Classic cosmetics BARWA

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BARWA, a company from Krakow, Poland, is a modern cosmetic manufacturer that prides itself on a long and rich tradition. It is particularly well known for its production of various types of soaps. Dariusz Balcerzyk reports.

BARWA was founded in 1949 as a soap manufacturer. In the 1960s the company expanded its product range to include shoe polish and floor paste, followed by the launch of hair dyes, tailors’ chalk, office mucilage, animal marking ink and its Pucyk cleaning paste. The last of these was the prototype for the Oli paste, which is still included in the product range today.

In 1977 BARWA’s product range was further broadened by special soaps in bars. Since then, it has manufactured many kinds of soaps suited to a wide range of customers. In total, the range included 11 kinds of soap, including sulphur, undecylenic (manufactured up to the present day), salicylic, ichthammol, calamus and hop as well as tar soaps.

The next stage of the company’s development was marked by the introduction of creams for hands and feet, shampoos and liquids for intimate hygiene. October 2000 saw its change of legal status from a Work Cooperative to a Limited Company. As of 2004, all soaps made by BARWA are manufactured on the basis of natural plant chips derived from palm oil. In 2007 the construction of the company’s new headquarters and production plant was completed.

In May 2014 the company updated one of its leading product lines, Barwa Siarkowa (BARWA Sulphuric), designed for oily and skin and acne. Not only did it introduce a new packaging design, it also began selling a new product – a prolonged-action moisturising cream created specifically for women. The year 2014 also saw the launch of the Pefect House line – so far the only Polish cosmetics line of household scents. In 2015, the Barwa Naturalna (BARWA Natural) and Barwa Ziołowa (BARWA Herbal) lines were given a facelift with a new packaging range. The company has also introduced a novelty hair conditioner in an aerosol spray.

BARWA began exporting its products in 2013 and they are now available throughout Europe and the Middle East. The products

intended for export markets may differ from those offered in Poland, since BARWA is able to adapt its portfolio to the needs of local markets and consumer preferences.

Combining modernity with tradition

Today BARWA is a modern company that is growing steadily, in terms of technological infrastructure, human resources and its machine park. Since its foundation, it has been guided by the philosophy of combining modern technology with a strong tradition in this sector. It uses the very best traditional recipes and ingredients, then combines them with the latest production technologies. To offer excellent quality, effective and safe products, BARWA constantly invests in its research and development laboratory, operating in accordance with ISO 9001:2008.

A significant part of BARWA’s production is focused on soap bars which are available in many variants, from the traditional grey, to special soaps profiled for the needs of the skin (sulphur undecylenic, zinc) and the cologne Premium series. The company relies on the natural composition of its products. Classic shampoos based on herbal extracts, nettle, chamomile, birch, black radish or horsetail are very popular with today’s consumers. There are also body care products, including: butter and high quality essential shower and bath products, and creams for hands and feet. For younger consumers there is BEBI series: flakes for washing and soap bars, shampoos and bubble baths in colorful packages and with different scents. BARWA Siarkowa (BARWA Sulphuric) is another hallmark of the brand. This range is based on colloidal bio-sulfur, which, in combination with other active ingredients, is the perfect solution for those struggling with acne. Growing online business

BARWA products are widely available throughout Poland, both through the traditional channels (supermarkets, drugstores and pharmacies) as well as online. The introduction of its online sales site was a very significant moment in the history of the. To meet the demands of its customers, in 2014 the company launched its modern and very intuitive online store (www.sklep.barwa.com.pl), through which its entire product portfolio is available. Since then it has seen its online sales increase month by month and there is every indication they will continue to do so. n

www.barwa.com.pl