DISCOVER
OUR HISTORY
Old-World Apothecary Beginnings
The original Kiehl’s apothecary first serves patrons at the corner of 13th Street and Third Avenue in New York City.
Enter John Kiehl
After honing his trade as an ambitious apprentice, pharmacist John Kiehl purchases the apothecary. John Kiehl & Co. begins operations under “Kiehl Pharmacy.”
The First Kiehl’s Products
Mr. Irving Morse, John Kiehl’s apprentice, takes over the business and expands the offerings to a full-service pharmacy, stocking teas, herbs, tinctures, honeys, and the first-ever Kiehl brand products, including the Original Musk Oil, our signature scent.
Try Before You Buy
Irving Morse makes “Try Before You Buy” the pharmacy’s unofficial motto. This principle of personalized customer service, together with generous sampling, has remained a Kiehl’s tradition for more than 95 years.
Know Your Formulas
Kiehl’s becomes one of the first companies to proudly list ingredients on its product labels — even before the U.S. government mandated it — to help customers make more informed and confident purchasing decisions.
Aaron Morse Turns Up the Science
Aaron Morse, Irving’s son, takes over the family business. The accomplished chemist formulates an early form of penicillin and supplies the U.S. government with a special Aloe Vera cream for use on radiation burns.
Did You Know?
Mr. Bones, a life-size teaching skeleton, was first introduced by Mr. Morse to help customers learn about their conditions and ailments. As a tribute to our pharmaceutical beginnings, he is now an iconic fixture in each of our stores.
Classics In The Making
Kiehl’s Pharmacy begins introducing bold new products such as Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner, Blue Astringent Lotion (loved by Andy Warhol), Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1, and Ultra Facial Moisturizer — all still among our best sellers today.
Kiehl’s In The Archives
In recognition of our historic contributions as a pharmacy, more than 103 Kiehl’s products and artifacts are inducted into the permanent collection of the Division of Medicine and Science at the Smithsonian National Museum in Washington, D.C.
Everest-Bound With Kiehl’s
Kiehl’s sponsors the Everest ’88 Expedition as climbers scale Mount Everest — the first ascent of the mountain’s east face without supplemental oxygen — taking along several Kiehl’s products to support them on their heroic journey.
Did You Know?
Aaron Morse was a U.S. Air Corps pilot who would sometimes show up at the Kiehl’s store in full flight gear. In the late 1970s, he displayed his “Kiehl’s Squadron” of stunt planes in our New York City store.
An avid motorcyclist and vintage bike collector, he also featured his models in store for the enjoyment of his patrons. To this day, we proudly feature motorcycles in stores around the world to celebrate his spirit of adventure.
An avid motorcyclist and vintage bike collector, he also featured his models in store for the enjoyment of his patrons. To this day, we proudly feature motorcycles in stores around the world to celebrate his spirit of adventure.
Keeping It In The Family
Jami Morse Heidegger, Aaron’s daughter, takes over the family business, running it together with her husband, world-cup champion skier Klaus Heidegger.
Introducing Dermatologist SolutionsTM
Kiehl’s introduces Dermatologist SolutionsTM, a collection of advanced skincare formulated by Kiehl’s chemists (and developed in collaboration with an advisory panel of leading dermatologists) to address specific skin concerns.
Kiehl’s Gives Back
To celebrate 160 years of service in the community, Kiehl’s Gives launches to educate customers about our global charitable initiatives.
Let Us Change Your Skin
Our nature-inspired, scientifically-proven formulas are powerful yet safe and help improve overall skin quality for visibly healthier-looking skin. Experience our personalized consultation to discover the products that are right for you.
