History

Our heritage is steeped in the rich and established tradition of fine English toiletries. Founded in London, England, we blend the rich tradition of English formulations with updated technologies and innovative processes, thereby setting the standard within the toiletries marketplace, worldwide.

• Our earliest forays into the luxury market began in 1975 with innovative and captivating home fragrance, candles and pot-pourri.
• In 1984 we were acquired by Potter & Moore, the oldest operating toiletry company in the world dating back to the 18th century.
• In the mid-1980s we launched our first toiletries collection for the country house hotel market in the United Kingdom.
• In 1989 we began distribution of our upscale hotel toiletries to properties in North America.
• In 1998 we were acquired by E&A Industries, a privately held company based in Indianapolis, Indiana (USA).
• In 2002 we acquired Essentiel Elements, a San Francisco-based company specialising in essential oil-based spa, hair and skin care products.
• In 2007 we were acquired by Swander Pace Capital (October), a leading private equity firm specializing in investments in growth-oriented, lower middle-market consumer products companies.

Today, Gilchrist & Soames is recognised as the premium brand within the luxury toiletries marketplace. Despite our growth, we have never forgotten that we pursue a traditional craft, and our passion for excellence is evident in every product we create.