Kiehl's
Rooted in a New York apothecary dating to 1851, Kiehl’s spans skincare and body care, with a musk fragrance heritage associated with its historic Love Oil.
United States
About Kiehl's
Kiehl’s traces its origins to an apothecary in New York’s East Village in 1851. From a shop that compounded herbs and medicines, it developed a range spanning skincare, body care and hair care. Musk fragrance also forms part of that history.
History
John Kiehl worked as an apprentice at the pharmacy on 13th Street and Third Avenue before later purchasing it. His apprentice Irving Morse subsequently took over, expanding the business into a full-service pharmacy stocking herbs, teas, tinctures and honey. Original Musk Oil was among the early products carrying the Kiehl’s name.
Philosophy & Signature Style
Personal consultation and samples that allow customers to try products before buying are longstanding traditions. The company also listed ingredients on its labels before US regulations required it. Mr. Bones, the teaching skeleton displayed in stores, began as a way to explain the body and health in the pharmacy and remains a recognisable part of the shop environment. These practices connect the present-day brand with its apothecary origins.
Iconic Fragrances
Original Musk eau de toilette moves from citrus and soft flowers into a warmer musk character. Its inspiration comes from the historic essence oil known by the nickname Love Oil. The fragrance line provides another way to encounter the brand’s history, alongside its better-known skincare and body products.
