The chances are, you’ve probably come across at least one of Kiehl’s products in your lifetime – whether that be the daily moisturiser currently sitting on your vanity desk or the serum that’s constantly being recommended by your friends.
And if you haven’t? That’s where we come in… Here at Cult Beauty, we believe everyone should have the pleasure of being introduced to the skin care specialist. So that’s exactly what we’re going to do! From uncovering everything you need to know about the brand’s history to the best Kiehl’s products to add to your basket, it’s time to get acquainted with your next beauty obsession…
WHAT IS KIEHL’S
Kiehl’s is more than just a skin, body and hair care brand; it’s a pioneer and leader too. Since opening its doors back in 1851, it’s been celebrated for its unique combinations of pharmaceutical, herbal and dermatologist expertise. Meeting the needs of its customers, Kiehl’s prides itself on sourcing high quality and scientifically advanced ingredients that respect, restore and revive our skin barrier. The result? A happy, hydrated and healthy-looking glow.
HISTORY OF KIEHL’S
Founded in 1851 as an old-world apothecary, Kiehl’s story began serving patrons homeopathic and herbal remedies at the corner of 13th Street and Third Avenue, New York. But it wasn’t until 1894, when pharmacist John Kiehl took over the apothecary and transformed it into Kiehl’s Pharmacy. After working alongside his apprentice – Mr Irving Morse – for many years, John decided to hand over the business to his esteemed colleague. It was at this moment Irving started to expand the pharmacy’s offering, serving his customers with everything from teas and herbs to the brand’s first ever product – the Original Musk Oil. And the rest is as they say, history.
WHAT IS KIEHL’S FAMOUS FOR
Even though Kiehl’s has been changing the face of the skin care industry for over 170 years, the brand doesn’t seem to be running out of steam anytime soon. With that in mind, we’ve picked out just some of the fun facts that’s made it the household name it is today…
- In 1922, Irving Morse made ‘try before you buy’ the brand’s unofficial motto. Why? Because he understood the power of personalised skin care services, along with the benefits of sampling. This concept was so successful, it remained Kiehl’s mantra for 95 years.
- Before it even became US law, Kiehl’s was one of the first companies to proudly display all its ingredients on its product labels, back in 1924. This was not only to inform its customers, but to help them confidently make purchases too.
- Continuing to put education at the forefront of beauty, the brand introduced its famed mascot – Mr Bones. Invented by Aaron Morse when he took over the company in the 1950s, the human skeleton was a way to encourage people to learn about their conditions and aliments. Today, you won’t find a Kiehl’s store without him!
- Proving its success and paying homage to its pharmaceutical accomplishments, by 1979 more than 103 Kiehl’s products and artefacts were introduced into the Smithsonian National Museum’s permanent collection of the Division of Medicine and Science.
- Celebrated for its scientifically-backed blends, Kiehl’s signature Dermatologist Solutions collection became a fan favourite in 2005. Developed in collaboration with an advisory panel of leading dermatologists, this range targets and tackles specific skin concerns and beauty woes.