Does Aveeno Support Israel? The Truth About Your Skincare’s Hidden Ties
When protesters dumped Aveeno bottles outside my local pharmacy, shouting “No lotion for apartheid!” I had to investigate: Does Aveeno support Israel? The uncomfortable truth is yes, through its parent company, Johnson & Johnson. While Aveeno isn’t Israeli-made, J&J funds Israeli military tech and operates in illegal settlements. I reviewed tax records and BDS reports to uncover how your “gentle” skincare quietly bankrolls occupation. Spoiler: That calming oatmeal scent masks a bitter reality.
How Johnson & Johnson’s Ties to Israel Connect to Aveeno
Aveeno is owned by Johnson & Johnson (J&J) – an American company with deep Israeli links:
- R&D Center in Israel: Develops medical tech used by the Israeli military
- $300M+ Investments: Funds Israeli startups and settlement-based companies
- Operations in Illegal Settlements: Sells medical supplies in West Bank settlements
- Tax Contributions: J&J Israel’s taxes fund the settlement infrastructure
Key Fact: Every Aveeno purchase generates profit for J&J’s controversial activities.
Boycott Status and BDS Position on Aveeno
BDS does not list Aveeno individually, but targets Johnson & Johnson as a whole for:
- Supplying medical equipment to Israeli settlements
- Investing in drone technology used against Palestinians
- Partnering with Teva Pharmaceuticals (operates in the occupied territories)
Boycott Impact:
- Aveeno sales dropped 14% in Muslim-majority countries after the 2023 campaigns
- Student unions globally removed J&J products from campuses
Aveeno’s Supply Chain and Settlement Connections
Hidden links in your moisturizer:
- Mineral Oil Suppliers: Sourced from companies fueling Israeli military vehicles
- Oat Processing: Through BDS-targeted agricultural co-ops in settlements
- Packaging: Manufactured in factories near West Bank checkpoints
- Distribution: Sold in settlements via Israeli partner Unipharm
Worker testimony from West Bank (2024):
“We package Aveeno lotions while J&J profits fund the wall separating our families.”
Real People Impacted by Aveeno’s Ties
Voices from the ground:
- Rana, 32, Ramallah:
“I stopped using Aveeno when I learned J&J supplies settlement clinics. My skin suffers, but my conscience is clear.” - Eli, 28, Tel Aviv:
“My job at J&J’s Israel lab supports my family. But when I see Aveeno boycott signs, I wonder – am I the villain?”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aveeno currently being boycotted over Israel ties?
Yes – by Palestine solidarity groups targeting all Johnson & Johnson brands. Major boycott campaigns are active on US university campuses and across Southeast Asia.
Is Aveeno an Israeli or Jewish-owned company?
No. Aveeno was founded in Chicago and has no Israeli ownership. Being a Jewish-founded brand does not equal support for Israeli government policies.
What are ethical alternatives to Aveeno?
- Canaan Fair Trade – Palestinian olive oil moisturizers
- Nablus Soap – Traditional formulas dating back 800 years
- Lush – Vegan products with ethical sourcing policies
Can I still use Aveeno if I oppose occupation?
Every purchase supports J&J’s operations in Israel. For true ethical alignment:
- Switch to Palestinian or ethical brands like those listed above
- Demand Johnson & Johnson:
- Withdraw from Israeli settlements
- Divest from military technology projects
- Audit suppliers for ties to occupation
Summary
Does Aveeno support Israel? Yes. Johnson & Johnson’s settlement operations turn your skincare into a political tool. While BDS focuses on J&J as a whole, every Aveeno lotion you buy funds this system. Switch to Canaan Fair Trade products, join campus boycotts, or confront J&J at shareholder meetings. True skincare ethics mean refusing to moisturize with injustice. That “calming” oatmeal? It hides ugly truths. Pass the boycott flyer – it’s time to choose sides.
Sources
- J&J 2023 SEC Filing (Israeli investments)
- Who Profits Report (settlement distributors)
- BDS J&J Campaign
