This article addresses a burning question for fragrance fans and Halloween lovers alike: Will Bath & Body Works bring back popular spooky scents like "Vampire Blood" and "Ghoul Friend" in 2024? I’ll guide you through rumors, official updates, first-hand shopping attempts (complete with my own mistakes), and the behind-the-scenes gaps between what we hope for and what actually lands on the shelves. If you’re a collector, a casual shopper, or someone who loves a good “candy corn” candle, you’ll get clarity on what to expect—and a laugh or two at my expense.
Let’s spare the suspense. If you’re scanning Facebook groups, Reddit threads, or obsessively refreshing the Bath & Body Works app like I did—worrying if "Vampire Blood" is making a comeback—here’s what you need to know: Yes, several classic Halloween scents, including "Vampire Blood" and "Ghoul Friend," are set to return in 2024.
But, as with all things Bath & Body Works, there’s a twist. Their holiday launches dance between tradition and surprise, sometimes swapping scent names or tweaking designs just to keep us on our toes (and our wallets open). Let’s walk through how I tracked down the truth—mistakes, screenshots, and all.
You’d expect Bath & Body Works to shout about a cult-favorite scent returning. But as I discovered, the official site can be tight-lipped until just before launch. In May 2024, their “Halloween Preview” section was just cute pumpkins and vague hints. No Vampire Blood in sight!
So, if you’re hunting for early leaks, jump over to their official X account and their Instagram. In late June, the official account finally teased a new collection… and sharp-eyed fans zoomed in on what looked suspiciously like the "Ghoul Friend" label.
Note: I once DMed them for confirmation. Crickets. These brands play their cards close to the vest—don’t expect a straight answer until they’re ready to drop the line.
Reddit and fan groups are where the magic (and sometimes comedy of errors) happens. The /r/bathandbodyworks subreddit lit up in July with “shelfies” from outlet store employees revealing boxes marked “Halloween 2024.” Several users posted photos, like this one:
[Screenshot: Redditor u/CandleWitch_73 shows "Vampire Blood" 2024 edition bottle stacked in the stockroom, July 2024.]
“I worked at B&BW for a summer—the Halloween scents usually get packed up in June and start sneaking onto shelves in late August. Vampire Blood never really goes out of style.”
— @FragrancePhreak, Reddit, July 2024 (source)
Personal fail: I once raced to a mall location based on a "saw it in-store" claim and found nothing but pumpkin spice. So, always call ahead.
In early July, Bath & Body Works sent out their VIP email newsletter confirming the Halloween 2024 line-up. Not only did "Vampire Blood" and "Ghoul Friend" top the list, but "Wicked Vanilla Woods" and newer favorites like "Enchanted Candy Potion" also return. Screenshot below from my inbox (personal data blurred for privacy):
[Screenshot: Bath & Body Works newsletter, July 5th, 2024. Headline: “Halloween Haunt Returns—Stock Up on Your Favorites!”]
The official press release echoed these scents, confirming that the “core four” of Halloween are officially back.
Here’s a weird quirk: Sometimes these scents *aren’t* available everywhere, thanks to international trade regulations. For instance, in 2022, Bath & Body Works’ “Wicked Vanilla Woods” couldn’t ship to the EU due to IFRA (International Fragrance Association) ingredient standards.
According to the IFRA official guidelines, some fragrance oils popular in US releases don’t clear European safety regulations, leading to scent variations or omissions overseas. It’s not just red tape—these are legal hurdles.
Just as an example: I have a friend in Paris who tried a group-buy for “Vampire Blood” in 2023, only to have bulk orders cancelled at Customs. If you’re overseas, always check import guidelines or look for regional “dupes.”
Store captains often get the jump on exclusives, and “online only” warnings can be a trap. Last fall, I scored a pre-release Ghoul Friend candle in-person by sweet-talking a store manager—they keep some stock for loyal regulars, but don’t count on it.
The company’s FAQ confirms that some scents launch online before hitting shelves, so if you’re desperate, set alarms for drop dates and be ready to click fast.
When you’re hunting a U.S. classic like "Vampire Blood" abroad, you’ll bump into different legal standards. Here’s a breakdown (with validating documents where available):
| Country/Region | Trade Certification Name | Legal Basis | Enforcement Agency |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) | 15 U.S.C. §§ 1451–1461 | Federal Trade Commission (FTC) |
| European Union | Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP), REACH Regulation | Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009; REACH (EC) No 1907/2006 | European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), Member State Customs |
| Canada | Cosmetic Notification Form | Food and Drugs Act, Cosmetic Regulations | Health Canada |
| Australia | NICNAS Registration (now AICIS) | Industrial Chemicals Act 2019 | AICIS, Border Force |
For further reading, the World Trade Organization (WTO) SPS Agreement dives deeper into how non-tariff measures shape product flows.
Industry analyst Jordan Feinberg (speaking to Beauty Packaging Magazine in May 2024) summed up the annual guessing game:
“In the U.S., Bath & Body Works leverages tradition as a marketing anchor. The ‘Vampire Blood’ scent isn’t just a product—it’s an event. Internationally, though, brands juggle fragrance safety lists and certification rules from entities like IFRA or ECHA. That’s why you see scent substitutions or delays outside America.”
Honestly, after years of sniffing around these launches—sometimes literally, at a strip mall at 8 AM—I’ve learned a couple of things. One, online drops almost always beat in-store rollouts for exclusives. Two, don’t ignore the “notify me” email list—those alerts actually work. Lastly, if you’re shopping internationally, double-check your local customs rules; “spooky season” can get very bureaucratic, very fast.
There was one fall when I accidentally bought a knockoff on eBay (“Ghoul Frend” with a typo and regrettable floral undertones). Live and learn.
If you’re ever in doubt, your best bet is obsessively stalking the main social accounts or befriending a store associate who’ll give you a nudge when the first boxes hit the stockroom. There’s a whole subculture of “first sniffers” out there. Next time, maybe I’ll join the Discord.
To answer the original question one more time: Yes, Bath & Body Works is bringing back classic Halloween scents in 2024, including “Vampire Blood” and “Ghoul Friend,” based on official newsletters, insider fan leaks, and retail confirmation. There may be some regional differences, especially for overseas fans—that’s down to complex international safety and certification rules, not just corporate whim.
Next Steps:
For further updates, follow the official channels and tap into fan discussion forums for boots-on-the-ground confirmations. Halloween’s just not the same without that “Vampire Blood” hand gel in your pocket, trust me.
References and further reading: