Queen - caring for sensitive skin since 1927

The origins of Queen
In the early 1920s, three eminent British dermatologists - Dr RT Brain, Dr George Bray and Dr Archibald Gray - found many of their female patients were experiencing allergic reactions to face powders and other cosmetic products or were unable to find products that did not exacerbate existing skin problems and conditions. Themselves unable to find, and therefore recommend suitable products, the dermatologists decided to manufacture a gentle, safe and non-irritant range based on their own formulations and which they could be confident their clients could use.

Where it all began - Queen Square, London
The dermatologists employed the services of a pharmacist (whose pharmacy, Boutall's, overlooked Queen Square, just off London's Great Ormond Street) to make and sell the products and, in 1927, the Queen Cosmetics range was born. The products quickly gained a loyal following, particularly amongst the young, wealthy and fashionable women of London. New products were added to the range as customers demanded different products. There were some hiccups along the way. Skin Cream, one of the most popular Queen products today, was originally known as Skin Food but, after some years and having gained a large number of fans, the trading standards authorities of the day demanded its name be changed as people might actually think they could eat the product!

Word reaches the US
Word of the Queen range of hypo-allergenic products soon spread and the founders of what came to be a hugely well-known US cosmetics range visited Queen. Impressed by the philosophy of the company and the quality and effectiveness of the products, they took the formulations (in those days such things were not closely guarded!) back to the US where the idea of products for sensitive skin took off in a big way.

Today
For most of its life, Queen has relied on word of mouth to spread the word about the products as well as a small number of stockists such as specialist pharmacy John Bell & Croyden in London's Wigmore Street and we have always rather enjoyed being a 'well-kept secret'! The last few years, however, have seen the market for hi-tech (anti-ageing , anti-wrinkle, anti-cellulite..the list goes on) explode at the same time that so-called natural or organic products have emerged. We have found that not only are the needs of sensitive skins being ignored with many larger brands abandoning their sensitive-skin roots but also that consumers are becoming more and more confused about what they need.

This is why we have decided to emerge from our shell and tell you about Queen and our fabulous products for sensitive skin. We would love you to become part of the Queen story today.