One of the oldest homeopathic manufacturers in existence, Nelsons was founded in 1866 by Ernst Louis Armbrecht, a student of Samuel Hahnemann, the father of homeopathy. In addition to traditional homeopathic formulations, the London-based Nelsons brand also includes Bach Original Flower Remedies, 38 different flower extracts (such as the company’s best-selling Rescue Remedy) that target an individual’s mood or emotions.

Now Nelsons is expanding its reach. “As homeopathy is growing, we feel that it’s going beyond the confines of medicine and into general personal care,” says Curt Finckler, the company’s senior brand manager.

Enter Nelsons Pure and Clear Skin Care line. “It’s a full-system approach to acne care,” Finckler says. The topical line currently includes three steps: a facial wash, toner and blemish gel, plus portable cleansing wipes. The final step is an oral homeopathic sulphur remedy, commonly used for acne, blemishes and skin irritations.

“It’s a similar approach to what you see with a lot of [acne] skin care products,” Finckler says. “But we brought homeopathy to that traditional personal care approach.”

For retailers, “blending homeopathy with personal care provides incremental sales within both categories,” Finckler says, “as consumers are trying new products and modalities.”

Editors’ pick

Pure and Clear Skin Care Line
These topical products all contain classic homeopathic skin care treatments—including tea tree oil, arnica and calendula—that when combined, create the appropriate symptoms to induce healing. The products are also augmented with soothing and cleansing essential oils like lavender and grapefruit, and are made without parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate or PEGs. A sixth product, a homeopathic Pure and Clear moisturizer, will be available in late 2009.