Summary: If you’re hungrily awaiting Bath & Body Works’ 2024 Halloween launch and wondering whether legendary scents like Vampire Blood or Ghoul Friend are making a comeback, you’re not alone. This article unpacks what's been announced (and what's still under wraps), walks through the best strategies to catch releases (with examples, screenshots from actual forums and site listings), and shares tips based on both personal shopping experience and insider industry chatter. Along the way, I’ll explain how “verified trade” and release confirmation standards differ globally, even touching on how “scent launches” become little case studies in cross-border certification. Expect direct quotes, a dash of irreverence, and plenty of practical wisdom—plus, I’ll finish with a side-by-side trade standards comparison in case you’re as much of a regulatory nerd as a scent fiend.
Every summer, Bath & Body Works loyalists start speculating about which Halloween classics will pop up again, especially the cult favorites. I get it—scents like Vampire Blood (juicy berries, plum, night-blooming jasmine) or Ghoul Friend (strawberry, peony, citrus) practically define fall for a lot of us. Sound familiar? In 2023, I actually missed the first wave and was left scouring Reddit for restock alerts and reseller bargains (yes, it was mildly tragic). So getting the launch scoop can be the difference between snagging your favorites and paying double on eBay.
The process usually follows a script: Leaks in fan forums around July, cryptic hints from store associates (I’ve overheard more than my share at my local TENNESSEE location), and finally, late summer press releases or “sneaks” on the official Bath & Body Works app and direct emails. Sometimes things get...complicated; last year, several scents appeared in Canadian listings first before hitting U.S. floors, and people started posting side-by-side comparisons on Fragrantica.
Here's how to get ahead of almost everyone else—and yes, sometimes there’s a little “stock market” thrill.
Most years, the New Arrivals page goes live with Halloween goodies in late July or early August. But, word to the wise, sneak peeks often land in the app exclusives section a week or two before web listings.
Screenshot: Bath & Body Works app showing 2023's Vampire Blood sneak peek, posted by user “fallfiend” on r/bathandbodyworks (source: Reddit)
In my own experience, subscribing to their promotional emails and push notifications (and pouncing the moment one hits) is the surefire way to avoid “sold out” heartbreak. In 2022, I hesitated on the Wicked Vanilla Woods candle and then spent two weeks calling stores all over Nashville like a maniac.
Sometimes, the earliest leaks come from in-store employees or diehard fans poking around inventory systems. The r/bathandbodyworks subreddit lights up each July with photo leaks, SKU screenshots, and sometimes even international sneak peeks (Canada, UK, Singapore, etc.).
Screenshot: User “hallowqueenie” posts 2024 Halloween testers (alleged) early list, May 2024 (source: Reddit)
Pro tip: These leaks aren’t always 100% reliable ("Pumpkin Carving" was rumored in 2022—never appeared!), but patterns emerge when multiple users and locations confirm SKUs. If you’re ultra-committed, join their Discords or DM power users for scoop.
It turns out, Bath & Body Works releases sometimes land in international markets with slightly different names or formulations—all with varying certifications and trade standards. This is oddly similar to the way “verified trade” is regulated differently across countries (more on that in a minute).
For example, @bathandbodyworksuk on Instagram often previews items before U.S. accounts do, and I’ve learned to set keyword notifications on both Instagram and TikTok for fresh leaks (hashtag #BBW2024). Sniff around for retailer-specific exclusives: The UK version might be labeled "Vampire Elixir," for instance, but the notes are identical to Vampire Blood in North America.
Here’s where it gets unexpectedly nerdy (and, I promise, relevant). Internationally, what counts as an official launch (a “verified trade good”) can differ. In the world of fragrance, that means scents may be reformulated, relabeled, or released out-of-cycle due to local regulations and certification standards.
Take the U.S. definition (“Verified Trade Good”) per the CBP (Customs and Border Protection): any imported product must meet composition and labeling rules, confirmed via paperwork and product inspection. In contrast, the EU leans on their Rapid Alert System for Dangerous Non-Food Products (Safety Gate/RAPEX), where fragrance allergens and labeling are stricter.
| Country/Region | Standard Name | Legal Basis | Enforcement Body |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Verified Trade Good | 19 U.S.C. § 1484 [CBP Regulations] | Customs & Border Protection (CBP) |
| EU | Safety Gate / RAPEX | Directive 2001/95/EC (link) | European Commission / National Authorities |
| Japan | PSE Mark for Consumer Goods | Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law | Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) |
| Canada | Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act Certified | R.S.C., 1985, c. C-38 | Health Canada |
So, sometimes why “Ghoul Friend” might show up in Canada before the U.S. boils down to different trade verification practices and labeling review speeds—and why international versions may smell a shade different, legally.
Let’s go meta for a sec. In 2022, fans were flummoxed when Vampire Blood candles popped up on the Canadian Bath & Body Works site in July, but U.S. stores didn’t get them until August. A Reddit power-user (“CanuckSniffer”) actually called two Canadian stores, got verbal confirmation, and posted this helpful screenshot:
Source: Reddit - Canadian Vampire Blood 2022 Early Launch
Expert analysis (well, an associate who’s worked at BBW for 7 years, “Jess in Fragrance” on YouTube) points out that Canadian launches sometimes go faster due to simpler import checks, since most candles are poured in Canada for that market, so they bypass U.S. labeling waits.
Based on all user leaks, partial screenshots from the BBW inventory system, and “confirmations” posted as of mid-June 2024, here’s what’s near-certain:
But, no matter what any forum says, the only certainty comes when it’s officially listed on the Bath & Body Works site or app in your country—and, frustratingly, sometimes a beloved scent is region-locked or delayed because of those international certification hoops mentioned above.
“If you want a lock on which Halloween classics return, check the app in late July for test store listings, and don’t ignore what’s happening in Canada and the UK. With trade and labeling laws getting stricter, certain fragrances might reformulate or roll out differently, but flagship scents like Vampire Blood almost always return—the fanbase is too loyal to risk skipping.”
—“Jess in Fragrance”, Bath & Body Works retail expert (source: YouTube)
To wrap this up: All available, sourced evidence says Vampire Blood and Ghoul Friend are almost guaranteed to return for Halloween 2024, with new packaging and possibly minor regional tweaks. The best move is to set alerts for the app and website, stay active on fan forums, and don’t be afraid to call your local store for a heads-up if you’re a superfan. If you’re international, just know that packaging and scent composition tweaks may happen, owing to those quirky trade verification differences.
Personally, I’ve learned not to wait (procrastinators, beware!), because these classics always sell out fast—and your local staff probably loves some geeky anticipation banter, too. I still have “Vampire Blood” from 2020 as a backup, but you know it just hits different in a new jar.
Next up: If you want minute-to-minute updates, check the r/bathandbodyworks subreddit or the Bath & Body Works Discord. And if you’re a cross-border collector, keep an eye out for both the name and the label combos—sometimes the real Halloween thrill is in the chase.
Sources & Further Reading:
- Bath & Body Works Official Site: New Arrivals
- Canadian Trade Law: R.S.C., 1985, c. C-38 (Justice Laws Website)
- European Safety Gate / RAPEX: Safety Gate Portal
- U.S. CBP Regulations: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- r/bathandbodyworks: Reddit subreddit
- Jess in Fragrance on YouTube: Channel
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: