Kao New Zealand Limited

Andrew Jergens Sr. and Charles H. Geifus found the Andrew Jergens Company in Cincinnati, OH. The first product is coconut soap, specially formulated to perform in hard water.

Jergens classic cherry-almond lotion, now known as Jergens Original Scent, becomes the best-selling hand lotion in America.

Hans Erich Dotter, 27-year-old businessman, founds Goldwell, building a company that focuses exclusively on hairdressers as business partners. Its first product is an innovative cold perm.

Goldwell creates a shampoo system that’s economical in terms of dispensing and professional in handling. Sprühgold, still the no. 1 salon hairspray in Germany, is also created.

Goldwell moves into the fast-growing permanent color category.

Caroline Burstein co-founds Molton Brown, blending haircare products by hand above a salon on London’s south Molton Street, Mayfair.

Biochemist Jamey Mazzotta uses his passion for creating innovative haircare products to establish KMS California in Redding, California.

Goldwell creates the first color lotion depot system for convenient and consistent results with 100% accuracy.

Molton Brown launches its first collection of body products, starting their love affair with exotically scented skin-conditioning body washes, body lotions, and bath oils.

KMS introduces Control, one of the first heat styling products on the market.

Molton Brown launches MB Men, a full skincare, haircare, fragrance, and shaving line-up.

Kao Corporation acquires Jergens, making them part of the Kao family.

The John Frieda Frizz Ease Hair Serum is launched and lands a spot in Allure’s Cosmetic Hall of Fame and is named InStyle’s Product of the Decade.

Kao acquires Goldwell, making them part of the Kao family.

KMS introduces FLATOUT, known today as THERMASHAPE Straightening Cream, the first professional non-chemical relaxer.

KMS introduces breakthrough product HAIRPLAY Molding Paste.

Kao launches Bioré in the US. Their Pore Deep Cleansing Nose Strip is introduced and becomes the top-selling skin care product.

Kao acquires the skin care brands Curél and Soft Sense from Bausch & Lomb Incorporated.

Kao acquires the Ban brand from Chattem, Inc.

Goldwell introduces its expert color range with a Kao patent, Elumen.

Kao acquires John Frieda Professional Hair Care, Inc.

Goldwell acquires KMS California.

Molton Brown launches its instantly-bestselling Black Peppercorn Body Wash.

Kao introduces Bioré Warming Deep Pore Cleanser, one of the first warming cleansers in the Mass category to mimic the spa at home.

Kao acquires Molton Brown, making it part of the Kao family.

Renowned hairstylist Oribe Canales, along with Daniel Kaner and Tevya Finger, create Oribe Hair Care. Their 20-product launch is featured in Vogue.

Molton Brown is named winner of Cosmetic Executive Women’s 'Best British Brand' award and is granted Royal Warrant for the supply of toiletries to the royal household.

Goldwell introduces Kerasilk, the first long-lasting and customizable Keratin treatment service with an additional home care program.

Jergens Natural Glow, a revolutionary daily moisturizer, is invented. It sells out during the first week of advertising and becomes the largest new product launch in the history of its category.

Kao launches John Frieda Go Blonder, a breakthrough product tailored to deliver what blonde hair desires most.

Oribe launches its Gold Lust Repair & Restore Collection and is named in Forbes’ list of Most Promising Companies in America.

Kao introduces Bioré Charcoal products to the marketplace. They become a top-selling innovation and reshape the Mass skincare category.

Kao launches two new Jergens products—Wet Skin Moisturizer and Natural Glow Instant Sun.

Oribe launches the Bright Blonde for Beautiful Color Collection.

Molton Brown wins awards for 'Best Men’s Grooming Product' for Post Shave Recovery Balm and 'Best Bath & Body Product' for Rhubarb & Rose Body Wash.

Oribe launches its Bodycare Collection.

Kao, with diversity and inclusion in mind, looked to various Historically Black Colleges and Universities for fresh, intuitive perspectives. Wakati (Swahili for “time”), a new hair care brand designed for people with natural hair textures was launched—a groundbreaking collaboration with Florida A&M University.

Kao adds Oribe to its family of brands. KMS introduces STYLE COLOR, the first temporary hair color allowing people to change their hair color like they change their clothes.

Kao launches John Frieda Violet Crush to help blondes neutralize stubborn brassy tones for cooler, brighter blonde. Kao launches Bioré Rose Quartz, one of the first products to promote self-love for your pores in the marketplace.

Oribe extends the Moisture & Control family with 4 new products specifically for textured hair.

Kao launches SOL by Jergens sunless tanning. Kao also launches MyKirei by Kao, the first new brand developed and launched specifically for the U.S. market that incorporates Kao’s unique film packaging technology, using significantly less plastic than traditional bottles.

Oribe launches Silverati collection for grey, silver, and white hair.

KMS launches Solid Shampoo Bars, bringing Kao Salon Division's increased commitment to sustainability to life.

Kao adds Bondi Sands to its family of brands. Kao launched re/cover, the first-of-its-kind, patented system for fast-acting and effective at-home eczema relief.

Oribe extends its Serene Scalp collection with the launch of its Oil Control collection. Goldwell rolls out Topchic Zero Climate Neutral Professional Hair Care Range.

Goldwell’s TopChic celebrates 50 years of leading the hair color industry with innovative technology. Goldwell relaunches StyleSign, now carbon neutral, vegan, cruelty-free, and in smarter packaging.