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Rochester Local

Support Local While Protecting Your Family’s Skin

{We’ve partnered with Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc to provide you with information regarding their local roots and their product line, Vanicream. Rochester MN Moms Blog partners with brands and organizations we know will benefit our readers, so we are thrilled to let you know about this organization.}

Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc |Rochester MN Moms Blog
Conrad and Ed-founders of Pharmaceutical Specialities, Inc-in 1975. (Photo courtesy of Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc)

As moms look to make purchasing decisions for their family, they are increasingly on the lookout for local, trustworthy companies that produce quality products at fair prices. We’re embracing local entrepreneurs over big corporations. And, recent consumer trends highlight a surge in momentum toward buying local, believing that a closer-to-home approach gives us a better chance of buying products that are as healthy as possible. The buy local phenomenon often focuses on food, but it doesn’t have to stop there. To that end, Rochester moms take note: we’ve got a local company in our midst that’s been producing high quality, family-friendly skin care products right here in town since 1975. That’s right!

 

Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc. is the company, although you likely know them from their primary brand name, Vanicream. And, you likely know Vanicream for their familiar blue and white bottles and tubes — all of which are filled with fragrance-free, good-for-the-skin products that were invented and continue to be produced right here in Rochester, MN. What you might not realize is that Pharmaceutical Specialties espoused a local entrepreneurial mindset with an eye toward effective products with minimal chemicals long before it was trendy to do so.

Vanicream Through the Years | Rochester MN Moms Blog
Vanicream Through the Years (Photo courtesy of Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc)

Just shy of 90 employees work at the Pharmaceutical Specialties facility, which is located in northwest Rochester. The facility houses their entire operation — research and development, microbiology, manufacturing, marketing, packaging and shipping are just some of the functions housed in the facility which has recently grown in size to keep pace with their company’s success. (To date, all Vanicream products are produced here in Rochester with one exception. The bar soap is produced by a partner due to the specialized equipment that’s needed.) While their footprint has grown several times in recent years, their philosophy hasn’t. For over 40 years the company has held true to its initial vision — create a skin care line that leaves out as many common chemical irritants as is possible. They take a “free of” approach to product development, saying “it’s not what we put in the products, it’s what we leave out that’s important,” says Brian Leary, CEO of Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc.

The company started locally, but now works with multiple independent distributors across the country. They’ve got multiple products that have national placements on the shelves of Target, Walgreens, Walmart and CVS. They started by producing products for people with sensitive skin — that’s where the “free of” approach was born. But a desire for fragrance-free products with minimal chemicals isn’t just the domain of those with sensitive skin or diagnosed dermatology conditions. Today, those tenants appeal to a broad swath of consumers, including moms who are looking for effective products for their kids. Whether you’re a mom of a child battling eczema, like our contributor Jessica or one who’s looking to conquer the dry skin that comes with Minnesota winters, chances are good there’s a product for you in the Vanicream mix. Here are a few others you may find useful:

  • Not only is the Robathol Bath Oil good for eczema, it’s also useful for conquering cradle cap. (Fun fact: the Robathol name was inspired by our fine city plus its intended use — Rochester bath oil.)
  • The Vanicream Diaper Rash Ointment is dye- and fragrance-free. It goes on easy, isn’t greasy or smelly, and works wonders on those sweet little bottoms.
  • The Vanicream Lite Lotion is the perfect weight for the non-winter months.
  • The Free & Clear Shampoo and Conditioner are good for both mom and kid, leaving your hair feeling clean and healthy without all of the chemicals found in other products.

 

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