Having recently celebrated its 60-year anniversary of soap production in America, Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps continue their ongoing popularity in the country. Many factors help contribute to the success of the Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap line, among these being the widespread availability of the product. Such was not always the case.

While the history of Dr. Bronner’s soap making is rich and lengthy, the condensed version begins in 1948, the year of birth in America for the product(s). It was at this time that manufacture of the famous liquid peppermint soap began.

To call Dr. Emil Bronner a trendsetter might be an understatement. Political in nature, he became part of the Pershing Square hot bed of activism in the 1950's, lecturing and selling peppermint soap on the side. Realizing that people were more interested in his peppermint liquid soap than his lectures, he began producing soap bottles with his political and religious philosophies printed on the labels. The tradition continues to this day.

The soap soon began to enjoy a growing popularity among the younger counter-culture generation that included hippies, backpackers, and environmentalists. This was a group of people who realized the soap’s gentle nature could be used for many purposes other than bathing. Washing dishes, brushing teeth, pet baths, washing laundry, shampoo and mouthwash were, and remain today, many of its uses.

The label marketing scheme soon became connected to a real human being versus a corporate giant, fitting in perfectly to the anti-government movement of the 1960’s and early 70’s. Word-of-mouth advertising soon became an essential part of the marketing program.

With the growing popularity of health food stores in the early ’80’s, Dr. Bronners products found their niche. This naturally allowed the company to expand into mainstream America.

By the end of 2003, Dr. Bronner’s became certified under the USDA sponsored National Organic Program, making it the largest company in the personal care industry to be so awarded

With the 60th year anniversary, the 150th year celebration of five generations of soap making, and the acquisition (in 2005) of Sun Dog Hemp Bodycare, Dr. Bronner’s product line is extensive and still includes the great peppermint soap that started it all.

Today’s product line includes classic liquid and bar Castile soaps, organic lip balms, organic hand and body soaps, organic shave gels, organic lotions, organic hair conditioners and creme rinses, organic body balms, biodegradable Sal Suds, baby mild soaps, and an organic snack line.

In addition to an online and wholesale distribution program, Dr. Bronner’s products are widely available throughout the U.S. and an international audience demographics that includes Canada, England, Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Israel, Norway, The Netherlands, Switzerland, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan.

Dr. Bronner’s original concept of peppermint scented soap now complements an expanded product line, competing on the international stage, and fills another chapter in the great American success story.