Child labour used to create fragrances

CHILD labour forms part of the supply chain for some of the world's biggest luxury perfume brands, according to a sickening investigation.

- Jan Disley

Jasmine provided for top beauty companies Lancome and Aerin Beauty was harvested by minors as young as five in Egypt last summer, it is claimed.

Lancome is owned by L'Oreal while Estee Lauder controls Aerin. Egypt produces around half of the world's supply of jasmine but the country's pickers claim they are being forced to employ their own children because the companies' squeezed budgets are cutting pay. The claims are made in BBC documentary Perfume's Dark Secret, which shows how oil from jasmine flowers is a key ingredient in scents.