The retail store, which sells soaps, lotions, fragrances, and candles, often launches special lines for holidays such as Christmas.
The ‘Hot Cocoa and Cream’ scented candle, among others, continuously draws in customers.
Yet one of its wintertime offerings has promoted a less positive response online, leading to its removal and an apology.
The controversy centers around a candle featuring a snowflake cutout, which some customers and online commentators claim bears an unsettling resemblance to something hugely offensive.
In a formal statement, a Bath & Body Works spokesperson said (per The Independent): “We are committed to listening to our teams and customers and committed to fixing any mistakes we make – even those that are unintentional like this one.
“We apologize to anyone we’ve offended and are swiftly working to have this item removed and [are] evaluating our process [going] forward.”
The controversial candle features a snowflake design with pointed arms, each adorned with two circular cutouts.
Its white color and the specific shape of the cutouts have led some people to liken the imagery to the hoods worn by the KKK, a white supremacist group with a notorious history in the United States.
As the candlelight shines through the holes in the snowflake design, some say it further intensifies the visual similarity to KKK members standing before a fire.
Online users on platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) have pointed out the resemblance.
One person writes: “I’m pretty sure Bath & Body Works didn’t envision anything other than a snowflake. That being said, I can’t unsee the reason they have been pulled from shelves.”
Another adds: “Don’t be surprised if we do not see this one in store! Initially, I did not see it but now I can’t unsee it!”
“People claiming they can’t see it are gaslighting. It’s staring at you right in the face,” a third person says.
Somebody else points out: “Being offended is subjective. Just because you aren’t, doesn’t mean others’ feelings are invalid.”
This isn’t the first time Bath & Body Works has faced criticism for insensitivity.
In 2022, the retailer was criticized for its Black History Month collection, which featured Kente cloth designs on its packaging, leading to accusations of cultural appropriation.
At the time, Shyriaka ‘Shy’ Morris, an artist and founder of PEACE ARTS, told The Daytona Beach News-Journal: “This was a missed opportunity to push the culture forward, instead of capitalizing like most companies do off the Black dollar.”