Why boycott Colgate?

Why Consumers Are Boycotting Colgate

In recent years, Colgate-Palmolive has come under fire for longstanding workplace practices that disadvantage female employees. NOW (the National Organization for Women), a leading advocate for gender equality, launched a call for a boycott of all Colgate-Palmolive products in response to what they describe as “fragrant discrimination” against women within the company.

While the term “fragrant discrimination” may sound unusual, it points to a deeper, systemic issue—unequal treatment in hiring, promotions, and pay, particularly in leadership roles. Despite public commitments to diversity, reports and internal audits have suggested persistent gender imbalances and a corporate culture slow to change. For many, this disconnect between image and reality has fueled growing frustration.

For decades, Colgate has marketed itself as a trusted household name, but NOW argues that trust shouldn't come at the cost of equity. The boycott urges consumers to reconsider their purchases, framing everyday choices as part of a broader social statement. When millions of people reach for a tube of toothpaste, the organization contends, they also have the power to demand accountability.

This isn’t the first time a major consumer brand has faced scrutiny over workplace ethics, but it highlights how modern activism blends purchasing power with principle. Social media has amplified the message, with hashtags and online campaigns urging supporters to #SkipThePaste and share alternatives.

Whether the boycott gains long-term traction remains to be seen, but it underscores a shift: consumers are increasingly attentive to the values behind the brands they buy. For Colgate, that means reputation may depend less on advertising and more on action.