Stiefel Laboratories, the manufacturer behind products like Physiogel and Stiprox, was once the world’s largest independent pharmaceutical company specializing in dermatology. Founded in Germany in 1847 by John David Stiefel, the company built a 165-year legacy of innovation in skin health.

In 2009, Stiefel Laboratories was acquired by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for approximately $2.9 billion. While the brands still carry the Stiefel name, they are now distributed by different entities depending on the region and specific product line.

Key Product Brands

Physiogel:
A skin care brand launched by Stiefel in 2000. It is designed for sensitive and dry skin, using BioMimetic technology to repair the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Stiprox (Stieprox):
An anti-dandruff shampoo line containing the active ingredient ciclopirox olamine to treat dandruff and itchy scalp.

Other Notable Brands:
Duac (acne), Oilatum (eczema/dry skin), Sarna (anti-itch), and Brevoxyl (acne).

Corporate Evolution and Current Ownership

Following the 2009 acquisition, the business operated as “Stiefel, a GSK company”. However, ownership of the brands you listed has recently shifted:

Physiogel Ownership:

Asia and North America:
In 2020, South Korea’s LG Household & Health Care acquired the rights to Physiogel in these regions for approximately $161 million.

Europe:
Rights were acquired by Klinge Pharma and Aristo Pharma.

South America:
Rights were acquired by Megalabs.

Global Consumer Healthcare Shift:
Many legacy Stiefel consumer products (like those listed in your query) are now managed under Haleon, the independent consumer health company spun off from GSK in 2022.

Historical Innovations

Stiefel is credited with several dermatological “firsts”:

1847:
Began by producing medicated soaps for skin conditions.

1948:
Developed the Oilatum family for atopic dermatitis.

1966:
Introduced the first benzoyl peroxide product for acne treatment.

1960s:
Launched Polytar, the first shampoo to combine multiple tars for therapeutic use.