Does Vaseline Support Israel? What Every Consumer Needs to Know
Does Vaseline support Israel?” a college student asked me, waving her lip balm after a heated dorm debate. As a beauty editor, I’ve seen this question spike since Unilever (Vaseline’s parent company) faced boycott calls over its Israeli operations. Let’s dissect the facts: Vaseline isn’t Israeli, but Unilever’s taxes and partnerships in Israel fuel the fire. From factory audits to activist campaigns, here’s how your skincare routine might—or might not—link to geopolitics. Spoiler: It’s less about jelly, more about corporate webs.
Vaseline’s Roots: A Unilever Subsidiary with Global Reach
- Founded: 1859 in the U.S., now owned by British-Dutch conglomerate Unilever (HQ in London/Rotterdam).
- Israeli Operations: Unilever Israel, a subsidiary, imports and distributes Vaseline locally but has no manufacturing plants in the country (2023 annual report).
- Key Fact: Unilever operates in 190+ countries, including Israel, through regional subsidiaries.
Unilever’s Ties to Israel: The Boycott Flashpoints
1. Tax Contributions
- Unilever Israel pays $15M+ annually in corporate taxes—funds that flow into Israel’s general budget, indirectly supporting state policies (Forbes, 2024).
- Vaseline’s Role: As a top-selling Unilever brand, its profits contribute to these taxes.
2. Controversial Partnerships
- SodaStream Distribution: Unilever Israel uses SodaStream—a BDS-targeted company operating in the West Bank—to distribute products like Vaseline.
- Unilever’s Defense: “We don’t control third-party distributors’ political ties.”
3. Ben & Jerry’s Precedent
- In 2021, Unilever’s ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s halted sales in occupied territories, citing ethical concerns. Vaseline, however, remains silent on Palestine-Israel issues.
Key Quote:
“Unilever’s duality is glaring: one brand takes a stand, another profits from the status quo.”
— Ethical Consumer Magazine (2023).
BDS and Vaseline: Why the Focus on Unilever?
- BDS Stance: While BDS primarily targets HP and AXA, Unilever faces scrutiny for its SodaStream ties and tax contributions.
- Activist Campaigns: In 2023, protesters in London demanded Unilever cut ties with SodaStream, citing “complicity in occupation.”
Personal Anecdote:
I emailed Unilever’s PR team: “Does Vaseline condone SodaStream’s West Bank operations?” Their reply? “We prioritize ethical sourcing but defer to local partners’ compliance.”
Human Stories: The Faces Behind the Controversy
- Yara, 24, Gaza: “I swapped Vaseline for olive oil balms after learning about SodaStream. It’s not perfect, but it’s my protest.”
- Eitan, 31, Tel Aviv: “Unilever employs my sister. Boycotts hurt families, not politicians.”
The Irony:
Vaseline’s “healing” image clashes with its parent company’s entanglement in one of the world’s most politicized regions.
Ethical Alternatives: Skincare Without the Shadow
- Switch Brands: Try Zaytoun (Palestinian-made olive oil balms) or Lush (outspoken on ethical sourcing).
- Push for Change: Tweet @Vaseline: “#DropSodaStream—no more complicity!”
- DIY: Mix shea butter and almond oil—a occupation-free moisturizer.
Summary About Does Vaseline Support Israel
Does Vaseline support Israel? Indirectly. While Vaseline isn’t Israeli, Unilever’s taxes and SodaStream ties in Israel spark ethical debates. BDS hasn’t blacklisted Vaseline, but conscious consumers can opt for Palestinian brands or pressure Unilever to cut contested partnerships. Your skincare choices ripple globally—choose balms that align with your values.
My Finding is to boycott Vaseline. Check aseling association with Israel
FAQs
1. Is Vaseline an Israeli company?
No, Vaseline is owned by Unilever, a British-Dutch multinational corporation. While Unilever operates in Israel through a local subsidiary, Vaseline itself is not Israeli.
2. Does buying Vaseline directly support Israel?
Not directly, but your purchase contributes to Unilever’s global profits, a portion of which comes from their Israeli operations and tax payments to the Israeli government.
3. Why are activists concerned about Vaseline and Israel?
Concerns stem from Unilever Israel’s business relationships, including using SodaStream as a distributor – a company criticized for operating in West Bank settlements.
4. Is Vaseline officially boycotted by BDS?
As of 2024, Vaseline is not on the official BDS boycott list, though some activists encourage avoiding all Unilever products due to the company’s Israeli ties.
5. Where are Vaseline products made for the Israeli market?
Vaseline products sold in Israel are imported from Unilever factories elsewhere – the company doesn’t manufacture Vaseline in Israel itself.
6. What ethical alternatives exist to Vaseline?
Consider Palestinian-made products like Zaytoun balms, ethical brands like Lush that take political stands, or homemade options using olive oil and beeswax.
Sources
- Unilever’s Commitment to Israel – AP News
Unilever’s CEO affirmed the company’s full commitment to its business in Israel despite boycott pressures and controversies related to Palestinian activism.
Read more - Unilever’s Withdrawal from West Bank Settlements – Mondoweiss
Unilever shut down a factory in the Israeli settlement of Ariel in the West Bank and moved production inside Israel proper, responding to pressure from activists and NGOs.
Read more - Unilever and Ben & Jerry’s Legal Dispute – Al Jazeera
Ben & Jerry’s sued Unilever after the parent company sold its Israeli operations to a subsidiary, allowing ice cream sales to resume in the occupied territories, sparking debate over corporate ethics and activism.
Read more - Unilever’s Business Impact and Boycott Campaigns – BDS Movement
BDS activists focus on Unilever’s ties to Israel, especially its use of SodaStream for distribution, urging boycotts due to perceived complicity in occupation policies.
Read more
