How Cult Beauty is supporting young people with a new partnership around beauty and body image

Cult Beauty has announced The Respect Project as its latest social impact partner, helping to support young people in cultivating a constructive relationship with beauty and body image.

It comes after the online retailer launched a long-term commitment to showcase real skin by not altering the appearance of skin, hair or body proportions in its in-house model imagery.

Alicia Hickey, Head of Sustainability & Social Causes at Cult Beauty, said: "As strong believers in championing a healthy relationship between beauty and body image, we are proud to be the founding sponsor of this important programme.

"By sponsoring The Respect Project, our aim is to give young people access to the tools they need to build a healthy self-image, as well as helping them tackle the broader societal challenges they face in today’s world."

The Respect Project’s central purpose is to empower the next generation to "face the future with confidence", giving young people the tools they need to "combat misinformation and engage confidently in a rapidly changing world".

Chloe Combi, Co-founder of The Respect Project, said: "Together The Respect Project and Cult Beauty are going to collaborate with young people and work towards understanding how we can help a generation feel better about their looks, bodies, wellbeing and mental health - one of the most important and necessary challenges we currently face."

The next phase of The Respect Project is to scale it to state schools with the help of sponsors like Cult Beauty.

The goal is to reach 10,000 pupils in year one, splitting its support across a selection of schools that reflect wider UK society - 70% state, 20% grammar and 10% private schools.

The British Beauty Council is also championing Cult Beauty’s collaboration with The Respect Project, recognising the wider industry’s responsibility in contributing to a society that "provides young people with the tools they need to thrive".

Millie Kendall OBE, Chief Executive Officer of the British Beauty Council, said: "The beauty industry has a vital role to play in creating imagery, content, and advertising that reinforces positive body image and increased self-esteem."

"We are pleased to be working with Cult Beauty and The Respect Project to arm young people and their teachers with resources to put their mental health and wellbeing first."