For years, the concept of “beauty” has existed as a hotly contested topic in American society. Today, the concept proves particularly controversial, with many media and advertising companies exploiting the word to benefit the gross retail of their products. As a result, the idea of “beauty” is frequently coupled with aesthetic merchandise, leaving that which is “beautiful” to be judged solely on the basis of outward appearance. But is this what being “beautiful” actually means?

My Grandmother used to have this saying: “Pretty is as Pretty does,” and with respect to some of the most physically striking women in Hollywood today, this is exactly the case. Today, acclaimed actresses, singers, and entrepreneurs alike are investing innumerable hours into aid organizations and charity functions to achieve no end other than global betterment. These acts of selflessness make these women exceptionally beautiful, and among the many “Beauties” that exist, the following prove to be icons worth idolizing:

1. Scarlett Johansson: Rather than attending the Oscars, Scarlett Johansson opted instead for a 10-day trip to India and Sri Lanka as part of the “Oxfam” projects, wherein she visited schools in Uttar Pradesh and assisted in healthcare and domestic violence projects involving Indian women. Afterwards, Johansson travelled to Sri Lanka to learn how the charity was involved in post-tsunami reconstruction projects. In 2008, Johansson toured Rwanda to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic, assisting in AIDS clinics alongside (RED) charity workers. Scarlett is also a supporter of Soles4Souls, and has donated a total of 2,000 pairs of new shoes to impoverished families.

2. Alicia Keys: An ambassador for the “Keep A Child Alive” foundation, Keys has helped to raise AIDS awareness through the organization of charity galas and has travelled to countries such as Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa to speak to families affected by the disease. Keys is also the spokeswoman for “Frum Tha Ground Up,” a charity dedicated to inspiring underprivileged children.

3. Angelina Jolie: A leader in charity work, Jolie has donated both considerable time and funding to numerous aid organizations. As Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, Angelina has travelled to refugee camps around the world, visiting such areas as Darfur, Sierra Leone, Cambodia, Kosovo, Kenya, Pakistan, Thailand, Ecuador, Sri Lanka, Jordan, New Delhi and Tanzania (among others), sharing the same working and living conditions as the UNHCR field staff while there. As creator of the Jolie-Pitt foundation, the actress has donated approximately $1 million to “Doctors Without Borders” and also co-chairs the “Education Partnership for Children of Conflict,” which helps fund education programs for children in difficult situations.

So my Grandmother had it right: A woman is “beautiful” not simply as a result of her immediate appearance, but rather as a result of her actions. So if you’ve been searching relentlessly for true Beauty icons – I’d say you’ve found them.

(For more information on these stars and their charities, visit Looktothestars.org)