An investigative report by the World Service has revealed distressing findings regarding the perfume supply chain, uncovering the use of child labor in the harvesting of jasmine, a key ingredient in fragrances produced by some of the beauty industry’s leading names.
According to a BBC report, prestigious brands such as L’Oreal-owned Lancome and Lauder-owned Aerin Beauty have been identified as sourcing jasmine from Egypt, where minors were observed participating in the flower-picking process. These flowers are subsequently processed in local factories to extract the essential oils used extensively in the fragrance industry.
The investigation highlights the role of luxury brands in exerting pressure on suppliers to reduce costs, resulting in a ripple effect that adversely impacts the wages and working conditions of jasmine pickers. This exploitation of child labor underscores systemic issues within the perfume supply chain, with repercussions resonating throughout the industry.
