4 minute read
Doctor Eckstein ® A Family Legacy in Skincare.
When we talk about heritage in skincare, few names carry the weight and tradition of Doctor Eckstein ® . This Germanborn brand has spent more than seven decades shaping the way we think about skin health, with a philosophy that beauty is never just surface deep. It is a reflection of well-being.
The Beginning
The story begins in 1949 when Dr Richard A. Eckstein and his wife Linde founded their company in the small town of Oberasbach, Germany. Post-war Europe was rebuilding itself, and Dr Eckstein recognised a simple but powerful truth. When people feel cared for, connected and healthy, it shows in their skin. With that guiding principle, he set out to create skincare that supported not just appearance, but overall well-being.
From the start, the Ecksteins combined nature with science, formulating products that balanced effectiveness with care. They launched with just three products, but the response was immediate. Estheticians embraced the brand, supported with training that helped them deliver better results for their clients. By 1957 Dr Eckstein’s contribution to the industry was recognised internationally, becoming the first German scientist to receive the prestigious PRIX CIDESCO award for excellence in cosmetics.
Building a Global Brand
As the company grew, the next generation stepped in. Dr Gerd Eckstein, son of the founders, shared his father’s belief in total beauty. After completing his doctorate in 1972, he drove the brand forward with energy and innovation, expanding internationally and introducing products ahead of their time.
Dr Gerd’s expertise in plant science and natural properties led to pioneering work in sensitive skin care, hyaluronic acid and biomimetic peptides. But it was not only about science. He had an instinct for design and marketing that revitalised the brand, ensuring it stayed modern while keeping its values intact. Under his leadership, Doctor Eckstein® became known globally for intelligent formulations, professional support and a quiet commitment to excellence.
A Legacy Continued
Before his passing in 2015, Dr Gerd ensured the business would remain in the care of his family. Today, Doctor Eckstein® is still independent and familyrun, with his wife, daughter and son leading the company. Dr Verena Eckstein, now the third generation to hold a doctorate in the family, continues to guide the brand’s philosophy. With her background in naturopathic medicine, she brings a holistic approach to skin health, ensuring the company remains true to its origins while continuing to innovate.
The Heart of the Brand
What makes Doctor Eckstein® stand apart is that it has never strayed from its original principles. The focus has always been on what skin truly needs rather than following fleeting trends. Many of their classics have remained bestsellers for decades, a reminder that genuine care and well-formulated products stand the test of time.
Every product is created from scratch. There are no premade bases and no shortcuts. Each formulation is carefully crafted, piece by piece. This commitment to detail is backed by a proactive Biotherapy Research and Development team who continue to refine existing formulas while developing new ones to provide the best possible care.
One of the most iconic products, LAVOLIND, tells this story perfectly. Introduced in 1951 and named after co-founder Linde Eckstein, this cleansing gel has been a favourite for generations. Loved for its fresh and uncomplicated results on oily and impure skin, it has been updated over the years to reflect new research and changing expectations. Today it remains as effective as ever, but gentler on the skin with a fragrance that feels modern yet timeless.
Reaching the World
From its small beginnings in Germany, Doctor Eckstein® has grown into a global name. Since arriving in Australia in 1972, the brand has built a loyal following among professionals and clients who appreciate its authenticity and results-driven formulas. Today the range spans more than 100 products, each designed to provide personalised solutions for different skin needs.
Across continents and generations, the Eckstein family has remained steadfast in their mission. To combine science, nature and heart in every product they create. Seventy-five years on, that mission feels as relevant as ever.
Doctor Eckstein® is more than a skincare line. It is a family legacy that proves when passion, knowledge and care are passed down through generations, the result is something truly timeless. And for Australian professionals who have trusted the brand since 1972, it remains a partner that continues to deliver confidence, care and results.
