Ego Pharmaceuticals, proudly Australian-made and owned, has a rich history that began in 1953. Founded by the visionary chemist Gerald Oppenheim and his wife Rae, a dedicated nurse, Ego was born from a need to restore and maintain healthy skin. Their son, Alan Oppenheim is now the Managing Director of Ego Pharmaceuticals. Alan's wife, Dr. Jane Oppenheim, is the Scientific and Operations Director. Both Alan and Jane sit on the Board of Directors.
Watch to learn more about the history of our iconic Australian brand
In the laundry of their suburban Melbourne home, Gerald and Rae developed Ego's first product, Pine Tar Bath Solution, now known as Pinetarsol, which remains one of Australia’s most widely used inflammation treatments.
As a chemist, Gerald formulated Ego’s innovative skincare products while Rae, communicated their benefits to dermatologists across Australia. From the beginning they established Ego as innovators in the scientific development of dermatology products.
In the laundry of their suburban Melbourne home, Gerald and Rae developed Ego's first product, Pine Tar Bath Solution, now known as Pinetarsol, which remains one of Australia’s most widely used inflammation treatments.
As a chemist, Gerald formulated Ego’s innovative skincare products while Rae, communicated their benefits to dermatologists across Australia. From the beginning they established Ego as innovators in the scientific development of dermatology products.
Gerald’s father, Dr. Erwin Oppenheim, was a successful dermatologist, and emigrated with his family to Australia in 1939, when Gerald was 13 years old.
The name ‘Ego’ is an acronym for Erwin and Gerald Oppenheim.
In 1975, Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Hospital asked Gerald to develop a specialist bath oil for their dermatology patients, resulting in the creation of QV Bath Oil. Named in honor of the hospital, the QV brand has become synonymous with quality, science, and sensitive skin care.
Gerald’s father, Dr. Erwin Oppenheim, was a successful dermatologist, and emigrated with his family to Australia in 1939, when Gerald was 13 years old.
The name ‘Ego’ is an acronym for Erwin and Gerald Oppenheim.
In 1975, Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Hospital asked Gerald to develop a specialist bath oil for their dermatology patients, resulting in the creation of QV Bath Oil. Named in honor of the hospital, the QV brand has become synonymous with quality, science, and sensitive skin care.
After Gerald Oppenheim passed away in 1995, his legacy continued through his family. Alan Oppenheim now leads as Managing Director, and his wife, Dr. Jane Oppenheim, serves as the Scientific and Operations Director.
Today, Ego produces over 120 different products, including well-known brands such as QV Skincare, DermAid and Zatamil steroid creams, Aqium Hand Sanitiser, Resolve antifungals, and SunSense Sunscreen.
After Gerald Oppenheim passed away in 1995, his legacy continued through his family. Alan Oppenheim now leads as Managing Director, and his wife, Dr. Jane Oppenheim, serves as the Scientific and Operations Director.
Today, Ego produces over 120 different products, including well-known brands such as QV Skincare, DermAid and Zatamil steroid creams, Aqium Hand Sanitiser, Resolve antifungals, and SunSense Sunscreen.
Ego Pharmaceuticals remains a family-owned and operated business, with all products manufactured in their world-class plant in Melbourne, Australia.
Ego has grown to become a world leader in skincare, with its comprehensive range of products sold both in Australia and globally. Ego products are now exported across the globe, maintaining a strong presence in the international market.
Ego Pharmaceuticals remains a family-owned and operated business, with all products manufactured in their world-class plant in Melbourne, Australia.
Ego has grown to become a world leader in skincare, with its comprehensive range of products sold both in Australia and globally. Ego products are now exported across the globe, maintaining a strong presence in the international market.
