Lush brings back Watermelon soap to aid amputees in Gaza

• Lush has relaunched its Watermelon soap, directing 75% of proceeds to support amputees in Gaza.
• The initiative has sparked calls for a boycott from pro-‘Israel’ groups, while many customers defended the campaign.

Lush Cosmetics has reintroduced its limited-edition Watermelon soap, a fundraising product aimed at supporting amputees in Gaza. The company has long been active in social causes, including opposition to animal cruelty and digital surveillance, and previously closed its UK stores in protest of ‘Israel’s’ actions in Gaza.

A fundraising product with a clear purpose

The Watermelon soap was first launched in July 2024 to help support children’s mental health in the war-torn region. In its latest run, 75% of proceeds will go toward medical support for amputees in Gaza. The vegan, packaging-free bar is available at Lush stores worldwide and online.

It is part of Lush’s broader line of “giving products,” which fund various global initiatives, such as legal support for human-rights lawyers in Mexico and treatment programs for children with cancer.

Backlash and support

Despite its humanitarian focus, the campaign faced criticism on social media, including boycott calls from the US chapter of the Zionist group Betar. Many commenters pushed back, questioning how aiding medical care for amputees could be viewed negatively.

UNICEF estimates from January showed Gaza had the highest number of child amputees per capita worldwide, with between 3,105 and 4,050 children undergoing amputations between October 2023 and January 2025 due to injuries linked to ‘Israel’s’ aggression against Gazans.

The toll rose further before the ceasefire reached on Oct. 9, 2025, which followed months of intense fighting that left tens of thousands of Palestinians dead. Despite the agreement, ‘Israel’ has continued conducting strikes in the region and left dozens of Palestinians killed.