Weleda responds to Nazi allegations: What is behind the accusations?

Schwäbisch Gmünd. The natural cosmetics company Weleda is facing allegations regarding its role during the Nazi era. According to a recent report in "Der Spiegel," the company had close ties to the SS, particularly through its cooperation with the Dachau concentration camp. There, Weleda allegedly supplied, among other things, a cream that was used for human testing.

The "Spiegel" article, which refers to a yet-to-be-published book by historian Anne Sudrow, claims that details of the company's history have not been sufficiently illuminated. Among other things, it discusses an antifreeze cream that SS doctor Sigmund Rascher allegedly used for his deadly experiments on prisoners at the Dachau concentration camp. Rascher, himself a Waldorf student and anthroposophist, allegedly used the product for his experiments on the effects of hypothermia.

In response to the allegations, Weleda issued a statement in which the company "strongly distances itself" from the atrocities of National Socialism. "Fascism, anti-Semitism, racism, or right-wing extremist ideology have no place with us," the statement reads. The company reiterates that "Never again" is an expression of its stance.

Weleda points out that it is aware of its historical responsibility and commissioned the Society for Corporate History (GUG) to prepare a report on the Nazi era in 2023, which was published in 2024. Other renowned historians such as Prof. Dr. Peter Selg, Matthias Mochner, and Susanne H. Gross have also been granted full access to the company archives for several years.

Despite previous attempts to address the issue, Weleda admits that it intends to investigate the new allegations in the "Spiegel" article after the publication of Anne Sudrow's book. "We will, of course, analyze this after the book is published," the company stated, emphasizing its desire for a "comprehensive review" of its own history.

Weleda, now a leading global manufacturer of natural cosmetics and anthroposophical medicines operating in over 50 countries, emphasizes its status as a "cosmopolitan company" that stands for tolerance, diversity, and humanity. Anthroposophical medicine encompasses not only the body but also the mind and soul. Weleda is headquartered in Basel, but also has a large branch in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Württemberg. Approximately 1,000 of Weleda's approximately 2,200 employees work here.