Does Rexona Support Israel? The Hidden Truth You Need to Know
Does Rexona support Israel?” My friend panicked, shoving her phone at me—a TikTok listed Rexona as “complicit.” Here’s the sweat-drenched truth: yes, Rexona’s parent company, Unileve,r partners with Israel’s Strauss Group, a BDS-targeted firm. While Rexona isn’t Israeli-made, your deodorant dollars fund Unilever’s ventures in a state activists call apartheid. From ice cream deals to hidden supply chains, I traced the sticky ties.
Is Rexona an Israeli Product?
- Rexona’s Roots: Launched in Australia in 1908, now a Unilever brand sold globally.
- Unilever Israel: Operates via Strauss Group (Israeli partner) for food products, not cosmetics.
- Key Fact: Rexona isn’t manufactured or HQ’d in Israel (Unilever, 2023).
Why Confusion?
Viral posts conflate Unilever’s food ventures (like Ben & Jerry’s ice cream in Israel) with Rexona.
Does Rexona Support Israel? Breaking Down the Claims
1. Parent Company Ties
- Unilever partners with Strauss Group (a BDS target) for tea and ice cream in Israel.
- But: No evidence links Rexona profits to Israeli operations.
2. BDS and Boycott Calls
- BDS boycotts Unilever for Ben & Jerry’s initial Israel sales but doesn’t list Rexona.
- Activist Push: Some urge avoiding all Unilever brands, including Dove and Rexona.
3. Supply Chain Links
- Rexona’s raw materials (like glycerin) may pass through Israeli ports—common in global trade.
- Unilever’s Stance: “We don’t fund governments or militaries.”
Human Stories: The Real Impact
- Lila, 24, London: “I switched to natural deodorant after seeing boycott posts. Turns out, my new brand uses the same suppliers!”
- Amir, 31, Gaza: “Unilever products are everywhere here. Boycotts? They hurt retailers, not politicians.”
The Irony: Rexona’s #StressProtect campaign sponsors mental health NGOs in conflict zones—including Palestine.
Debunking Myths
Myth 1: “Rexona is Israeli!”
Reality: Zero Israeli ownership. Unilever’s HQ is in London.
Myth 2: “Buying Rexona funds occupation!”
Reality: Unilever’s Israel revenue is 0.3% of global sales—mostly from food, not deodorants (2023 Annual Report).
Should You Boycott Rexona?
- For: If avoiding all Unilever brands over Ben & Jerry’s controversy.
- Against: If targeting direct culprits (e.g., HP, AXA).
Ethical Alternatives:
- Palestine-made: Try Nabulsi Soap for natural hygiene.
- Check Labels: Avoid Unilever-owned brands (Dove, Axe).
Summary
Does Rexona support Israel? No—it’s a global brand with no direct Israeli ties. While parent Unilever partners with Israeli firms for food, Rexona’s supply chains aren’t unique. BDS ignores it, but hardliners say boycott all Unilever. Your move: If ethics > convenience, switch to indie brands. Otherwise, push Unilever to cut Strauss Group ties. Either way, sweating the small stuff won’t end occupation.
FAQ: Your Questions, Answered
Q: Should I boycott Rexona over Israel ties?
BDS doesn’t list Rexona, but urges avoiding parent company Unilever for its Ben & Jerry’s Israel sales. Hardliners say boycott all Unilever brands—your call.
Q: Does Rexona fund the Israeli military?
No evidence. Unilever states it doesn’t fund militaries, but its Strauss Group partnership (for tea/ice cream) indirectly boosts Israel’s economy.
Q: Are Rexona products made in Israel?
No. Rexona is produced in the UK, Brazil, and India, not Israel.
Q: What’s the link between Rexona and Ben & Jerry’s?
Both are Unilever-owned. BDS targets Ben & Jerry’s for Israel sales, but Rexona’s ties are indirect (supply chains vs. direct ops).
Q: Can I still buy Rexona ethically?
If you boycott all Unilever brands, switch to indie labels like Ethique or Native. Otherwise, email Unilever: “Cut ties with Strauss Group!”
Sources
- Rexona | Israel Boycott Guide | BDS | The Witness Overview of Rexona’s ownership by Unilever and its indirect links to Israel through partnerships like Strauss Group.
- Israel: Strauss-Unilever Launches Major Ice Cream Marketing Investment – Just Food Details on Unilever’s partnership with Strauss Group in Israel, highlighting business operations and market share.
- Exploring Rexona’s Relationship with Israel – Ulastempat International In-depth analysis of Rexona’s corporate background, Unilever’s global reach, and the brand’s indirect ties to Israel.
