting good causes like the PaliRoots Meal Program and Funding Projects. The brand is a case study in the power of art and commerce to keep and elevate the cultural heritage.
9. Lyra Swimwear
One woman’s quest to find swimwear that fit into her modest lifestyle and fashion sense gave birth to Lyra Swimwear. Not only does the brand fill a niche, it also stands as an ethical working conditions champion in an industry where they are often brushed under the carpet.
Built on the ethos of #ThisGirlCan campaign, Lyra is an inclusive fashion hub that believes in offering wearables that make women feel beautiful, are modest, and embrace style without compromising on ethical values.
10. Lush
Lush, a maker of handmade body and bath products, is a shining example of corporate values. From across six countries, each product is crafted with the brand’s dedication for handmade excellence and ethical practices.
While its product range is just one facet of Lush, it is also a loud voice for humanitarian rights and an active participant in conversations that promote a variety of causes, including those in Gaza. The brand is not limited to making a profit, as it has taken a social responsibility approach for itself.
11. Aab
Aab is a premium modest wear brand established in 2007. The gap that it fills is on an identified gap in the market for elegant, on trend and modest clothing. All of these are evident in the brand’s cultured products, mindfully crafted, free of mass production and instead focused on detail and quality.
With commitment to elegance, modesty and ethical practices, Aab continues to be a brand which is all about style as well as principles.
It’s also important to recognize the effectiveness of boycotting brands, but with that comes an equally important need for alternatives that abide by ethical, humane values.
As a result, these brands are an opportunity to support causes that stand for justice and humanity in the middle of global unrest. Individuals choose these labels because they show support for the movement aimed at advocating for ethical and socially responsible practices and making real choices, when they choose to buy.