Our Story

Dr. Richard A. Eckstein and his wife Linde help shape the post-war German cosmetic industry by pioneering a new approach to the professional skin care market. Beginning with three products, they partner with estheticians to provide product and product training for better treatment results.

Innovation: Azulene products

As a natural scientist with profound expertise in natural medicine, Dr. Richard A. Eckstein establishes early concepts that guide the company to this day: Doctor Eckstein®combines a deep knowledge of both pharmaceutical and life sciences into skin care formulas that deliver what they promise and support the belief of ageless beauty. Doctor Eckstein®takes a revolutionary approach to skin care products through the innovative use of active ingredients. A product icon,Azulene Paste, helps establish the family name in the industry.

Innovation: Enzyme Peeling

Dr. Richard A. Eckstein, in addition to his industry changing innovations, is a prolific author. His published research further cements his reputation internationally. In 1957, he becomes the first German scientist in the industry to receive the prestigious Prix Cidesco for his pioneering contributions to the cosmetic industry.

Innovation: Ampoules

The connection between a person’s skin and their sense of well-being is increasingly understood. Individual beauty is influenced not only by a disciplined approach to skin care, but also by a sense of self. Dr. Richard Eckstein recognizes this early on and delves into it deeply during his time teaching philosophy at the University of Munich. During the late 60’s and early 70’s, he touches on topics including „Cosmetics – a Means of Self-fulfillment for Women“ and „Stages of Stress and Cosmetic Consequences “. The company focus on superior skin care remains front and center throughout these years. The concept of sun protection emerges in the industry at this time and Doctor Eckstein®is among the first to embrace it. (Picture: Dr. Verena Eckstein (ND) and her mom, Iris Eckstein.)

Innovation: Sun Protection

More than 20 years of published research on cosmetic care and expertise in skin care is captured in the book Biokosmetik – Aus Forschung und Praxis (Bio-cosmetics - Research and Practice), by Dr. Richard A. Eckstein. Four years in the making, this comprehensive „bible“ becomes a classic in the education of cosmetologists, and remains so to this day. Simultaneously to publication, Doctor Eckstein®introduces its newest innovation: collagen, a shining star in the ingredient universe of cosmetics. (Picture: Dr. R.A. Eckstein with his son, Dr. Gerd Eckstein.)

Innovation: Collagen

After completing his doctorate in the mid-seventies, Dr. Gerd Eckstein joins his parents’ business as head of development and production. He restructures the product line from an assortment of single items to a system of care based on ten skin conditions and tailorable to individual needs. As part of the restructuring, he adds a line for sensitive skin, introduces a men’s line, and adopts new technologies to address the influence of UV radiation on skin aging. Repair Complex is introduced at this time as the first product in theRepair Line. This is followed by hyaluronic acid, a groundbreaking new ingredient.

Innovation: Repair Complex CLR, Hyaluronic Acid

A skin care system, adaptable to individual needs, is only as good as the esthetician who applies it. For this reason, Dr. Gerd Eckstein and his wife Iris create a concept of training to ensure a high standard of care among skin care professionals. They then expand the training to all German speaking areas, while simultaneously introducing Doctor Eckstein®product to the U.S. market. It is at this time that the company introduces its first liposome products.

Innovation: Liposomes

As managing director of production, development and marketing, Dr. Gerd Eckstein, along with his wife Iris, introduce new branding that moves the company into the future while cementing its reputation for excellence established by his parents. In addition, Dr. Gerd Eckstein completes a major revision of the book Biokosmetik - Aus Forschung und Praxis and oversees the publication of its 7th edition. Research into new ingredients and products focuses on biomimetic peptides with integration in Doctor Eckstein’s innovative Repair series.

Innovation: Bio-mimetic Peptides, Serums (Active Concentrates)

Dr. Gerd Eckstein becomes owner and managing director of the company, bringing the next generation with him. Iris Eckstein joins him as managing director of Germany where she conceptualizes two new products and oversees their successful market launch. Inspired by her active life and love of nature, the products includeRich & Silky Body Butter and Active Concentrate Sun Shield SPF 50.

Innovation: Active Concentrate Sun Protection SPF 50 (2013)

Iris Eckstein and her daughter Dr. Verena Eckstein (ND) enter the social media spotlight with their„Timeless Beauty“ video, capturing the YouTube generation’s attention and providing an early glimpse of a new direction. For Verena Eckstein, who at this time was studying to earn her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, sustainability is crucial. For this reason, she introduces a highly resource-friendly approach to product development using active ingredients derived from plant stem cells.

Innovation: Plant Stem Cell Extracts

Our 4-10-100 Skin Solutions are the key to optimal care – for both consumers and professionals. Michael Eckstein and Dr. Verena Eckstein (ND) have been managing Doctor Eckstein® together with their mother, Iris Eckstein, since 2015 and are now presenting the product range in this new, easy-to-understand way. Dr. Verena Eckstein (ND) continues the long company tradition of sharing knowledge through her blog, fresh with insights from her university experience. One insight includes anthocyanins, a potent antioxidant ingredient, and Doctor Eckstein®  is among the first to adopt its use.

Innovation: Anthocyanins

Sustainability is for Michael, Verena and Iris Eckstein an important criterion in product development. Biomimetic procedures, through which biological processes and materials can be technically imitated, are particularly promising. Great potential is credited to these procedures, because they stand for the sustainable use of our natural resources. That is why Doctor Eckstein®was one of the first to use vegan spider silk as a pioneering active ingredient.

Innovation: Biomimetic Vegan Silk Protein