Once Upon a Time… just like in fairy tales… the Avgerinos Cosmetics story begins …
Athens in the ‘50s.
15-year-old Nikos sets up a small lab in a corner of the Avgerinos family house, where he spends countless hours. He enthusiastically experiments with all kinds of ingredients and produces creams and all kinds of products for the whole neighbourhood.
Nikos Avgerinos does not become a chemist in the end, but he does channel his passion to a new field of action. In 1964, he creates the first registered lab in Koropi for the production of plant-based cosmetics, licensed by the Ministry of Industry and approved by EOF (National Organization of Medicines). In the meantime, he succeeds in the exams at the Athens School of Pharmacy and in the coming years, he will be making some pocket money by selling creams he makes himself to friends, relatives and fellow students.
The Pharmacy-lab, an accident and a best-selling cream…
Nikos Avgerinos is now officially a pharmacist and he opens his Pharmacy in Koropi in 1973. He includes his lab in his new space, where he continues to passionately study, research, and look for new ingredients and materials that come from Nature. Having his pharmaceutical experience as a valuable ally, he produces innovative Galenic compositions, medicines, natural cosmetics and homeopathic medicines.
That is where Fucus, the famous cream for burns, is “born”, in June 1979, as the result of an accident. Christina, his younger daughter, got herself badly sun-burned. Nikos Avgerinos had to urgently produce something to soothe her. He chose beeswax, St John’s Wort Oil, natural plant and sea extracts and in just two days, Fucus – the name was derived from the sea weed Fucus Vesicolosus that is included in the ingredients- was ready! Its composition is proven miraculous and heals the skin that has been burnt, contributing to its faster regeneration, so it soon becomes the pharmacy’s best seller: A success still standing today.
Year after year, Nikos Avgerinos earns his clientele’s trust, and lots of people come to him for advice, appreciating his deep knowledge and all the work he’s put into natural, plant-based and homeopathic medicines. The fact that the products coming out of the N. Avgerinos pharmacy are natural and effective, helps raise demand, and more orders are coming in from all over Greece and the world.
A passion that finds its legacy, a vision that becomes reality.
By now Nikos Avgerinos is not alone in the lab. He is joined by his children, Christina and Thodoris. Christina is equally passionate for natural cosmetics. She will be either helping her father in their production, experiment with new formulas, or step behind the counter and promote the pharmacy products.
In 2000 she’s landed her Pharmacist’s degree, so now, Christina Avgerinou starts to officially produce her own soaps and body creams. With courage and determination, she builds the foundation for her personal entrepreneurial vision: To create a new generation of “sexy chic” natural beauty products. Products with scrumptious aromas and attractive packaging, that will be loved not only by their loyal customers but also by a younger target audience. Innovative formulas, always enriched with Nature’s ingredients, that offer not only visible results, but also a complete experience of care and pleasure. A real beauty ritual.
Christina’s vision becomes reality in October 2013 with the foundation of Avgerinos Cosmetics and the first presentation of the series of beauty products with the same name, for the face, body, bath and also a unique collection of perfumes.
Thanks to her expertise and know-how as a pharmacist, as well as the many years of experience in her labs, she transforms natural ingredients to cosmetic formulas of high quality and maximum efficiency, which boost the senses and ensure moments of bliss and vitality.
After two years of promoting her products to wholesalers, Christina takes the next step and in early 2015 she launces her first retail store in Chalandri. That same year she opens the company’s e-shop, allowing women and men from all over Greece and later on, from the world, to experience the extensive collection of Avgerinos Cosmetics. In 2018 two more stores are added in Nea Ionia and Kifissia, while in June of 2020, the chain acquires its fourth Avgerinos Cosmetics store in Syntagma Square, in the centre of Athens.
Today, Avgerinos Cosmetics has developed an extensive network of signature stores and beauty salons in Greece and abroad – her products are promoted in Spain, Cyprus, Holland, Portugal,
Italy and Belgium- while the brand participates in the biggest beauty and cosmetics exhibitions in Greece and Italy.
And the Story continues…