Weleda has made again headlines for its role during the Nazi era. The natural cosmetics manufacturer is now responding with a detailed investigation.
Weleda, a cosmetics company based in Arlesheim, BL, initially responded with a statement to the new allegations regarding the company’s history during the Nazi era.
Use of forced labor
The German news magazine ‘Der Spiegel’ had quoted from an as-yet unpublished book by historian Anne Sudrow, according to which details of the company may have been hidden during the Nazi era.
The SS experimented with anthroposophical methods and means in the Dachau concentration camp – using forced labor.
After the book was published, Weleda initially said, somewhat hesitantly, that it would investigate the matter.
Company archives opened
As early as 2023, the manufacturer of natural cosmetics had commissioned the Society for Corporate History (GuG) to prepare a report, which was published in 2024.
The management of the herb garden in the Dachau concentration camp – which is now the focus of attention – was also discussed.
In addition, Weleda has actively granted renowned historians, such as Peter Selg, Matthias Mochner, and Susanne H. Gross, full access to its company archives for several years.
Minutes of the Board seen
Now, the company in question has again commissioned GuG to conduct an independent and comprehensive study on the company’s history during the Nazi era, as Weleda announced on Tuesday.
The report, completed in 2024, was not designed to examine all detailed aspects, it was said just a few days after the publication of ‘Der Spiegel’ story.
The new book also contains details about Weleda’s connections at that time that may not have been fully illuminated in previous research, explained the Weleda company, which had also granted historian Sudrow access to archival materials, including administrative board minutes from the Nazi era.
Trigema as a guide?
Weleda once again strongly condemned the atrocities of National Socialism.
‘Fascism, anti-Semitism, racism or right-wing extremist ideas have no place in the company,’ explained Weleda CEO Tina Müller, who is committed to a complete review of the company’s history.
Weleda expects to publish the new, comprehensive, GuG study once it is completed in early 2027.
muula.ch recently reported on how well the German family-run company Trigema, for example, managed to come to terms with its Nazi past.
10.09.2025/ena./kut.
