In this day and age, one no longer needs to characterize the global beauty industry by advancements in skincare and the latest trends on TikTok. Nowadays, customers are becoming increasingly demanding of businesses when it comes to their social, political, and moral stances, particularly when certain matters are sensitive, as seen with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The list of companies that can be included in the circle of beauty focus includes a famous skincare company with a Korean background as Glow Recipe, adored for its fruit-forward approach and blush-colored packaging. The rumors and social media posts about the position of Glow Recipe regarding Israel and Palestine have sparked discussions about whether the brand supports Israel or has an alternative tie; the discussion has been based on speculations that the company takes a side, in this case, a side against Palestine.
Consumer ethics is no longer a specialized subject. In reaction to global issues, consumers are using their buying power to promote or boycott brands depending on their perceived or actual political stance. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has generated far-reaching boycotts in many countries, even though it is considered one of the most severe conflicts that has prolonged human suffering.
Glow Recipe’s brand identity
Glow Recipe’s clientele is international, and, despite being a US-based company, its concepts and products are brought out of South Korea.
The important thing is to establish what actually is meant by the term support when applied to a consumer brand in order to determine whether Glow Recipe supports or does not support Israel. Characteristic definitions involve:
- Direct Financial Investment: Donations, partnerships, or trading arrangements made with Israeli companies or governmental entities.
- Official Political Statements: Official statements supporting Israeli policies or government actions.
- Presence in the Israeli market: Sales, exclusive introductions, or familiar partnerships in the Israeli market are all possible.
- Supply Chain or Sourcing Relationships: Manufacturing with Israeli firms or raw materials.
- Charitable Donations: In Israel, money is contributed to causes or organizations.
Also, a brand can be criticized because it is not condemning controversial government actions publicly or because it is perceived as an accomplice as a result of its passivity. There is a lot of rumor, speculation, and viral fake content that obscures the meaning of the word support.
Boycott and social media
Instagram and TikTok are the most popular social media platforms where consumers can spread awareness and act politically. Videos that contain millions of views sometimes add Glow Recipe to the lists of the company, presumably doing something to assist Israel, but they do not back up their claims with evidence or references. As a show of solidarity or protest, several beauty influencers and TikTok users create boycott lists. However, upon closer examination, it often becomes clear that these lists are crowdsourced, which can confuse firms that have little to do with the problem at hand. There are official lists of companies that the BDS movement claims are involved in occupation or the financing of violence against Palestinians. Typically, documented financial ties and tangible corporate actions serve as the basis for inclusion on these lists. Glow Recipe is not frequently listed on official boycott lists or BDS.
Does Glow Recipe officially support Israel?
A close study of press releases, public statements, and the official website of Glow Recipe shows that it does not take sides supporting Israel or Palestine. By the beginning of summer 2024, the business did not make any statements or comments on the war or the government actions of either, refusing to either support or condemn them.
Glow Recipe runs the program called Glow For Good, where it donates money to different causes such as mental health, women’s empowerment, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Their documented charitable emphasis does not mention or include Israeli or Palestinian organizations. Black mental health, AAPI (Asian American & Pacific Islander) community causes, Black trans rights, and other humanitarian needs have all benefited from donations, but the Middle East and associated political issues have not been mentioned.
Political statements
In 2024, the founders of Glow Recipe, or corporate teams, have not declared an attitude either on this or on that side of the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. Like the more generic apolitical approach of the company towards the split international issues, there have been no official messages and press releases on this topic, keeping silent and neutral. There had been no overt or covert political support for Israel or Palestine. The only indirect relationship the business has with Israel is through international shipping, which is a common e-commerce activity and is not regarded by the majority of advocacy groups as a political act or endorsement. The absence of Glow Recipe on the boycott or advocacy lists is also an indication that the charity activities of the company have not involved politically sensitive spots and/or concerns.
As a result of the worldwide K-beauty craze and consumer activism, Korean and Asian cosmetics companies have been put into the spotlight as well. Some, such as Glow Recipe, have opted to stay neutral and have not spoken out, whereas others will share a message of support to either Israel or Palestine. Although industry insiders and critics contend that many global corporations purposefully select apoliticism to avoid alienating anyone in their varied client base, consumers can interpret silence as complicity.
Consumer responsibility and ethical shopping
The best part of being a responsible consumer is that you know what impact your consumption habits have on the environment, society, and world economy. It promotes buying products that match its values and avoids products and companies that harm people, animals, and the planet, and supports those that have a positive impact. Ethical shopping is defined as the active choice of transacting with products and firms that maintain the principles of fair labor, environmental management, animal humane care, and supply chain transparency. It’s not only about what you buy; it’s also about how you buy, who you buy from, and how your choices affect the actual world.
What We Can—and Cannot—Know?
According to the latest information on the Internet, Glow Recipe has not officially announced its position regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The company has kept a loud mouth shut and has not taken sides in either of the two. The focus of the charitable activities that are conducted by Glow Recipe revolves around the issues of AAPI (Asian American & Pacific Islander) rights, diversity, equity, flesh, and women’s empowerment, as well as mental health. Claims about Glow Recipe making donations to the Palestinian or Israeli organizations or participating in campaigns or some projects concerning these countries, are not supported by any evidence. However, although Glow Recipe operates business distribution and sales to foreign countries, such as Israel, the use of this practice is part of the typical e-commerce activities of several companies.
Final Thoughts
Socially responsible shopping is a mind-blowing and personal activity, and very much relevant in the era of worldwide connectedness and viral outbreak. However, context, facts, and a readiness to go beyond hashtags and viral claims are necessary for educated activism. Since there is currently no hard proof that Glow Recipe officially or materially supports Israel, customers should carefully consider the information before deciding to boycott. Promoting greater openness and brand positioning is always beneficial for people who have strong feelings. However, Glow Recipe seems to maintain a neutral commercial stance in the absence of evidence, concentrating on global inclusivity and skin health rather than political strife.
