Child Labour Used To Make Perfumes Jasmine Harvest BBC Egypt Fragrances Aerin Lancome Collection

[@CBlake-xy5cm]

Hello Claire, My father was sent to an orphan home in the southern US, at age seven in the 1950s with his siblings, where they were required to labor on the farm, in the kitchen, and throughout the institution. Child labor was used to avoid the costs of having an extensive adult staff at this orphan home that was funded by a private charity. This was an old model for orphan homes by that time, but still legal in the state where they lived. My father and his siblings were injured at various times over the years due to lack of adult supervision and guidance. Although they were able to go to public school, at least two of his siblings struggled academically, as would be completely understandable. These two uncles struggled to succeed for the rest of their lives. My father and my aunt, who were able to get through college after leaving the orphan home, were successful in their careers, but experienced various forms of malaise for the rest of their lives. Of course the history of my father and his siblings included the additional factor of the stigma of living as orphans (their father yet lived, so there was a deep sense of abandonment). But they also had a roof over their heads, medical care, and they rarely experienced food scarcity. My father has a very keen understanding of how difficult childhood can be when the world decides it is not valuable that you flourish at that time. As his daughter and a person with graduate school training as a psychotherapist, I recognize aspects of the intergenerational trauma that I see throughout my extended family, which now includes three generations younger than me. I offer this up so readers of the comment section might have food for thought. I am grateful you spoke about this, because I didn't know about the BBC investigation story.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you ❤️ I think you are right. People see this as children just "doing their bit" and it being "normal for Egypt" as some people have suggested, but people watch the documentary then they will see that the children have resulting health issues. You're right that we don't see the chronic result 30-40 years down the line, we only see the acute effects here. Thanks for sharing and for watching 🥰

[@PG-wz7by]

Child labor laws are being loosened in the US as we speak. We're going backwards :(((

[@BLARG09]

Thank you so much for sharing your families story. I'm so sad that we seem to be moving a similar direction.

[@marialopes9365]

You made me remember about the match industry in the UK when many died of lung problems (if I'm not wrong) 😔😔😔😔😔😔 back in the days life was really tough for many indeed 😢

[@MidwestBetty]

It seems like large companies are always squeezing budgets while continuing to hike prices. This news comes as no surprise to me. The archaic child labor laws, and criminally low wages of the Jasmine pickers on the other hand, is shocking. Thank you for the excellent albeit so sad exposé Claire Smith.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you ❤️ I can't say this shocked me either. I can imagine that this is really the top of the iceberg with all of the ingredient harvests for the perfume industry worldwide. It made me wonder how much the child labour laws in Egypt are actually enforced and whether a law change would actually make any difference at all. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@Benshafran]

the funny thing is, they shout about environmental and labor violations to countries in Asia, Central America and Africa but when it comes to their profits, they keep quiet and ignore, what hypocrites the European countries are.

[@t.kuykendall517]

Hi Claire, I found your channel watching a video about you not accepting offers from everyone because you're not interested in just pushing perfume on people to make money. I appreciated that. The problem here is that most of us know what's going on in other parts of the world and people simply don't care. People will see this video and not think twice about it afterward, especially here in the US. I too saw this documentary. When that lady was told how much that bottle of perfume sold for, she looked like she wanted to cry. This is what you call corporate greed. Loreal knows full well what's going on and what they can get away with. And people can shut it down until a change is made, but they don't want to. Loreal can be brought to it's knees in a couple months to see that their customers mean business. But the people won't do it. Not only won't they ensure a fair wage is paid, but to slap you in the face, they will continue to increase prices. A fair wage can be paid, but people won't come together and pull the plug. These few companies also own tons of other companies. So at this point, it's just a matter of determining what it is that you really need and understanding what it took to make that product. With that being said, if we're talking about perfume, then we need to go on ahead and start talking about cellphones. The children mining in Africa is a whole other story about horrible labor practices. But people have to have their new phones every other year... Thank you for touching on this topic. ❤

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes I agree that mineral mining is a hugely important topic for child labour and people don't think about it. I think people just buy what they always buy and aren't necessarily mindful most of the time about who owns what. Also people have to really really care to do something that will inconvenience them. I know this is sad but that's the reality. I would love to see both L'Oréal and Estée Lauder's sales figures and see if this news story has impacted them at all, but I doubt it. I was happy to raise awareness anyway. I hope the companies work on their transparency and supply chains. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@lukeparfums]

I actually thought about this myself when I read about the recent luxury sweatshop scandal. Corporations always look for ways to cut costs. When I read the exposé, I thought to myself: "Okay, maybe they produce luxury leather products that way, but there’s no way this happens in the fragrance industry as well." Yet here we are...

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes, it's every sector isn't it? Developed countries' demands for low prices goods and very greedy capitalism are both part of the route cause sadly. I'm sure if we could all see the supply chains behind what we all own we'd be horrified. 🥰

[@marialopes9365]

I believe every product that has/uses materials/ingredients from Africa & some Asian countries have child labour 😔 but at the same time is an income for many families.... when I was young I helped making plastic flowers at home. It was an income that many needed 😢 it's a very complicated subject to talk about..... it affects a lot of people...... countries should really tackle the problem of poverty of their people so kids do not need to help out 😔

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes! Tackling poverty and pay and conditions is the key to this! 🥰

[@tklpher8903]

The only surprise is that there are real jasmine in designer perfumes.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Well yes! That struck me too, so I asked a perfumer how much would be used in a jasmine heavy fragrance. They said that it might be as high as 5-10% in an indie fragrance but perhaps much less in a larger brand designer fragrance since they may replace some of the oil with synthetics to reduce costs. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@divided55]

Every single aspect of western consumerism is directly connected to the exploitation of poor countries. Child labour is common practice. It's done within all industries that use raw materials. Loreal etc obviously have structured deals where suppliers are committed to follow certain ethics but at the same time they push the prices so low that the suppliers are forced to take shortcuts. Nestlé got 20% ownership in loreal, that should paint the picture more than enough.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes sadly it's in seemingly every industry that supplies developed countries' markets. Demand for low prices and very greedy capitalism are both factors. I didn't realise Nestlé own a significant share of L'Oréal. That's interesting. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@dcjimr1]

I probably shouldn't be as shocked as I am. I can't imagine that it would be that difficult for these companies to ensure that their suppliers not employ children, especially given that they're making outrageous sums of money selling fragrant water that costs them a pittance to make in comparison. Thank you so much, Claire.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes I agree Jim, it shouldn't be hard at all. And let's remember that this work is breaking the law in Egypt as it's at night. They really have no excuse if they are the people paying the wages, they are completely responsible for the supply chain. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@valeriejohnson7204]

I am sad about this but feel terrible for the workers that can no longer have their children help them. It’s terrible that they have to, but there is no way they can survive without their children being able to help them harvest. It’s a terrible situation.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I agree. It's bad whatever they do. Them having enough money for food is the most important thing here.

[@julieg_quebec-julesselivre8641]

I believe I caught a part of it where they were showing how kids were having eye allergies… it broke my heart! I don’t own any of the perfumes you mentioned but since this practice is so widely spread in Egypt, I’m sure many other perfumes in my collection are made out of this illegal work. So so sad… thanks for sharing Claire! ❤

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes those were my thoughts too, I looked at my collection and thought about all of the harvests that have probably gone into making part of them and wondered how much child labour I've inadvertently supported. The documentary was much more harder hitting than the news article. Seeing and hearing from the people picking the jasmine really brings everything into focus. Thanks for watching Julie 🥰

[@mohamedabdelrahman4274]

Hello from egypt thank you Claire for bringing this up and informing people about it and thanks for all who commented and sympathised with the children of egypt

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I hope I got the law details correct! I have a friend from Alexandria who never really gave me the impression that Egypt had such issues with child labour. I am sad that the fragrance conglomerates are not paying workers better. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@mohamedabdelrahman4274]

@@dr.claire.perfume the laws here are very loose and often skipped . it is forbidden for children to work but you can train them to do some works and this is how it's played. as for the part you've mentioned you got it right, it is illegal in every way for the children to work or get trained after 7 PM. I am from alexandria too. it's a big city, and child labour is everywhere. toktok drivers, delivery children, children selling at supermarkets, barbershops. it is an issue maybe your friend got very used to it he/she doesn't consider it an issue.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Maybe! He moved to England with his wife in 2013 and they now live here as citizens with their children. I'll admit that I had no idea about the levels of child labour. Having investigated child labour, it seems like there are other countries (mainly in Africa) being highlighted where it is even more common.

[@mohamedabdelrahman4274]

yes you're right it's even more common in other African countries. but on the other hand some villages have no schools in them, and some families can't afford to send their children to a school. so those children need to get trained so some day they would be skilled workers and have a job or a craft. so if the child work/ get trained in a peaceful environment, get a decent training, and get paid fairly, it's not that bad after all and sometimes it is for his own benefit. thank u again for the informative video.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes, I see that point of view entirely. The social systems have to be in place for the ideals to work, hopefully opportunities will improve in future.

[@sentient.ball.of.stardust]

I watch so much perfume related content on youtube and tik tok yet this is the first anyone mentioned this article. Says it all really, i'm so disappointed.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes I agree, I think larger channels are perhaps worried about turning off potential PR? I'm not sure. Also perhaps this is isn't a happy feel good topic so it's not going to ever be something someone would make for views or subs (the main drivers for the very generic content you will find all over fragrance YT). It's so important to discuss this though and to make everyone aware that this is happening. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@nullanix9788]

Great video, Claire! So good to have someone looking into the darker sides of this business, not only flowers and butterflies. Nothing surprise me anymore. If people are given the opportunity (lack of laws and regulations, or monitoring laws and regulations), some people will do the most terrible things, like exploiting or even bombing innocent children. The same goes for the farming industry. Animal welfare is usually non-existent.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes you are right. People always push as far as they are allowed to and then a little further still. I hope that the industry will realise how bad this looks to consumers and do something. I do realise that this is probably the tip of the iceberg though in the world of perfume ingredients and for sure in the rest of the world where child labour is concerned. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@valiumsurbanjungle2041]

I'm trying to boycott companies which are not cruelty free, L'Oréal has already been one of them, but now I have an extra serious reason not to buy anything from that company. This makes me furious 😠

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes I can see how L'Oréal would be off your radar already if you are cruelty free, there are definitely lots of issues there. Sadly I can't say I was that shocked by this. I can imagine that this is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to perfume ingredient harvests. It's probably just one of the few that has been thoroughly investigated. My thoughts are that many other larger brands will have similar issues that are yet to be uncovered.

[@kristabel71]

The Corp won't suffer from a boycott as much as laborers would. I'm guessing.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes I can't see any dent in profits being significant really. Writing to the CEOs is probably going to have the biggest impact on policy changes but hoped anything done is done with sensitivity to workers. 🥰

[@najlaeel8217]

See that's why I love your channel ! You're unscripted and real not just a typical "commercial" channel who is just focusing on the pink side of perfumery. Lots of love and keep up ❤

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you ❤️ I thought this was an important issue to me, so I wanted to make a video about it so others were aware too. Lots of love back 🥰

[@najlaeel8217]

@@dr.claire.perfume exactly ! Us as consumers must know about this kind of stuff because it makes our consuming habits alot more purposeful.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes, I buy mostly secondhand fragrances, so I'm happy to have not contributed to Easter Lauder nor L'Oréal profits, at least not within the last 3 years.

[@najlaeel8217]

@@dr.claire.perfume that is a really good idea ! Not only ethical but economical too ♥️

[@dr.claire.perfume]

It is! It can be very expensive for new channels I think. I would not be able to afford the collection that I have without purchasing secondhand. 🥰

[@mamoni7703]

My heart breaks for these families. How can they even afford to eat or keep stable housing? I know labour laws in many nations enslave the illiterate, poorest of poorest citizens, but I am somewhat confused by the ridiculous prices we pay considering how much L’Oréal and Estée Lauder are saving at the source. The arrogance and greed as they profit billions off both the poorest and those of us average consumers who also mostly live paycheque to paycheque. Good for the BBC for exposing this.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes the BBC did a good job of looking into this and reporting it. I wonder how many years this has been going on.and how widespread this is within harvests for the industry in general? The mark up on fragrances is astronomical, only 2% of RRP is reported to the cost of the fragrance itself (this was a stat shared a few years ago, by industry insiders), so there's plenty of wriggle room to spend a little more. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@HappinessSparkles]

The only way that this can be corrected is the companies that make millions need to be accountable and pay the suppliers more hence it trickles down to the workers ,also they need to be on top of the fact that the workers are actually getting the money !! It’s a corrupt world and the one at the bottom of the chain suffers the most ,hence parents having to make there 5 year old child work to survive Disgusting Thanks Claire for sharing and although it upsets me to the core ,we need to know this ❤

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes, you are spot on, the conglomerates have to have more control of what the people doing the harvesting are actually being paid, not just pay the factories and let them dictate. Of course they will pay them the minimum possible to maximise their own profits. People are vulnerable when they are hungry and desperate. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@HappinessSparkles]

First of all ,your research does not go unnoticed This is so sad to hear 😢

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you ❤️ It is for sure extremely sad. The documentary goes further documenting the children's health issues from harvesting, but the fact that they are working at all before 15 is against the UN's labour principle. There are transitional agreements that allow continuation of light work for children 12+ before additional legislation is enacted to raise the minimum working age to equal the final compulsory school year, but still! Age 5 goes way below that...

[@allisonbotts8532]

Thanks Claire. It may be heart wrenching to hear, but we still need to hear it.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes, I agree, we need to know. 🥰

[@arizel06]

Hello Claire! Not only for this case but sometimes it is difficult to identify what is "child" abuse and what is not. I am not sure what's the culture in Egypt but I am from a developing nation in Asia where it is "normal" for children to help parents with their work after school. This could be simply helping their mothers with housework or helping their fathers with the business to helping parents harvest coconuts/palm fruits or begging on the streets for poor families. It may be surprising when viewed by people of developed countries. But in reality, it is not a simple black-or-white matter. Many companies exploit this. Saying that it is not "abuse" as they are not particularly instructing children to do the harvest. However, they are very aware that families will ask for help from their children. Thank you for making this video! A very serious topic consumers should be aware of.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I totally agree! I worked on our farm growing up, but there's a line between occasional help and being happy to do it and being forced to get up every night for 6 months at 2-3am. I totally understand that when people don't have enough, there's simply the drive to survive, I don't blame the parents at all, it's normal for them, but for sure, companies know what is going on and show little regard for regulations until they are caught out. Also countries who have laws should enforce them. 🥰

[@werntje5510]

Thank you for making a video about this! The silence or minimal response from perfume reviewers/journalists is so disappointing!!! Its a cop out to leave it to large companies or the Egyptian government to make a change. Consumers need to talk widely about this and face the cost of their hobbies and luxury items.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes, I agree, people need to discuss this! I guess PR is more valuable to some larger channels, but that's really sad if so. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@mohdfarid9980]

Perfume industry needs to be more transparent and every ingredient have to be ethically sourced. Thank you Dr Clair for raising the awareness

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes it does, I would love to see that! 🥰

[@sunnyscents1818]

Good morning Claire grabbing my coffee ☕️ I knew you would speak on this, I watched the BBC documentary, very difficult to watch 😢

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Hi Sunny! Yes I started planning a video as soon as I read the article. I didn't go into details about the effects on the children but it's blatant that this is just the norm in the harvesting of jasmine in Egypt. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@RosemarieHasratian]

This is outrageous. Child labor, on such expensive perfumes and colognes. Egyptian laws are ridiculous. I am sure they are not the only country. Our world is ran on greed. It breaks my soul to think about the chain of wealth and how it is distributed. Thank you for top notch reporting. 13:53

[@dr.claire.perfume]

No worries! I was really shocked that this appears to be a routine thing. The harvest lasts 6 months, it's not simply a few nights of the year. Thank you for watching 🥰

[@auroraborealis9490]

Well done Claire for highlighting the exploitation of the voiceless and most vulnerable. I don't have these particular perfumes but I think a boycott of l'Oréal and Estée Lauder is in order as my first step. The only other reviewer I know who mentioned this situation is Persolaise on Love at First Scent. IIRC he was planning an article on his blog.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Ooh ok, I didn't know Persolaise had talked about or said that he will write about, that's good. Honestly I can't imagine this is isolated. If you look at the proportion of jasmine that comes from Egypt it's surprising that it's only these three fragrances. I have recently bought (within the last 6 months, video coming next week) some Estée Lauder and L'Oréal owned fragrances but thankfully only secondhand so they got none of my money 😂, but as I say in the video, I do think that this shouldn't be up to the consumer, as without these reports, how would we ever know about any of this?! Thanks for watching 🥰

[@justaddlight]

Appreciate the vid Claire. All I'll say is that greed, complacency and willfull ignorance are plagues that have brought down countless civilzations. This is just the next cycle, and very little appears to have changed. There are far greater shocks in store, I promise you. 🌍🌚☀

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes I agree, denying problems just worsens outcomes, it doesn't solve them. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@johnadair4693]

Can you imagine any scent reviewers even mentioning this apart from yourself, I doubt it very much,god knows what the clone brands get up to, thanks Claire .

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Well there is another video about this, but not from a fragrance reviewer... Err in a word... No 😂 No one else would touch this. Brand relationships and all that 😉 and chasing views too... Sometimes there are bigger issues though. Hope you are well. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@quiCksilvieZzz]

The clone brands might actually be better in regards to this. No dupe brand is gonna use actual jasmin oil to produce a fragrance. They are using synthetic equivalents.

[@johnadair4693]

@@quiCksilvieZzz yeah possibly but what chemicals are they using,in the country's there made what sort of control is there.

[@quiCksilvieZzz]

@@johnadair4693 thats a different story indeed. After all that would be the same for all cosmetics and personal care products we are using. Here in the Netherlands we have the European Comission that regulates cosmetics and I know for one that there is rigorous testing before a product hits the shelves here. But you can never be 100% sure in my opinion.

[@PG-wz7by]

I'm glad you're covering this Claire. The only house I know of that is explicitly fair trade is The 7 Virtues. Consumers need to pressure the companies you mention to help legislate and practice fair trade. I can purchase fair trade chocolate and coffee among other things. Corporations can do this too. It's not that difficult if a large business has the will. Especially when some of these fragrances have an exorbitant markups. Have a lovely Sunday!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes I agree! A fair trade certification system for fragrances would be very welcome. It's used in other consumer markets, there's even ethical finance now! So I'm absolutely sure fragrance can do this too. 🥰

[@Mah_fb]

I'm not surprised, but I'm disappointed. These huge conglomerates spend so much money on campaigns that make them look sustainable, responsible, and community-caring. Why don't they invest this money where the issue really is. Another problem is that not even the conglomerates can change other businesses, their beliefs, values, culture, and practices. They can indeed change suppliers. It is a very sad matter, I am really disappointed that exploitation still exists to make people rich though generations. Great video Claire!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Absolutely! The conglomerates clearly took their eye off the auditors here and what they were actually auditing. I think paying directly to pickers and a better wage would help instead of paying them through the factories who will pay what they want to to maximise their own profits. Also I agree, Egypt needs to change its laws, as it has proposed to do already, and enforce them... That is the only way to protect children, along with promoting education. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@auratic_alien]

I read an article about this recently and I’m glad you made this video - very well researched and you made great points! Unfortunately, this sort of exploitation has been going on for years and in various industries - not just child labour, but also paying “workers” the lowest wages possible to maximise profits. It all gets brushed under the carpet because it is all about profits at the end of the day. It’s a very sad situation. I suppose the solution would be better pay/working conditions, conglomerates being less greedy. Tougher laws? There are always loopholes though. If consumers boycott these brands, and there is a decrease in demand, these workers unfortunately lose their livelihoods then. Raising awareness definitely helps either way ❤

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you ❤️ I completely agree Kay, it's not clear cut at all is it? We need to protect the livelihoods of the people being exploited, but also strive for the conglomerates to change their practices and improve wages. We also need governments to change and enforce labour laws to prevent this being an issue in future. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@AnneMelb2010]

Thanks for bringing this to our attention Claire. I guess at the back of my mind I often wondered about supply chains, but this is worse than I thought. Sniffing a new perfume is often magical but it's sounding more like a nightmare if ethics are considered. Greed will forever override everything in these huge money-making machines that run perfume houses. We can only hope things change for the better for these underpaid workers and especially the children involved.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you ❤️ Yes, I think that's the hope isn't it? That workers get paid more so children can be excluded from working without damaging family income. I hope the situation improves. Sadly I think this is probably the tip of the iceberg. If Egypt produces half the world's jasmine, what about the rest of it? Thanks for watching 🥰

[@georgiachatzitheodoridou3806]

Another interesting, informative video . To be honest it hadn't crossed my mind that the exploitation of children would interfere with fragrance manufacturers. We are in front of another scandal pertaining to the fragrance manufacturers and this will make everyone think about what must be done about this issue. Thanks for the insight Claire.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes, I really hope that fragrance companies do better at monitoring their supply chains in future. I do think that this problem is probably widespread with the amount of natural, labour intensive raw materials harvesting required for fragrances. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@FraBra88]

I just recently watched a documentary about this, about the jasmine amd child labour

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes! The BBC documentary is linked in the description box in case anyone's not seen it. It's eye opening. 🥰

[@savorsalvagescent2300]

Claire, thank you for this! Listening + learning now. Can’t believe I’ve never considered this but also I’m not incredibly surprised. So important, the conversations you are bringing to the surface.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I hadn't thought about it either before reading the article, but yes, it didn't surprise me either. I guess I never thought about the people who pick these flowers for my fragrances, even though I know how labour intensive it must be. 🤷‍♀️ I'm happy to be better informed. Thanks 🥰

[@TheEagleslover]

Hello Dr. Claire.😊. I’ve been under the weather but I’m working my way back to my viewing routine. I watched the documentary and although appalling this is not new. Far too often we just turn a blind eye to these things. The excuses people make for continuing to support these companies is crazy to me. I hope people will begin to make more informed choices. Happy Saturday.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes, I agree, I'm happy to purchase mostly secondhand, however, I do still own a few L'Oréal and a bit of Estée Lauder... I really don't think I'd be able to keep any of these three named fragrances in my collection if I owned these particular ones though. Thanks for watching, and I hope you soon feel better. 🥰

[@meghanpeters5054]

Love this topic, Claire. This is an issue I have wondered about and am glad that you’re covering it. Heartbreaking but it’s important and I think leads naturally to another conversation about consumerism and corporate greed. I absolutely agree with the journalist’s conclusions as well that large corporations have got to be held accountable for the damage they cause. I’d love to see more videos around these types of topics or perhaps highlighting houses who fully control the production of their perfumes (and therefore, hopefully, are growing, harvesting, and creating their perfumes themselves and making a decent wage)?

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you ❤️ I'm happy that you think this is as important to discuss as I do! I have also wondered about brands that might grow their own ingredients and who owns the entire supply chain. I guess fragrance is so diverse that being able to do that would probably result in very expensive fragrances. I will see if I can find anything out. I hesitate to say Chanel and LVMH as I know they have their own flower fields, but I do not know if they get ALL of their flowers from these sources, nor if their greater supply chain doesn't suffer with parallel issues (I would be surprised if they didn't). Thanks for watching 🥰

[@pinkfabulous248]

Oh no , I didn’t know this , that’s terrible! Thanks for a great video. 🌸

[@dr.claire.perfume]

It is sadly. I hope that the pay for pickers will improve. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@rorilee9791]

I’ve already cut out all large US beauty manufacturers. I wasn’t surprised by this at all. I did notice that you seem to be the only perfume YT channel to speak about it, though. Well done.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes, it's really sad isn't it and I bet we would be shocked by what else goes on in so many other industries. Clothing in particular is something that I think about with the prices that things are sold for. I guess other larger channels might be worried about brand relationships maybe? I'm not sure. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@Mediumcoffee14]

Thank you for bringing this topic to light. I had not heard of it. One more thing to consider with fragrance purchases. And I love jasmine. Will definitely need to start questioning sources.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes me too, jasmine is for sure one of my top 3 notes, if not my absolute favourite. It made me feel a bit sick that anything I might have bought might have used child labour. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@AboutFaceWithMonaBagot]

I’m appalled and so grateful for the video

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you Mona ❤️

[@izaj]

Thank you very much for talking about it. There are so many scandals related to big corporations using child labour or a kind of slavery or abusing people and nature in some poor countries. Usually the only result of revealing such information is a small fall of the company stocks but not fall in the sell of their products. Recently there was this scandal related to Dior (LVHM) that was selling their bag for over 2000 dollars while the production cost was about 20 dollars - they were produced by the supplier company in Italy with some kind of slavery labour - so they could label them as Made in Italy. The company has never asked how such a low production cost was possible in Italy and they claim they were not aware anything was wrong with their supplier. This kind of behaviour is one of the reasons I'm starting to use clones of fragrances - I don't want to support these big corporations that are cutting costs in a very immoral way while raising the price or making the fragrances weaker. I still buy originals from small niche companies but if I find a good clone of LVHM, Estee Lauder, L'oreal perfumes I don't have any second thought about buying it instead of OG. Greed of these big corporations is really disgusting.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes, the LVMH handbag issue was truly shocking and their reaction to it was underwhelming. Just because it's a third party that is making the bags doesn't mean that LVMH shouldn't care deeply about their supply chain. I agree that the wages those people were given and the conditions they worked under were terrible. I can see why anyone might choose a clone over the originals with big brands. If the companies can't ensure that by buying their products we aren't supporting unethical practices, then they should have some issues. The problem is that the majority of people buying those fragrances from those brands don't know about this story. It really didn't make much of a ripple at all. Perhaps because it wasn't that shocking to a lot of people sadly. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@salwahazem]

Thank you for shedding light over this report, I went and watched it. I am from Egypt, and I only heard about the trips to participate in picking Jasmine flowers, first time to realize the reality of the situation!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Oh no worries! I had no idea either. Here we see influencers visiting Grasse, France "picking flowers" for the camera in the middle of the day and think that's reality. It's not at all... Perfume is so romanticised but the sad reality is that it's time-consuming work done in the middle of the night that clearly sometimes even involves children. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@parfumninja]

great that you made a video about it! I only posted about it in my insta stories....

[@dr.claire.perfume]

And that was fantastic! Anything to make people aware is great 😊 I really felt very sure that I wanted to talk about this as soon as I read it, I planned the video pretty much instantly. It's so important that people know this is happening! 🥰

[@zoex1980]

Oh dear! This is so sad. It makes me sick to my stomach. Morally speaking, I can’t justify buying fragrance off the back of child labour and maybe forced labour due to such low wages. This has made me re-evaluate where I buy my perfumes. Again, very insightful Claire but incredibly sad. Keep up the good work.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you ❤️ yes, it's not a happy topic at all is it? I really can't say I was shocked though sadly, we all know the mark up on fragrances is enormous. The cost of the fragrance itself is tiny in comparison.and this I guess is partially why. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@marialopes9365]

This made me think about certain brands having certain political stands too. And I know of one being racist in the past as well. Something that I think it's also important. I watched a documentary about leather brands in Italy that exploits African workers. And the EU didn't even care about the report 😔😔😔😔😔😔😔

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Are you talking about the controversy with ALT? Yes! My friend told me about the leather goods manufacturing in Italy. Removing the safety features of machinery to increase production, making the individuals sleep on the premises for seamless 24/7 working. It's astounding that this kind of thing is happening in the EU still. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@AndreasVibes]

This is a very important video, Claire. Sadly I am not surprised at all. I sometimes wonder whether fragrances with less natural ingredients might be more sustainable after all.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you ❤️ yes, I've had that thought. In fact, I made a video a long time ago discussing synthetic Vs naturals (it's probably a bit rubbish 😂 I should update it, it was an early one!) and came to a similar conclusion. I'm happy this video has at least raised awareness. I know it's a tricky topic with PR etc so I might be a lone voice. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@zaprude]

Zero surprise. These conglomerates have no interest in ethical practices. They have shareholders, owners and investors to please and need to aim for constant economic growth (which we all know is impossible, and can only be maintained by ripping off the people at the bottom of the chain). This is also why I don't purchase any big name fragrances anymore and stick to small batch, ethically sourced niche fragrances. Because they are the only ones for which "ethical" means something instead of being an empty catch phrase.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes I can understand the shift. I buy mostly secondhand, I certainly haven't bought any L'Oréal nor Estée Lauder fragrance brands from new for the last three years. Which ethical fragrance brands would you recommend? Thanks for watching 🥰

[@Dan_Chiron]

It's not a matter of being careful about their suppliers' practices, the industry totally knows, they just choose to look the other way in order to avoid legal liability. What really surprised me is that in this time and age perfumes are still made with natural components. I'd expect to be an industry of chemists, not of "cotton farmers", if you know what I mean.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes, absolutely! That stood out for me too. I actually asked a perfumer about this as I wanted to know how much oil might be used in a fragrance. The ball park figure for a high quality fragrance would be 5-10% but for a designer fragrance, synthetics would be used alongside to stretch the jasmine a little, so the amount is likely to be lower. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@quiCksilvieZzz]

Claire, you are a breath of fresh air! No other contect creator would have the guts to make a video about this issue.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you! 🥰

[@Jacqueline_R]

Please keep covering serious topics. I definitely do not want to own fragrance at the expense of children. Or impoverished people who do not receive fair wages. Thank you again❤ ❤❤❤

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes I agree ❤️ it's an important issue to discuss. The thought that I could have bought one of these named fragrances really made me feel sick. I do still own a few L'Oréal and Estée Lauder owned fragrances too though. I think probably a lot of us will! Thanks for watching 🥰

[@mermish4]

This makes me want to support smaller ethical brands

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes, I think a fair trade certification system for brands would be great. 🥰

[@tammyroxanne.]

Unbelievably sad. 😢 And like you indicated, the prices these companies charge are so disproportionate.. and that makes it all the worse.. 😔 Thank you for the amount of research you have put in, Claire!! 🙏❤️

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you ❤️ yes, it is sad but perhaps also not that surprising given the enormous supply chains required to make a fragrance with sometimes hundreds of ingredients. I hope this video at least brings awareness of the issues. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@almatoledo1608]

Not surprised, Claire. Sad, yes. And I love Killian! GRRRR!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I think it's difficult for consumers to ever know any of this. Most people don't realise who owns what. Avoiding these two brands cuts out a lot of options... I buy mostly secondhand, so I'm not boycotting, but I can understand why somebody might. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@scentolutions_me]

This is really interesting and would be totally unfair if these big brands utilise such methods but still overprice their products.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes! And we know what the markup is on fragrances, it huge! Thanks for watching 🥰

[@virgi28]

No surprise here!!! Its in every industrie. We cannot buy something without exploiting someone. So sad!!!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I do think it's widespread, we just don't always hear about it, for whatever sector. I think for example if you look at the amount of jasmine grown in Egypt, it's really surprising that there are only three fragrances being listed here... Thanks for watching 🥰

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

I know that this is happening and that companies are trying to address this. The conglomerates are probably not going to make an impact. Child labour is always going to be a risk when piece work is involved in low wage economies. It is going to be an issue in every sector until fair trade and fair practice becomes universal. Thank you Claire ❤

[@dr.claire.perfume]

You are spot on! It needs whole world change to be effective. That's why these issues exist, along with ruthless capitalism. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@yahainHotPink]

Thank you Claire. 😮😮😮

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thanks for watching 🥰

[@lu_re7198]

If you really dig deep into every supply chain, you’ll discover it’s likely that you’re benefiting from child labor (or slave labor) somewhere along the line (possibility on a daily basis). I read an article about a 13 year old talented skilled weaver who supported a family of 8, due to the father being injured on the job. Pressure from Western buyers (to end child labor) caused her to lose her job. - Forcing her and her younger siblings to beg on the streets. Leaving them vulnerable to predatory adults. Obviously, every situation has unique circumstances. I think Westerners need to understand the full impact of the changes we’re trying to enforce on much poorer underdeveloped countries w/ labor intensive agriculture exports. In many places there are very few job opportunities (especially for women).

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes for sure, I completely understand your point, the changes need to be implemented very carefully. But in this case too, child labour during the night is already illegal in Egypt, yet it is still happening. Also the fragrance conglomerates would be better to directly pay the pickers, and at a higher rate to compensate for the removal of child labour, rather than pay via the factory. I hope something can be improved in a sensitive way. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@lu_re7198]

@drclaireperfume. Yes. t would be better if manufacturers took ownership of their supply chain. But I also think Westerners must also realize that preventing children from working in certain countries might mean that they’ll go w/out food, because their parents salary may not be enough to support them. There’s no easy solution. Maybe building schools that feed children 2 large meals/day might eliminate the need to have them work. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes, I think that is ideal isn't it? I really hope that changes to child labour are done sensitively. Paying the parents the same amount when they would be collecting fewer flowers is not an option. 🥰

[@francoiseguillaume7404]

How brave you are Claire. I'm sad to see that my pleasure hurts so poor people. Living ethically seems to be impossible at all levels with this unbridled globalisation. What can we do ? Thank you so much for lighting this aspect of luxury.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you ❤️ yes, I agree, conglomerates need to look after their supply chains and governments need to find companies who use illegal child labour, even inadvertently, so consumers can be confident in their choices. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@DJJudgeJesus]

Not what we wanted to hear, but all of us need to hear. Slavery is very modern unfortunately. Thank you very much for bringing awareness to what goes on good or bad!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you ❤️ yes it's still clear that we are still exploiting people in other countries sadly. I really hope the industry looks at its supply chains and recognises that public opinion is behind transparency and change. 🥰

[@beaver6d9]

I hate to sound so cynical, but I just kind of assume exploitation like this is a normal part of global corporations in late-stage capitalism. Extraction of resources and infinite growth at all costs, stock prices over people, ya know, the usual. If you had thoughts on Egypt's child labor laws, you should check out ours in the states and recent efforts to loosen them! (lol but sad).

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes I agree, this didn't surprise me either. It did surprise me that the child labour was illegal for the time of night it was occurring though and that the conglomerates were part of that. I was reading about the changes to some US state laws to allow some child working! I was astounded! I didn't expect Hyundai and meat packing to be involved at all! Thanks for watching 🥰

[@beaver6d9]

@@dr.claire.perfume You definitely found the stories I was thinking of! We have a strong tradition of summer jobs for older kids, but graveyard shifts at the meat packing plant on school nights is another thing altogether.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Absolutely!

[@reneejoubert230]

I am definitely unpleasantly surprised. Something must be done to rectify this issue

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes, I think my feelings are exactly the same. It's disappointing. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@Naturallyliz41]

Hey Claire. Unfortunately none of this is shocking. It’s such a shame and yes these companies need to be more responsible in monitoring these types of situations. They are an enormous amount of money off of consumers so it’s not unreasonable to expect them to do better. I recently saw a documentary on children working cocoa farms in Ghana. According to the documentary Mars chocolate company benefits the most from the production of cocoa. It was absolutely heartbreaking to see children as young as five with machetes working.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes, it seems Africa is a hot bed for exploitation by large conglomerates. I can't imagine having to work at 5 let alone wield something that could maim me or others effectively and safely. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@HappinessSparkles]

Good morning Claire ❤☕️

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Hello Frances ☺️

[@b25mech]

Thank you for letting us know about this. How very sad and greedy of them 😡

[@dr.claire.perfume]

No worries. I hope this video brings greater awareness of the BBC's investigation. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@corinalymburner1121]

It’s so complex. How do we improve the situation for the family as consumers? If we boycott and don’t buy (1st reaction), she suffers; so maybe we should write/campaign these farms/companies and insist on transparency, asking to see how they make improvements for this and other families like hers to lock in our loyalty?

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I think writing to CEOs is probably going to be most effective here. I don't think sales will be sufficiently dented anyway for the brands to notice. But people stating their concerns directly to brands would be amazing. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@corinalymburner1121]

⁠@@dr.claire.perfumethanks for suggesting this, I’ll get their contact info & get to work.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

👍🥰

[@sharfalor4244]

I didn't see the BBC programme but had read an article. I heard Aaron Terence Hughes was affected by this too and was sourcing jasmine elsewhere and needing to reformulate/temporarily halt sales of certain fragrances. It's not a brand that I'm personally interested in, but props due to him if it's true. Perhaps if anyone else knows they can clarify.

[@oscardog6719]

Yes, you are correct. I am on his email list, and recently he emailed that he had contacted Firmenich, who were his jasmine supplier, asking them to tell him where they got their supplies from. They didn’t reply, so he did halt one of his fragrances based on that lack of response. I don’t own any of his scents as his business doesn’t ship to Australia, but he is highly ethical. 🙂

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I would love to know if anyone does know... If he has just come out and said then wow, that really does show he is concerned and willing to reformulate / temporarily halt sales. Kudos to him if this is a thing. 🙂 Thanks for watching 🥰

[@oscardog6719]

I need to correct something I wrote. I just reread the email and it says “…in the case of ‘Fever’. The main raw material being Tuberose. Ferminish (sic) was unable to prove (sic) me with full traceability and was unable to rule out children and slave labour. After the BBC documentary, I was not ethically able to continue using a raw material from a company that did not do it’s due dillagance(sic) Aaron has dyslexia, but I wanted to quote him exactly.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you for the information, that's so fab of ATH to care and to investigate. 👏

[@AboutFaceWithMonaBagot]

Hi Claire, I’m driving so can’t type, but am listening and enjoying ❤

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thanks Mona! 🥰

[@victorashul]

All our electronics are made with minerals from African countries that uses child labor (including slavery)... Everyone telling me about this stuff I tell them "Stop using your electronics before talking about this"

[@valiumsurbanjungle2041]

I didn't know that... I'll try being even more thoughtful when buying electronics (thankfully I don't, I'm using a rather old, broken mobile phone, but still) 😢

[@victorashul]

@@valiumsurbanjungle2041 DON'T... enjoy having the LUCK to be born in the 1st world.. because that's all that is - being lucky enough to be born in a developed country, at the end of the 20th century / beginning of 21st one, maybe a decent family - those are things you had no control over... and this drama about "fair trade" and "ethical sourcing" - you can only virtue signal about these things because your base needs are satisfied... if you had hunger in your veins - you would not care from where the food came from

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes, I agree that this is probably the tip of the iceberg in the perfume world, probably there is a lot going on with other harvests that just isn't reported. Also in the wider world, child labour is still being used for mineral mining as you point out. I guess what I am aiming to do is bring awareness to the issue of the use of child labour in flower harvest for the perfume industry. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@keodi1]

@@dr.claire.perfume I really appreciate you doing this, I read the latest scandal within the handbag/leather industry, and thought, I hope this isn't happening in the fragrance industry and here we are. I made a conscious decision a year ago that will no longer purchase fragrances from the big companies Estee lauder, Loreal etc..

[@YTStoleMyUsername]

​@@victorashul Exactly.

[@biljana7116]

Great video, everyone has to know what is behind parfume industry

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you! ❤️ Hopefully it prompts some debate and some progress. 🥰

[@jofantioch]

So this is a sharecropping situation on top of the low wage! Omg

[@dr.claire.perfume]

The farmer gets 1/3, I assume because they aren't paid directly by the factory? I'm not sure though. 🤔

[@Sssilvia]

Thank you for this video

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I am a bit sad that there aren't more people discussing this here on YT... Thank you 🥰

[@AlliBaba1234]

Sadly, in this world, this report is entirely unsurprising. In fact, with the recent popularity of Middle Eastern scents, I have been dreading receiving breaking news of the human misery and environmental wreckage I suspect might lie behind some of these beautifully ornate yet shockingly affordable bottles of fragrance. But this kind of thing is completely and utterly ubiquitous. I think that’s the reason the BBC story didn’t gain much publicity. Corporations exploiting people and the environment are a dime a dozen.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Sadly I do think this is rife across many areas of consumer products. I'm sure this won't be the end with fragrance, just the tip of the iceberg given the number of natural resources required to make the range of fragrances on the market. Ironically the synthetics used by the affordable ME fragrance might be free of these issues, although I do not know about the manufacturing conditions. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@jofantioch]

Do you know of a company with ethically sourced notes?😊

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Err, in a word no. I really think some kind of fair trade certification is needed for fragrance production. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@rosacentifollia]

Important topic. I don't buy anything from Loreal corp.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you 🥰

[@kristabel71]

What if the the laws change but the laborer doesn't have anyone to look after her kids when she works? So many possible impacts for the workers.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I think we can think up any number of scenarios here. Same would go for someone working in the UK or in any other country. There are lots of issues around this, but I guess the bottom line is that the pickers need to be paid more. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@BINE.P]

Hello my friend, very nice video. I wish you a nice day...........👌👌

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you, you too 🥰

[@darlaspire2279]

This is such an informative video. I had no idea!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you ❤️

[@bernaw.3259]

Hello Claire, I saw the documentary it was very disturbing . Those children were so tired and they had to be woken up in the knight to pick the flower in the mud with no shoes. I would never support any of these brands. I don't buy perfumes and I try to support cruelty free brands.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes, I think it's probably not only these brands, it strikes me that if that much jasmine is produced in Egypt and that many children are involved, then it's likely to be other brands too, we just don't know. I buy mostly (nearly entirely) secondhand so I don't think I've given these brands any money in the last three years 🤞 thanks for watching 🥰

[@curvykie89]

Wow 😮 this is so sad to hear 😔

[@dr.claire.perfume]

It is! Thanks for watching 🥰

[@EauDeMichele]

Thank you for informing us 😊

[@dr.claire.perfume]

No worries, thanks for watching 🥰

[@christinekellyrose9435]

Laws policies and politicians are the problem, not the solution. When are people going of these countries going to decide enough is enough and push back. To accept this is to be complacent.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I guess they are in a difficult position because they just need money to eat and to live. If they don't do those jobs they might not have other opportunities. I think perhaps the conglomerates need to dictate to the factories how much the pickers are paid rather than leaving it up to the factories to decide what to pay, that might help ☺️ thanks for watching 🥰

[@christinekellyrose9435]

@dr.claire.perfume it was a very informative video. It's the "Hunger Games" . Once you sacrifice your children, you either push back or become a slave.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

@@christinekellyrose9435 thank you ❤️

[@DrIstoris]

It is hard to imagine that kind of greed... These multi billionaires getting richer every year and still... too greedy and evil to pay decent wages...

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I do think that they need to have better care over their supply chains, especially those at the bottom and what they are being paid. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@HulyaAksu-q6x]

Corporations will always look to their bottom line. It’s the nature of their business model. Governments and legislation is where change has to occur.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes I agree with you. And it's going to take cash and careful enforcement to ensure that no individuals suffer as a result of legislation. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@joshuarock4631]

These corporations need To use the Money to really hire people to investigate and donate to these families of victims

[@dr.claire.perfume]

The conglomerates need to ensure that fair wages are paid to the lowest part of the supply chain going forward, enough to allow families to not use children for labour. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@user-bg9ws7ys4k]

Yes, children do work all over the world and you don't even need to go outside of us or eu.....by boycotting the final product, which is a highway robbery in any case, you are depriving those children of income feeding their families. Please think about that first before passing judgement...but, go after the conglomerates and demand better wages and transparency of the workers conditions.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes I agree with you. The conglomerates need to look again at their supply chains and improve practices so that the factories do not control the pickers' pay and pay them the minimum possible. The conglomerates also need to ensure that children are not used as Egyptian laws clearly state that this is illegal. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@keysbmc94]

I don't find any of the above info re: the perfume industry and its supply chain surprising at all. Call me a pessimist, but imo, the answer to many, if not all questions is "money". Asked and answered.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

For sure, pursuit of profits, at all levels, is the root cause of this. The factories paying the pickers, the auditors, the fragrance manufacturers and the fragrance brands. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@vybz_39tv]

Really interesting information sister in need

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you 🥰

[@jurysdykcja]

I would be surprised if it was not like this. Am I cynical? If there is not much accountability in fashion, why would there be in fragrance.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

No, I get it, recent findings in Italian leather goods factories for a particular big brand has shown me the problems and pressures that exist even within the EU. I can't say I was surprised by this either. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@VictoriaNewis]

This absolutely appalling...poor kids.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

It is, and hardly anyone is talking about it sadly. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@adwoalovesfragrances5324]

The companies will not like you for this. Child labor cuts across a lot of industries unfortunately. Oftentimes under the glaring gaze of law enforcement. 😢

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes I think you are right. It's commonplace, it's just people in economically developed countries don't see it and happily buy these products. I was sad to realise that this problem is probably huge given the amount of jasmine grown in Egypt and the amount of naturals used in fragrance. But you're spot on, that's only the fragrance industry.

[@AMaudeThing]

Here😢

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Hey Maude! Hope you are well 😊

[@tdsollog]

Companies can and should do better.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I agree 💯 🥰

[@Benshafran]

This is a business crime that must be prosecuted and boycotted.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Do you see anyone mentioning it... It's crazy to me that it passed by with so little fuss. And you know what is terrifying? That this is standard practice in the jasmine harvest and a Egypt is a big supplier... Scale this up to other ingredients and you wonder how much this infiltrates the whole industry... Thanks for watching 🥰

[@lilmamiswatchme9568]

Unfortunately I do not find this surprising. I grew up in a similar industry in the US.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Me neither really. Were you in agriculture? 🥰

[@lilmamiswatchme9568]

@@dr.claire.perfumeStrawberries

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Aah yes! That's so labour intensive. My dad grew strawberries up until 1984, he needed lots of casual labour for the harvests and he picked the crop too with my mum. He's a farmer, but grows wheat now. It's much easier. 🥰

[@CatherineBriseboisCatWoods]

It's pretty horrible to think these companies make millions and yet contribute to children and people to work like slaves at the bottom of the fragrance making process.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes I agree that the disparity in retail prices and what pickers are actually paid is striking. 🥰

[@katekhara]

That's horrible. These super powerful greedy conglomerates do that 😮 Of course now they are suddenly aware 🙄

[@katekhara]

You did such a great job researching though, thank you!🩷

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes "suddenly" aware 😂 thank you 🥰

[@mdtalhaahmed1582]

I am against child labour, but I don't trust BBC .We extract oud oil and we work for 24 hours ...and childrens sometimes wake at nights and they come to sit near us and play... But it's necessary that childrens should work sometime , atlist they should be allowed the collect the last drop of oils or smell the oil etc..its necessary to learn so they donot regret in future ,also they should sometimes assist you planting trees.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes I can see it's good and useful for children to learn about a trade. My dad is a farmer and I used to with him on the farm all the time, but was I working? Did I have to? No, of course not. I was interested and he showed me things. But that isn't child labour, child labour is getting them up at 3am to go to work every night for 6 months of harvest. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@mariaradulovic3203]

Well, we didn't care about testing on animals and killing them for perfumes, so why would we care about children? They are all sentient beings. As long as poor Arabs breed children there will be children exploitation. I love jasmin. And I didn't impose existence on those children.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

You are right that consumers are often not aware of the issues but also lack concern a lot of the time even when they do know. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@andfragt]

👏👏👏👏

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you 🥰

[@williamblack4097]

No surprise, this is how capitalist operate. It's silly to try to get capitalist to the right thing. Capitalist are always going to do what is most profitable. If it's more profitable tp pay slave wages , then so be it. The problem is capitalism.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes I really hope that the industry sees that people are upset by this and make changes. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@monvici]

If I ever own those expensive fragrances I get them in second hand form. I won't pay full price. Ever. Another one is to buy synthetic dupes.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes 🙂 I also mainly buy secondhand. It's a fraction of full price most of the time. I'd say probably 70% of my collection is secondhand. 🥰