“Candles, soap, and dynamite?” That might sound like an odd shopping list today. But these were the main products of Nevskaya Kosmetika during the First World War.
Hello! Today, we are standing before Nevskaya Kosmetika. It is a famous Russian manufacturer of cosmetics and homecare products. Its history began in 1839 with a small candle factory. Emperor Nicholas I decreed the foundation of the “Saint Petersburg Society for the production of stearin candles.”
Partners bought a candle factory on the Neva River to start the project. The new company was named “Saint Petersburg Nevsky plant”. By 1843, its products had earned a “quality mark”. This mark was the image of the state emblem.
In 1857, Nevskaya Kosmetika was modernized. It got a steam engine, hydraulic presses and machines for weaving wicks. The factory also had gas lighting. In 1861, the company showed its products in London. A few years later, its “Nestor” soap won an award in Paris.
During World War I, the company supplied the army. It provided dynamite, Nestor soap and candles. During World War II, it made powders for mixtures, dynamite glycerine and soap. After the war, Nevskaya Kosmetika expanded. In the 1950s, it began making creams and toothpastes. In 1992, it became the joint-stock company “Nevskaya Cosmetics”.
Today, Nevskaya Kosmetika has production sites in three cities. These are Saint Petersburg, Angarsk and Vinnitsa. The company sells its products in Russia and other countries. “Nevskaya Kosmetika” was the first cosmetic enterprise in Russia. In January 2000, it received a certificate in the GOST R system. This confirmed that its quality management met ISO 9001 requirements.
Nevskaya Kosmetika strives for quality. It expands its range and introduces new technologies. From candles to cosmetics, it has a long and interesting history.
So, as you continue your tour of Saint Petersburg, remember the story of Nevskaya Kosmetika. It is a story of innovation, adaptation and commitment to quality. A company that started with candles now brings beauty and care to homes across Russia and beyond.