The Controversial Story Of The Bath & Body Works 'Snowed In' Candle: Why It Was Pulled In 2024

The Bath & Body Works 'Snowed In' candle became the most talked-about, and quickly discontinued, item of the 2024 holiday season. This three-wick candle, initially a highly anticipated release in the brand's expansive winter collection, was abruptly pulled from shelves and the company's website shortly after its launch, sparking massive discussion across social media platforms and major news outlets. The reason for the sudden withdrawal was not due to a poor scent or low sales, but rather a significant and unexpected controversy surrounding its label design.

As of late 2024, the 'Snowed In' candle is a piece of fragrance history, a rare item that encapsulates a major brand misstep and a moment of intense social media scrutiny. This deep dive explores the polarizing design, the beloved scent that fans are now desperately trying to recreate, and the full timeline of events that led to the candle's immediate discontinuation.

The Snowed In Scandal: Why Bath & Body Works Pulled the Candle in 2024

The 'Snowed In' candle was launched as part of the broader Bath & Body Works Holiday 2024 collection, a lineup eagerly awaited by fragrance enthusiasts every year. The candle itself featured a wintery, festive aesthetic, complete with a decorative label designed to evoke the cozy feeling of being indoors during a heavy snowfall. The controversy, however, centered entirely on the graphic design of that label.

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Within days of the product hitting stores and the official website, social media users, particularly on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, began pointing out an alarming and unfortunate resemblance in the label's stylized snowflake imagery. Critics argued that the specific shape of the paper-cut-out-style snowflake, when viewed in context, bore a striking and offensive similarity to the pointed hoods and robes associated with the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), a white supremacist hate group.

The Social Media Outcry and Company Response

The backlash was swift and overwhelming. The conversation quickly escalated from a niche social media observation to a national news story, forcing the retailer to address the issue immediately. The public outcry highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity in product design, especially for a large, mainstream brand.

In response to the significant negative feedback and outrage, Bath & Body Works issued a formal apology. The company acknowledged the public's concerns regarding the label design and announced the immediate withdrawal of the 'Snowed In' three-wick candle from all retail channels, including physical stores and its online shop. This decisive action cemented the 'Snowed In' candle's place as one of the most controversial and shortest-lived seasonal releases in the brand's history.

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The Alluring Scent Profile of the Discontinued Candle

Despite the controversy surrounding the packaging, the actual fragrance of the 'Snowed In' candle received high praise from the limited number of customers who managed to purchase and burn it before the recall. It was described by some reviewers as the standout scent of its release wave, offering a unique, complex aroma that captured the essence of a tranquil, snowy day.

The official scent notes released by Bath & Body Works painted a picture of a fresh, clean, and slightly herbal winter fragrance. The notes were listed as:

• Lavender Leaves: Providing a calming, slightly floral, and clean herbaceous opening.
• Cool Eucalyptus: Injecting a crisp, invigorating, and menthol-like freshness that mimics cold winter air.
• Juniper Berries: Adding a woodsy, slightly piney, and resinous depth to ground the scent.

The overall impression was marketed as "a visit from snow days past—woodsy, fresh and creamy." Consumers who reviewed the candle often described it as a sophisticated, non-gourmand winter scent that was both relaxing and refreshing. It was a perfect blend of a clean, spa-like aroma with a subtle, woodsy foundation, making it an instant favorite for those who prefer fresh, nature-inspired holiday fragrances over traditional cinnamon or peppermint notes.

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Finding a 'Snowed In' Dupe: Alternatives for the Discontinued Scent

Given the candle's sudden and permanent discontinuation, the 'Snowed In' candle has become a highly sought-after collector's item, often selling for exorbitant prices on secondary markets like eBay. For fans who simply want to enjoy the unique scent profile—the blend of lavender, eucalyptus, and juniper—finding a suitable dupe or alternative is the only practical solution.

While an exact replica is difficult to find, the key to replicating the 'Snowed In' experience is to search for candles that combine fresh, herbal, and woodsy notes. Look for candles that feature the following topical entities:

1. Focus on Eucalyptus and Juniper Blends

The combination of cool eucalyptus and resinous juniper berries is what gave 'Snowed In' its distinctive "fresh snow" quality. Look for candles with names like "Winter Woods," "Balsam & Cedar," or "Iced Eucalyptus."

• White Barn/Bath & Body Works Alternatives: While not a perfect dupe, the classic Fresh Balsam or Eucalyptus Spearmint (from the Aromatherapy line) can offer a component of the 'Snowed In' experience. Layering the two scents might come close to the intended profile.
• Other Retailer Alternatives: Brands like Goose Creek, Aldi's Huntington Home line, and JCPenney's Distant Lands often release winter candles that aim to capture similar "fresh air" and woodsy notes, providing more affordable options for fans of the three-wick format.

2. The Role of Lavender Leaves

The inclusion of lavender leaves is a crucial element that separates 'Snowed In' from a typical pine or balsam candle. It introduces a creamy, soothing, and slightly powdery note. To capture this complexity, seek out candles that are described as "cozy," "cashmere," or "flannel" but still contain a fresh, outdoor element.

The essence of the 'Snowed In' candle—a beautiful, complex winter fragrance—is now forever intertwined with the unfortunate controversy of its label. It serves as a powerful case study for brand design and the immediate, far-reaching impact of social media in the modern retail landscape, solidifying its status as a notorious and highly collectible item from the Bath & Body Works Holiday 2024 season.