RESIDENTS are being encouraged to start buying fair trade cosmetics and toiletries.

People can now buy 57 products with Fairtrade certified ingredients, including lip balms, face masks, body butters and shower gels.

High street names like Boots, Neal’s Yard and Lush will be stocking the products.

Erith and Thamesmead MP has welcomed the development.

He said: “During this global economic downturn, it is vital that world trade continues.

“Our shopping habits can make a real difference to the world’s poorest people.”

executive director of non-profit organisation the Fairtrade Foundation Harriet Lamb said: “The public has said they want to lead a sustainable lifestyle and this is the next step along the path to looking good and feeling great.”

Each product will contain one or more Fairtrade certified ingredient such as cocoa butter, shea nut butter, sugar or brazil nut oil.