It’s a sad day for many beauty and skincare lovers as the UK arm of The Body Shop hires administrators.

This means thousands of jobs are now at risk at more than 200 stores in the UK.

However, the chain will continue to trade through stores and online during the administration process.

But when did The Body Shop first arrive on our high streets? Let’s find out who founded the retailer and who owns it now.

Who founded The Body Shop?

The retailer was founded in 1976 by Anita Roddick and her husband Gordon as one of the first companies to promote ethical consumerism, focusing on ethically produced cosmetics and skincare products.

Since Anitia’s vision, The Body Shop has had huge viral products from body butter to the iconic Camomile Sumptuous Makeup Cleansing Butter.

The company says it has been “rule breaking, never faking and change making for over 40 years.”

The website adds: “When The Body Shop first opened its doors in 1976, it was a little green-painted shop in the streets of Brighton, England.

“Its approach to beauty was radically different to the big players in the beauty industry.

Hearts Standard: The retailer was founded in 1976 by Anita Roddick and her husband Gordon The retailer was founded in 1976 by Anita Roddick and her husband Gordon (Image: PA)

“It was simple – ethically sourced and naturally-based ingredients from around the world, in no-nonsense packaging you could easily refill.

“Products and beauty rituals made for every body, that made women feel good in their skin – never promising to make them look like someone else.”

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Who owns The Body Shop now?

The Body Shop was only taken over weeks ago by new owners European private equity firm Aurelius.

FRP said the administrators will “consider all options to find a way forward for the business” after years of financial struggles and amid a challenging backdrop for shoppers.