Lush Cosmetics (also known as Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics) is a British-founded beauty company launched in 1995 in Poole, England. Since then, it has grown into an international brand with over 886 stores across 51 countries, famous for fresh, vegetarian—and mostly vegan—cosmetics handcrafted without any animal testing.

As an employer, Lush operates more like an ecological network than a traditional business structure. With around 24,000 staff working across retail, product kitchens, creative, supply chain, and corporate teams, employees frequently take on multiple roles, with titles fluid and collaboration organic, just like a mycelium network underground. This structure fosters creativity, connection, and recognition through contribution—not hierarchy.

What makes Lush unique:

• Ethical and transparent at core – Lush’s Ethical Charter commits to fair trade, handmade freshness, cruelty-free sourcing, and minimal (often no) packaging.
• Powered by employee ownership – with roughly 10% employee ownership and open channels to shape company direction, internal ideas and ethics matter to Lush’s future.
• Culture of fearless storytelling and activism – from anti-animal-testing campaigns to environmental and human rights initiatives (e.g., #TransRightsAreHumanRights), Lush regularly uses its global platform to amplify causes employees believe in.
• Inclusive identity and DEI focus – Lush’s “100-Day Plan” embedded new Respect, Allyship, and anti-racism policies, requiring global training sessions and leadership commitment.