A BBC investigation has revealed that children as young as five are working in the jasmine fields of Egypt, supplying ingredients for perfumes from luxury brands like Lancôme and Aerin Beauty. The investigation uncovered that the low pay offered to jasmine pickers forces them to involve their children in the labor-intensive work.
The jasmine oil extracted from these flowers is exported to international fragrance houses, such as Givaudan, which create perfumes for major beauty companies like L'Oréal (owner of Lancôme) and Estée Lauder (owner of Aerin Beauty).
The investigation found flaws in the auditing systems used by the perfume industry to monitor supply chains, with a lack of oversight by perfume companies. Despite the companies' claims of ethical sourcing practices and zero tolerance for child labor, the reality on the ground tells a different story.
The UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, Tomoya Obokata, expressed concern over the BBC's findings, highlighting the disconnect between the industry's promises and the reality in the fields.
The investigation raises questions about the responsibility of luxury brands in ensuring ethical sourcing practices throughout their supply chains. It also sheds light on the challenges faced by independent jasmine pickers in Egypt, who are often forced to rely on child labor due to low wages and economic pressures.
