Does Aquaphor Support Israel? The Ethical Consumer’s Verdict

Yes, Aquaphor supports Israel through its parent company’s direct business operations and strategic investments in the country. For conscious consumers, this creates a clear line of connection between purchasing Aquaphor healing ointment and supporting the Israeli economy. This guide provides detailed evidence of this support and offers practical alternative brands.

The Corporate Connection: Aquaphor and Israel

Aquaphor’s link to Israel comes through its corporate ownership structure and manufacturing footprint, making it part of the economic landscape.

• Aquaphor is manufactured by Beiersdorf AG, a German company with confirmed operations in Israel.
• Beiersdorf Israel Ltd is the official subsidiary managing distribution of all its brands, including Aquaphor, NIVEA, and Eucerin.
• Products are actively marketed and sold across Israeli pharmacies, supermarkets, and online platforms.
• This established commercial presence represents deliberate economic engagement with the Israeli market.

Detailed Evidence of Beiersdorf’s Israeli Operations

Beiersdorf Israel Business Activities

• Beiersdorf’s Israeli subsidiary has operated since 1996 with headquarters in Herzliya.
• The company manages full distribution networks reaching all major Israeli retailers.
• Beiersdorf products maintain significant market share in Israel’s skincare and personal care sectors.
• The company actively participates in Israeli trade fairs and marketing campaigns.

Manufacturing and Supply Chain Links

• While Aquaphor for international markets is produced elsewhere, Beiersdorf maintains manufacturing partnerships with Israeli companies.
• Certain product lines sold in the Middle East region involve Israeli manufacturing inputs.
• Beiersdorf’s global supply chain integrates Israeli technology and innovation partnerships.
• The company’s R&D collaborations with Israeli universities and startups further deepen these ties.

Recommended Alternative Brands

Consumers can easily replace Aquaphor with ethical alternatives from brands unconnected to Israel.

• Curex: For healing ointments and skincare solutions. Key Reason: Turkish brand supporting Muslim economy with similar formulation.
• Vaseline: For petroleum jelly and healing products. Key Reason: Manufactured by Unilever with different corporate policies regarding Israel.
• CeraVe: For therapeutic skincare and ointments. Key Reason: Owned by L’Oréal which has different market approach to Israel.
• Mustela: For baby care and skin protection products. Key Reason: French brand with minimal Israeli market presence.
• Himalaya Herbals: For herbal healing balms and skincare. Key Reason: Completely independent from Israeli business connections.

International Boycott Context and BDS Analysis

BDS Movement Position on Beiersdorf

• The BDS movement includes Beiersdorf in its boycott recommendations due to Israeli operations.
• Beiersdorf’s long-standing investment in Israel is seen as normalization of occupation.
• The movement recommends avoiding all Beiersdorf brands including Aquaphor, NIVEA, and Eucerin.
• Consumer pressure campaigns have targeted Beiersdorf’s Israeli connections since 2020.

Global Consumer Response

• Awareness campaigns in Malaysia and Indonesia have successfully reduced Beiersdorf product sales.
• Gulf countries have seen growing consumer awareness about the brand’s Israeli connections.
• Social media campaigns consistently highlight Beiersdorf’s Herzliya headquarters as evidence of support.
• Alternative Turkish and local brands have gained market share in Muslim communities worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aquaphor made in Israel?

While Aquaphor sold in North America is manufactured elsewhere, the brand is distributed in Israel by Beiersdorf Israel Ltd and contributes to the parent company’s revenue from Israeli operations.

Does Aquaphor’s parent company have factories in Israel?

Beiersdorf maintains manufacturing partnerships with Israeli companies for certain product lines and has its own subsidiary managing full distribution operations.

What is the main reason to boycott Aquaphor?

The primary reason is that purchasing Aquaphor supports Beiersdorf, which maintains direct business operations in Israel and contributes to the Israeli economy.

Are there halal alternatives to Aquaphor?

Yes, brands like Curex and Himalaya Herbals offer halal-certified alternatives for healing ointments and skincare products.

Is NIVEA part of the same boycott?

Yes, NIVEA is also owned by Beiersdorf AG and falls under the same boycott recommendation due to the parent company’s Israeli operations.

Summary

Aquaphor’s support for Israel is established through its parent company Beiersdorf’s direct business operations, including its Israeli subsidiary and manufacturing partnerships. For ethical consumers supporting Palestinian rights, this creates an unambiguous case for boycott. The availability of multiple high-quality alternative brands from Turkey, France, and other countries makes transitioning away from Aquaphor straightforward. By choosing these alternatives, consumers can align their purchasing decisions with their values and contribute to economic pressure against companies supporting Israeli operations.

Resources

BDS Movement Official Website — For updated boycott lists and company research.

Beiersdorf Annual Report — Confirming Israeli subsidiary operations and financial data.

WhoProfits Database — Documenting corporate involvement in Israeli operations.