does lush *still* use olive oil from israel??
They’ve got a watermelon soap but do they also source olive oil from Israel??? I’ve seen a lot of talk about Lush online, and whilst I know it all comes with good intentions, I thought it was time to set the record straight and clear up some out dated rumours.
For anyone engaging seriously with boycotts to support Palestine, it’s completely natural to scrutinise where your favourite brands source their ingredients – especially when it comes to olive oil, Dead Sea salts and dates. These ingredients are often tied to land, labour and occupation, so questions around ethics aren’t nit-picky – they’re necessary.
As someone who is firmly pro-Palestine and a long-time Lush customer, this was a question I needed a clear answer to.
Why Lush’s Olive Oil Sourcing Raised Questions
Historically, Lush sourced Fair Trade olive oil via Sindyanna of Galilee, a non-profit organisation describing itself as:
“A unique non-profit organization led by a team of Arab and Jewish women working to create social change from the ground up.”
This olive oil was most notably used in products like (the intentionally named) Olive Branch. At the time, this sourcing was positioned as supporting both Israeli and Palestinian farmers. In the early 2000s–2010s, this kind of “coexistence through trade” model was generally accepted by many ethical brands and NGOs. Though many still argued the impact risked softening or legitimising the occupation.
However, in the context of Israel’s ongoing genocide (as widely described by human rights organisations) against Palestinians – any commercial relationship connected to Israeli supply chains became deeply uncomfortable and unacceptable, regardless of original intentions.
The Big Question: Does Lush Still Source Olive Oil From Israel?
I raised this directly with Lush. They knew it mattered to me, and they kept me updated.
On 18 August 2025, I received this confirmation:
“Lush uses virgin and extra virgin olive across our product ranges, sourced from various suppliers in different countries. Due to discontinuations in our product range over the last 12 months, our olive oil requirements have changed and we are no longer purchasing Fair Trade Olive Oil from the Sindyanna of Galilee non-profit project. We will be working through the remaining stocks that we have on hand.”
In short: Lush has cut ties with Sindyanna of Galilee and no longer purchases olive oil from this supplier.
For those concerned about ongoing complicity, this is a significant and important change.
What Has Lush Actively Done for Palestine?
Beyond ingredient sourcing, Lush’s actions matter and this is where they stand out on the UK high street.
Fundraising through Watermelon Soap
- 2024: 100% of profits donated to mental health and trauma counselling services for children in Gaza and the West Bank.
- 2025: 75% of proceeds (minus tax) directed towards medical services, including organisations preparing to deliver prosthetic limb services for adults and children.
Public Protest
- On 3 September 2025, Lush closed all UK stores for a full day in protest of the starvation of Gaza.
- Store windows and their website displayed the message: “Stop Starving Gaza.”
This wasn’t subtle, quiet or risk-free, it was a clear act of protest.
Palestinian Sourcing You Can Support at Lush
If your priority is actively supporting Palestinian producers, Lush’s Olive Body Butter is made using virgin olive oil from Marda Permaculture Farm – a longstanding partner in the West Bank they’ve worked with since 2013.
This is direct Palestinian sourcing, not symbolic branding.
Made with virgin olive oil from Marda Permaculture Farm: a longstanding partner in Marda, West Bank that we’ve worked with since 2013. Marda Farm draws from more than 10 generations of Palestinian indigenous agricultural wisdom and traditions. Their work on the farm draws from regenerative farming methods such as agroecology, ecological design, sustainability and permaculture, as well as food sovereignty and land stewardship in the Marda community. Lush has been working with Marda Permaculture Farm since 2013, initially providing funding to support their work through the Sustainable Lush Fund and now buying virgin olive oil. – www.lush.co.uk
So… Should We Boycott Lush for Palestine?
Based on the evidence available:
- Lush no longer sources olive oil from Israel-linked suppliers
- They have fundraised significant sums for Palestinian mental health and medical aid
- They have taken visible political action on the UK high street
- They continue direct Palestinian sourcing through West Bank partners
I’d say they’re a pretty Pro-Palestine brand, one which I’m proud to support. You’d be hard challenged to find another high street store (other than Oxfam charity shops) that have given so much support both loudly and quietly.
If you found this post helpful, feel free to share it with anyone navigating ethical shopping or boycott decisions right now. Staying informed (and up to date) is one of the most powerful tools we have.
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