In the complex landscape of consumer products, our choices can often resonate beyond mere purchases. The connections and associations of brands can carry significant social, political, and ethical weight.
Understanding the partnerships and affiliations of renowned brands allows us to make informed decisions about our consumer behavior and the companies we choose to support.
1. Aesop
Part of the L’Oreal brand, Aesop was fined by the Arab League and strengthened its relationship with Israel. For ethical alignment, avoid purchasing Aesop products. Similarly, refrain from selling these items or working for L’Oreal Groupe.
2. Ahava
Ahava, an Israeli company operating in Occupied Palestine, taps into resources from the Dead Sea. To align with specific stances, it’s advisable to avoid Ahava products both in buying and selling.
3. Amika
Manufactured on occupied Palestinian land, the hair care brand Amika might conflict with certain ethical perspectives. It’s recommended to refrain from buying or selling Amika products.
4. Aussie
As part of Procter and Gamble’s holdings, Aussie is deeply involved in Israeli endeavors. Aligning with certain viewpoints involves avoiding Aussie products in both selling and purchasing, as well as abstaining from working for the brand.
5. Axe
A brand owned by Unilever, Axe has connections to circumventing decisions regarding Israel. To align with certain positions, refrain from buying, selling, or working for Axe under the Unilever umbrella.
6. Bath & Body Works
Owned by Les Wexner, an ally of Israel, Bath & Body Works may present ethical conflicts. It’s advised to avoid buying products and working for Bath & Body Works.
7. Benefit Cosmetics
Part of LVMH, which invests in Israeli companies, Benefit Cosmetics might be in conflict with certain ethical stances. To align with specific viewpoints, it’s advisable to avoid buying, selling, or working for Benefit Cosmetics.
8. BIOTHERM
Part of L’Oreal, BIOTHERM has a connection with the Arab League boycott, facing fines and building a stronger relationship with Israel. Aligning with specific perspectives might mean avoiding BIOTHERM products in both buying and selling, and refraining from working for L’Oreal Groupe.
9. Bobbi Brown
As a part of Estee Lauder, Bobbi Brown’s association with Estee Lauder’s ownership, especially Ronald Lauder’s views, might pose ethical conflicts. It’s recommended to avoid purchasing products from Estee Lauder’s extensive range, which includes MAC Cosmetics, Clinique, Bobbi Brown, Jo Malone, La Mer, Tom Ford Beauty, among others. Additionally, consider refraining from working for Estee Lauder brands.
10. Bulgari / Bvlgari
Owned by Bernard Arnault’s company LVMH, Bulgari has connections with significant investments in Israeli companies. Aligning with specific perspectives may involve avoiding the purchase, sale, or employment with Bulgari or LVMH.
See Also: Drinks Companies Supporting Israeli Occupation of Palestine
11. Celine
Also owned by Bernard Arnault’s company LVMH, Celine presents similar associations with heavy investments in Israeli companies. For ethical alignment, it’s recommended to avoid purchasing, selling, or working for Celine or LVMH.
12. Cerave
As part of L’Oreal, Cerave, linked to L’Oreal’s alliance with Israel after the Arab League boycott, might conflict with certain ethical stances. To align with specific viewpoints, consider refraining from buying, selling, or working for L’Oreal.
13. Chanel
Privately owned by the Wertheimer family, Chanel’s owner, Alain Wertheimer, made contributions in response to certain conflicts but remained silent on others. Aligning with certain ethical stances might involve abstaining from buying or selling Chanel products, in addition to refraining from working for Chanel.
14. Clinique
Like Bobbi Brown, Clinique, owned by Estee Lauder, might pose ethical conflicts due to Estee Lauder’s associations and views. Aligning with specific stances could involve avoiding Clinique and other products from Estee Lauder’s extensive catalog, and refraining from working for Estee Lauder brands.
15. Diesel Fragrances
Part of the L’Oreal group, Diesel Fragrances’ association with L’Oreal’s past actions might conflict with certain ethical viewpoints. For ethical alignment, it’s advisable to avoid buying, selling, or working for Diesel Fragrances or L’Oreal Groupe.
16. Dior / Christian Dior
Another part of Bernard Arnault’s LVMH, Dior also has ties with significant investments in Israeli companies. Aligning with specific viewpoints might involve avoiding Dior products in both buying and selling, as well as refraining from working for Dior or LVMH.
17. DKNY
Owned by Bernard Arnault’s LVMH, DKNY’s ties with LVMH’s investments in Israeli companies might conflict with certain ethical standpoints. For alignment with particular viewpoints, it is advisable to abstain from buying, selling, or working for DKNY or LVMH.
18. Dove
As part of Unilever, Dove’s association with Unilever’s decisions regarding Ben & Jerry’s distribution in Israel could potentially challenge certain ethical stances. For ethical alignment, it’s recommended not to buy, sell, or work for Dove or Unilever.
19. Estee Lauder
With Ronald Lauder’s staunch support for Zionist views and his associations with various influential positions, owning the Estee Lauder company might pose ethical conflicts. Aligning with certain viewpoints might involve refraining from purchasing products across Estee Lauder’s extensive range and avoiding employment with Estee Lauder brands.
20. Fendi
A part of Bernard Arnault’s LVMH, Fendi’s ties with LVMH’s investments in Israeli companies might challenge certain ethical viewpoints. For ethical alignment, it’s suggested to avoid purchasing, selling, or working for Fendi or LVMH.
21. Fenty Beauty by Rihanna
A brand owned partly by Rihanna and LVMH, Fenty’s association with LVMH’s investments in Israeli companies might conflict with certain ethical perspectives. To align with specific stances, it’s advisable not to buy, sell, or work for Fenty or LVMH.
22. Garnier
As a part of L’Oreal, Garnier’s relationship with L’Oreal’s history regarding the Arab League boycott could conflict with certain ethical viewpoints. For ethical alignment, it’s recommended to abstain from buying, selling, or working for Garnier or L’Oreal Groupe.
23. Giorgio Armani Beauty
A partnership with L’Oreal, Giorgio Armani Beauty’s connection with L’Oreal’s past actions might challenge certain ethical stances. Aligning with specific viewpoints might involve abstaining from buying, selling, or working for Giorgio Armani Beauty or L’Oreal Groupe.
24. Givenchy
Owned by Bernard Arnault’s LVMH, Givenchy’s connections with LVMH’s investments in Israeli companies might challenge certain ethical viewpoints. For ethical alignment, it’s advisable to avoid buying, selling, or working for Givenchy or LVMH.
25. Head and Shoulders
Owned by Procter and Gamble, Head and Shoulders’ affiliation with an R&D center in Tel Aviv, Occupied Palestine, where substantial annual investments are made, might conflict with certain ethical viewpoints. Aligning with specific stances might involve refraining from buying, selling, or working for Head and Shoulders.
26. Herbal Essences
As another brand owned by Procter and Gamble, Herbal Essences’ connection with the R&D center in Tel Aviv, Occupied Palestine, and the substantial investments there might pose ethical conflicts. Aligning with specific viewpoints might involve avoiding the purchase, sale, or employment with Herbal Essences.
27. IT Cosmetics
Owned by L’Oreal, IT Cosmetics’ connections with L’Oreal’s past actions regarding the Arab League boycott and their subsequent investments might challenge certain ethical stances. For ethical alignment, it’s advisable to abstain from buying, selling, or working for IT Cosmetics or L’Oreal Groupe.
28. Jo Malone
Owned by Estee Lauder, Jo Malone’s ties with Estee Lauder’s owner, Ronald Lauder, and his affiliations might conflict with certain ethical viewpoints. Aligning with specific stances might involve refraining from purchasing products across Estee Lauder’s extensive range and avoiding employment with Estee Lauder brands.
29. Kenzo
Part of Bernard Arnault’s LVMH, Kenzo’s links to LVMH’s investments in Israeli companies might challenge certain ethical viewpoints. For ethical alignment, it’s recommended to avoid purchasing, selling, or working for Kenzo or LVMH.
30. Keratase
Owned by L’Oreal, Keratase’s associations with L’Oreal’s past actions regarding the Arab League boycott and their substantial investments might challenge certain ethical perspectives. For ethical alignment, it’s suggested to abstain from buying, selling, or working for Keratase or L’Oreal Groupe.
31. Kiehl’s
Also owned by L’Oreal, Kiehl’s connections with L’Oreal’s past actions might challenge certain ethical stances. For alignment with specific viewpoints, it’s advisable to avoid buying, selling, or working for Kiehl’s or L’Oreal Groupe.
32. Kylie Cosmetics
Following Kylie Jenner’s public stance and subsequent deletion of a post related to Israel, ethical stances might encourage refraining from buying, selling, or working for Kylie Jenner’s brand, Kylie Cosmetics.
33. La Mer
As part of Estee Lauder, La Mer’s association with the company, particularly Ronald Lauder’s views and affiliations, might conflict with certain ethical perspectives. To align with specific stances, it’s recommended to avoid purchasing products across Estee Lauder’s extensive range and not work for Estee Lauder brands.
34. La Roche-Posay
Owned by L’Oreal, La Roche-Posay’s connections with L’Oreal’s past actions regarding the Arab League boycott might challenge certain ethical viewpoints. For ethical alignment, it’s suggested to abstain from buying, selling, or working for La Roche-Posay or L’Oreal Groupe.
35. Lancome
Also owned by L’Oreal, Lancome’s connections with L’Oreal’s past actions might conflict with certain ethical stances. To align with specific viewpoints, it’s advisable to avoid buying, selling, or working for Lancome or L’Oreal Groupe.
36. Loewe
Part of Bernard Arnault’s LVMH, Loewe’s links to LVMH’s investments in Israeli companies might challenge certain ethical viewpoints. To align with specific ethical stances, it’s recommended to avoid purchasing, selling, or working for Loewe or LVMH.
37. L’Oreal
As the world’s largest cosmetics company, L’Oreal’s actions and connections might challenge certain ethical stances. For alignment with specific ethical viewpoints, it’s advisable to avoid buying, selling, or working for L’Oreal or L’Oreal Groupe.
38. Louis Vuitton
Another brand under Bernard Arnault’s LVMH, Louis Vuitton’s ties to LVMH’s investments in Israeli companies might conflict with certain ethical perspectives. For ethical alignment, it’s recommended to avoid purchasing, selling, or working for Louis Vuitton or LVMH.
39. Lux
Owned by Unilever, Lux’s connections with Unilever’s actions concerning Ben & Jerry’s might challenge certain ethical viewpoints. To align with certain ethical stances, it’s suggested to refrain from buying, selling, or working for Lux or Unilever.
See Also: Boycott List: Fashion Brands Supporting Israel You Should Know
40. LVMH
LVMH’s investment activities in Israeli companies might challenge certain ethical perspectives. For ethical alignment, it’s advisable to avoid purchasing, selling, or working for LVMH.
41. Lynx
As part of Unilever, Lynx’s association with the company and its practices regarding Ben & Jerry’s might challenge certain ethical perspectives. To align with specific stances, it’s recommended not to buy, sell, or work for Lynx or Unilever.
42. MAC Cosmetics
Owned by Estee Lauder, MAC Cosmetics’ ties to Estee Lauder’s associations, particularly Ronald Lauder’s views and affiliations, might conflict with certain ethical perspectives. To align with specific stances, it’s advisable to avoid purchasing Estee Lauder products, including MAC Cosmetics, and not work for Estee Lauder brands.
43. Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Under Bernard Arnault’s LVMH, Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s connections to LVMH’s investment practices might challenge certain ethical viewpoints. To align with certain ethical stances, it’s recommended to refrain from buying, selling, or working for Maison Francis Kurkdjian or LVMH.
44. Maison Margiela Fragrances
In partnership with L’Oreal, Maison Margiela Fragrances’ connections with L’Oreal’s past actions regarding the Arab League boycott might challenge certain ethical viewpoints. To align with specific stances, it’s advisable to avoid purchasing, selling, or working for Maison Margiela Fragrances or L’Oreal Groupe.
45. Marc Jacobs
Under Bernard Arnault’s LVMH, Marc Jacobs’ association with LVMH’s investment practices might challenge certain ethical viewpoints. To align with certain ethical stances, it’s recommended to avoid buying, selling, or working for Marc Jacobs or LVMH.
46. Maybelline
Also owned by L’Oreal, Maybelline’s ties to L’Oreal’s past actions might conflict with certain ethical stances. To align with specific viewpoints, it’s advisable not to buy, sell, or work for Maybelline or L’Oreal Groupe.
47. MoroccanOil
An Israeli haircare brand owned by Carmen Tal, MoroccanOil’s manufacturing practices and obscured origins might challenge certain ethical viewpoints. To align with certain ethical stances, it’s recommended to refrain from buying, selling, or working for MoroccanOil.
48. Mugler Beauty
In partnership with L’Oreal, Mugler Beauty’s connections to L’Oreal’s past actions might conflict with certain ethical viewpoints. To align with specific ethical stances, it’s suggested to avoid purchasing, selling, or working for Mugler Beauty or L’Oreal Groupe.
49. NYX Professional Makeup
As a brand under L’Oreal’s ownership, NYX Professional Makeup’s ties to L’Oreal’s involvement in certain situations might challenge certain ethical perspectives. It’s recommended to refrain from buying, selling, or working for NYX Professional Makeup or L’Oreal Groupe.
50. Olay
Owned by Procter and Gamble, Olay’s association with Procter and Gamble’s R&D center in Occupied Palestine might challenge certain ethical viewpoints. To align with specific ethical stances, it’s advised not to buy, sell, or work for Olay or Procter and Gamble.
51. Old Spice
Also under Procter and Gamble, Old Spice’s association with their investments in Occupied Palestine might conflict with certain ethical perspectives. It’s advisable not to buy, sell, or work for Old Spice or Procter and Gamble to align with particular ethical stances.
52. Pantene
Under Procter and Gamble, Pantene’s association with Procter and Gamble’s investments in Occupied Palestine might challenge certain ethical viewpoints. To align with specific ethical stances, it’s recommended to avoid buying, selling, or working for Pantene or Procter and Gamble.
53. Prada Beauty
A partnership with L’Oreal, Prada Beauty’s connections to L’Oreal’s past actions might challenge certain ethical perspectives. It’s advised to refrain from buying, selling, or working for Prada Beauty or L’Oreal Groupe to align with certain ethical stances.
54. Procter & Gamble
With investments in Occupied Palestine, Procter and Gamble’s associations might challenge certain ethical viewpoints. To align with certain ethical stances, it’s recommended not to buy, sell, or work for P&G.
55. Ralph Lauren Fragrances
Partnered with L’Oreal, Ralph Lauren Fragrances’ ties to L’Oreal’s actions might conflict with certain ethical viewpoints. It’s recommended to avoid buying, selling, or working for Ralph Lauren Fragrances or L’Oreal Groupe to align with certain ethical stances.
56. Rexona
Owned by Unilever, Rexona’s association with Unilever’s practices might challenge certain ethical viewpoints. To align with certain ethical stances, it’s advisable to refrain from buying, selling, or working for Rexona or Unilever.
57. Sephora
As a beauty retailer owned by LVMH, Sephora’s ties to Bernard Arnault’s investments in Israeli companies might challenge certain ethical viewpoints. To align with specific stances, it’s advisable not to buy from Sephora, sell your beauty brand with them, or work for Sephora or LVMH.
58. STELLA by Stella McCartney
Part of LVMH, STELLA by Stella McCartney’s parent company, LVMH, connects to Bernard Arnault’s investments in Israeli companies. To align with certain ethical stances, refrain from buying, selling, or working for STELLA by Stella McCartney or LVMH.
59. Sudocrem
Owned by Teva, an Israeli pharmaceutical giant operating in Occupied Palestine, Sudocrem’s affiliation might challenge certain ethical perspectives. To align with certain stances, it’s advised not to buy or sell Sudocrem products.
60. Tiffany & Co.
Owned by LVMH, Tiffany & Co.’s connection to Bernard Arnault’s investments in Israeli companies might challenge certain ethical viewpoints. It’s recommended not to buy, sell, or work for Tiffany & Co. or LVMH to align with certain ethical stances.
61. Tom Ford Beauty
Under Estee Lauder, Tom Ford Beauty’s associations might conflict with certain ethical perspectives due to Estee Lauder’s stances. To align with certain ethical viewpoints, refrain from buying products within Estee Lauder’s extensive catalogue and from working for Estee Lauder brands.
62. Tresemme
As part of Unilever, Tresemme’s ties to Unilever’s practices might challenge certain ethical perspectives. To align with specific ethical stances, it’s advisable not to buy, sell, or work for Tresemme or Unilever.
63. Unilever
As a nutrition, healthcare, and personal care product manufacturer, Unilever’s practices might challenge certain ethical viewpoints. To align with certain ethical stances, it’s recommended not to buy or sell Unilever products.
64. Urban Decay
Under L’Oreal’s ownership, Urban Decay’s associations might conflict with certain ethical perspectives due to L’Oreal’s actions. To align with certain ethical stances, it’s advised not to buy, sell, or work for Urban Decay or L’Oreal Groupe.
65. Valentino Beauty
Valentino Beauty is a partnership between fashion house Valentino and L’Oreal. L’Oreal, considered a ‘warm friend of Israel,’ was involved in a controversy after providing information to the Arab League, eventually paying a $1.4 million fine. They later strengthened their ties with Israel, investing significantly and even operating a factory in Occupied Palestine. As a consumer, consider avoiding Valentino Beauty products and refraining from selling or working with L’Oreal Groupe.
66. Victorias Secret
Victorias Secret, including the Pink brand, is associated with Les Wexner, the owner of L Brands, known for his alliance with Israel and connections to Jeffrey Epstein. To align with specific stances, avoid purchasing from Victorias Secret and Pink. Additionally, refrain from working for Victorias Secret and encourage holding Victorias Secret models accountable for their associations.
67. Viktor & Rolf Beauty
Viktor & Rolf Beauty represents a partnership between fashion house Viktor & Rolf and L’Oreal. L’Oreal’s connection to Israel, labeled a ‘warm friend,’ led to a controversial situation involving a $1.4 million fine for sharing information with the Arab League. Subsequently, they fostered stronger ties with Israel, including heavy investments and the operation of a factory in Occupied Palestine. For conscientious consumers, avoiding Viktor & Rolf Beauty products and abstaining from selling or working with L’Oreal Groupe might be considered.
68. Walmart
Walmart, the multinational retail corporation, was prompt in pledging $1 million to Israeli victims and condemned Hamas. However, it didn’t extend support to charities assisting victims of Israel’s actions in Gaza. If you choose to act on this information, consider refraining from shopping at Walmart and advocating against their practices. Furthermore, avoiding employment at Walmart aligns with personal beliefs.
69. Yves Saint Laurent Beauty / YSL Beauty
YSL Beauty, a partnership between fashion house YSL and L’Oreal, became embroiled in controversy due to L’Oreal’s ties to Israel, described as a ‘warm friend.’ This involvement included sharing information with the Arab League, leading to a $1.4 million fine and an apology. They further deepened their relationship with Israel, investing significantly and operating a factory in Occupied Palestine. If in alignment with your beliefs, consider avoiding YSL Beauty products, refraining from selling, or working with L’Oreal Groupe.
Each product, brand, and its parent company holds intricate ties that extend beyond the products they sell. By being aware of these relationships and taking a conscious approach to consumer choices, individuals can assert their values and preferences.
Whether it’s advocating for humanitarian causes or aligning with specific political stances, the decisions we make as consumers play a part in a broader ethical conversation.
