The original Kiehl’s apothecary first serves patrons at the corner of 13th Street and Third Avenue in New York City. After honing his trade as an ambitious apprentice, pharmacist John Kiehl purchases the apothecary. John Kiehl & Co. begins operations under “Kiehl Pharmacy.”

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.

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.

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, 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.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.