Who we are and what moves us
The Retterspitz brand has been present in pharmacies across Germany for more than 120 years. A history as long as ours contains a lot of exciting tales. Learn everything about the company and the Retterspitz brand, get better acquainted with us and our philosophy and get to know the family that currently represents Retterspitz in its fourth generation.
Philosophy
Devoted to your health for more than 120 years
Like the previous generations, we still believe today in the effectiveness and tolerability of pure essential oils, components of medicinal plants such as thymol and traditional healing techniques. At the beginning of our company history, for example, wraps were often the only therapy available for a large number of complaints.
Today, in addition to our classic treatments, the liquid for external use "Retterspitz Äußerlich" and the liquid for oral use "Retterspitz Innerlich", we offer anti-ageing care, body care and wellness products. We combine traditional healing expertise that meets modern standards with the latest scientific research. The effectiveness and tolerability of allergen-free natural substances and tried-and-tested excipients are of the utmost importance for us when it comes to healing, caring and wellbeing.
History
Retterspitz – a family company unites the traditional and the modern
When she became a widow at the age of 33, she began producing the remedy herself and even organised for it to be sold. Around 1895, she and her new husband, Friedrich Retterspitz, began producing the healing remedy in Würzburg. In 1901 the remedy was registered as a trademark under the name “Universal-Heilwickel-Bäder von Margarete Retterspitz” (Margarete Retterspitz’s universal curative wrap and soak). Margarete Retterspitz left her home in Fürth and moved to the Swiss canton of Appenzell, where she ran a Retterspitz sanatorium until her death in 1905.
The healing remedy was no longer available in Germany once Margarete Retterspitz moved away, and so pharmacist Hans Scheck purchased the formula from her having first experimented with the remedy to cure his own persistent stomach complaints. This was a key experience for him, because his stomach was restored to its normal condition in no time at all. He sold his pharmacy and founded a company for the production of “Retterspitzwasser für äußerliche Heilanwendungen” (Retterspitz water for external healing treatments) in Nuremberg in 1902.
By 1920, production of the liquid for oral use "Retterspitz Innerlich" had begun. Following his father’s death in 1935, Hermann Scheck took over operations and expanded the company considerably. The manufacturing facilities in Nuremberg were destroyed in the war, and so production was moved to Behringersdorf.
From 1966, Dr Gerhard Valet, a doctor of medicine and grandson of the company’s founder, expanded the product range by adding remedies and cosmetic care products. He developed the itching-relieving gel "Retterspitz Vitamin Gelee", cosmetic and care products, the massage oil "Retterspitz Massage Öl" and the sauna infusion "Retterspitz Sauna Essenz", among other things. The principles of effectiveness and tolerability that applied in those days are equally valid today.
Now the company is run by Dr Valet’s two sons who represent the fourth generation of family management and can look back on more than 120 successful years of company history.
Interview
The Managing Directors tell the story of Retterspitz
Retterspitz is often referred to as the “family companion” that is indispensable in every home medicine cabinet.
Yes, a lot of people have known the Retterspitz brand since childhood. Some even remember their grandmother having Retterspitz products in her medicine cabinet. So they trust these tried-and-tested remedies their whole life.
An example of this is the liquid for oral use "Retterspitz Innerlich", which has been on the market since 1920 and helps with heartburn, feelings of fullness and flatulence. Retterspitz also offers products that gently and effectively treat coughs, colds and small everyday injuries.
What do you value more – tradition or innovation?
Retterspitz is a popular brand with high emotional value attached to it. Our customers trust the traditionally proven products.
But, of course, we are a forward-thinking company that also develops new products. Examples of our many product innovations include the hydro gel "Retterspitz Hydrogel" from our medical cosmetics line and the roll-on muscle treatment "Retterspitz Muskelroller", which is great for treating sports-induced injuries. So both our tradition and our innovations are what drive us.
“Healing, caring and wellbeing” – what’s behind this claim?
These three words get right to the heart of the matter. Our customers are looking for healing remedies and a feeling of wellbeing. The liquid for external use "Retterspitz Äußerlich" was our very first product. Retterspitz’s “original treatment”, the unique wraps "Retterspitz Wickel", provides the patient with rapid relief without any harmful side effects. And at the same time, Retterspitz Wickel promote a feeling of wellbeing. It’s something everyone should experience at least once. We also offer special wellbeing products, such as our massage oil "Retterspitz Massage Öl" and the sauna infusion "Retterspitz Sauna Essenz". When it comes to care products, our customers will find a wide range of facial and body care products.
Florian Valet, Inhaber und Geschäftsführer,
Leiter der Entwicklung
Viele Kunden vertrauen auf die Wirksamkeit und Verträglichkeit von Retterspitz. Wie stellen Sie sicher, dass dieses Vertrauen auch in Zukunft gerechtfertigt ist? Die gleichbleibend hohe Qualität der Rohstoffe ist ein wichtiges Kriterium. Hinzu kommt, dass wir nach dem Produktionsstandard für Heilmittel produzieren. Dazu zählen besondere Hygienemaßnahmen beim Personal, den Herstellungsräumen und den Herstellungsprozessen bis hin zur dokumentierten Reinigung der Räume und Anlagen. Unsere qualifizierten, kompetenten und langjährigen Mitarbeiter sind mit der Arzneimittelherstellung bestens vertraut und werden mehrmals jährlich geschult. Die Einhaltung der geltenden Normen und Gesetze wird von externen Auditoren jährlich überprüft. Retterspitz produziert nach GMP, nach den Normen der Medizinprodukterichtlinien und nach der GMP Kosmetikverordnung.
Diese Voraussetzungen führen zu einer gleichbleibend besten Qualität und Verträglichkeit der Produkte.
Sie leiten den Entwicklungsbereich von Retterspitz. Arbeiten Sie auch an neuen Produktideen?
Selbstverständlich gibt es ständig neue Produktideen oder Weiterentwicklungen wie zum Beispiel neue Verpackungs- oder Anwendungsformen. Bei Entstehung einer Produktidee ist uns Innovation genauso wichtig wie die Beachtung der Tradition und der Philosophie unseres Familienunternehmens. Es vergeht dann nicht viel Zeit, bis ich ein erstes Muster in meinem Entwicklungslabor produziert habe. Mein Bruder und ich testen das neue Produkt erst an uns selbst, und man kann sagen, dass wir selbst unsere kritischsten Kunden sind.
Erst wenn das Produkt unseren Anforderungen entspricht, durchläuft es bis zur Marktreife eine etwa zweijährige Testphase mit klinischen Verträglichkeitstests, Anwendungsbeobachtungen, Sicherheitsbewertungen und Stabilitätstests.
Ein langer Weg und viel Arbeit, bis aus einer Idee ein fertiges und marktreifes Produkt entstanden ist. Es ist für mich ein besonderes Privileg, diesen Entstehungsprozess begleiten und leiten zu dürfen.
Production
Consistent top quality
Retterspitz produces in accordance with the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) quality management system for medical products and the GMP for care products, which encompass the comprehensive quality assurance guidelines for production processes and the production environment. In Behringersdorf, nine full-time employees are responsible for quality control and quality management alone.
The statutory standards for the manufacture of medical products also apply and are verified annually by external auditors. Wherever possible, the raw materials for all products are procured in pharmacopoeia quality. This ensures consistent top quality and tolerability for all products, whether they are medical products such as the bronchial cream "Retterspitz Bronchial" or natural cosmetics such as the hand cream "Retterspitz Handcreme".
Flagship store
A store becomes an experience
Retterspitz opens its first ever flagship store in Augustinerhof, Nuremberg. The two owners and Managing Directors Markus & Florian Valet see this as a step towards the future, getting closer to customers and being approachable and neighbourly.
It is the combination of tradition and modernity, of the past and the present, that gives the Retterspitz brand its appeal. It’s about the magic of the moment, taking a bit of time for yourself, caring for yourself, being good to yourself, being in the here and now.
Over the 120 years of its history, Retterspitz has been continually and carefully developed. Without haste. And with an even stronger focus on tried-and-tested traditional ingredients, regionality and the home. Today, it offers an extensive portfolio ranging from products for the home medicine cabinet to cosmetics to home fragrances. In the flagship store, customers can experience the world of Retterspitz with all of their senses.
Healing, caring and wellbeing: for more than 120 years now, Retterspitz has concerned itself with these three important areas of life. Our history stretches back to the end of the nineteenth century, with Margarete Retterspitz and her healing water. Retterspitz has been a family-run company since the very beginning, and is currently managed by the fourth generation.
THE HISTORY OF THE BRAND AND THE COMPANY
The beginnings of Retterspitz can be traced back to one confident and enthusiastic woman: Margarete Riegel, born 1851, whose husband Georg Weber gave her a beauty treatment formula created by a doctor. Fascinated, this young woman recognised this formula’s wide range of uses. She used it as a beauty treatment, to care for her skin and even to treat illnesses.
Around 70 people work for Retterspitz in Behringersdorf, just outside Nuremberg. Here, the development lab, production facility, quality control and management can all be found on one site. Retterspitz is a family company now run by the fourth generation, and the harmony of this family influences the entire company. Their sustainable approach to creation and love for the products produces a special kind of energy that reaches our customers all the way from Nuremberg. In every single bottle or tube.
Once a home remedy used by grandmothers. Now a coveted pharmacy brand for natural healing, caring and wellbeing. Retterspitz opened its first flagship store in Nuremberg on 1 July 2021.
Markus Valet, co-owner, Managing Director and
Head of Administration
Florian Valet, co-owner, Managing Director and
Head of Development
Im Gespräch
Ein Interview mit den Geschäftsführern
Markus Valet, Inhaber und Geschäftsführer,
Diplomkaufmann
Retterspitz wird oft als „Der Begleiter der Familie“ bezeichnet, der in keiner Hausapotheke fehlen sollte.
Ja, viele Menschen kennen die Marke Retterspitz seit ihrer Kindheit.Manch einer erinnert sich daran, dass bereits die Großmutter Retterspitz Produkte in ihrer Hausapotheke vorrätig hatte. Dann vertraut man diesen altbewährten Heilmitteln ein Leben lang.
Retterspitz Innerlich ist ein solches Produkt, das seit 1920 auf dem Markt ist und bei Magenbeschwerden wie Sodbrennen, Völlegefühl und Blähungen hilft. Auch für die schonende und effektive Behandlung von Erkältungen und alltäglichen kleinen Verletzungen gibt es Retterspitz Produkte.
Worauf legen Sie mehr Wert – auf Tradition oder auf Innovation?
Retterspitz ist eine bekannte Marke mit einem hohen emotionalen Wert. Unsere Kunden vertrauen den traditionell bewährten Produkten.
Aber wir sind natürlich ein fortschrittliches Unternehmen, das auch neue Produkte entwickelt. Stellvertretend für mehrere Produktinnovationen nenne ich hier Retterspitz Hydrogel aus unserer Medizinischen Kosmetikserie und Retterspitz Muskelroller, der gerne bei Sportverletzungen angewendet wird. So sind sowohl unsere Tradition als auch unsere Innovationen treibende Kräfte in unserem Tun.
„Heilen, Pflegen, Wohlfühlen“– was steckt dahinter?
Diese drei Begriffe bringen es auf den Punkt. Unseren Kunden geht es um die heilende Wirkung ebenso wie um den Wohlfühlfaktor. Retterspitz Äußerlich war unser allererstes Produkt. Die „Uranwendung“ von Retterspitz, der einzigartige Retterspitz Wickel, verschafft dem Patienten rasch Linderung ohne schädigende Nebenwirkungen. Und gleichzeitig fühlt der Patient sich in einem Retterspitz Wickel sehr wohl. Das muss jeder einmal erlebt haben. Wir bieten aber auch ausgesprochene Wohlfühlprodukte an, wie ein Massage Öl oder die Sauna Essenz. Im Pflegebereich finden unsere Kunden eine breite Palette an Gesichts- und Körperpflegeprodukten.
A lot of customers trust the effectiveness and tolerability of Retterspitz products. How will you ensure that this trust will continue to be well placed in future?
The consistently high quality of the raw materials is an important criterion. Another is that we produce everything in accordance with the production standards for medicine manufacture. This includes special hygiene measures for our employees, production areas and production processes, extending to the documented cleaning of the areas and equipment. Our qualified, skilled and long-serving employees are very familiar with the production of pharmaceuticals and have undergone years of training. Compliance with applicable standards and laws is assessed annually by external auditors. Retterspitz manufactures its products in accordance with GMP, the standards outlined in the medical device directives and the GMP for cosmetics.
These requirements ensure that the products are all well-tolerated and of consistently high quality.
You’re Head of Development at Retterspitz. Are you working on any new product ideas?
Of course, there are always new product ideas or enhancements, such as new types of packaging or applications. When creating a product idea, innovation is just as important to us as observing the tradition and philosophy of our family company. Then it’s not long until I’ve produced the first sample in my development lab. My brother and I first test the product on ourselves, and you could definitely say that we are our own harshest critics.
If the product meets our requirements, it will be put through a two-year testing phase including clinical tolerability tests, clinical observations, safety assessments and stability tests before it is ready for market.
Turning an idea into a finished, market-ready product is a long journey that takes a lot of work. For me, it is a particular privilege to be able to support and lead the development process.
Who we are and what moves us
The Retterspitz brand has been present in pharmacies across Germany for more than 120 years. A history as long as ours contains a lot of exciting tales. Learn everything about the company and the Retterspitz brand, get better acquainted with us and our philosophy and get to know the family that currently represents Retterspitz in its fourth generation.
Philosophy
Devoted to your health for more than 120 years
Like the previous generations, we still believe today in the effectiveness and tolerability of pure essential oils, components of medicinal plants such as thymol and traditional healing techniques. At the beginning of our company history, for example, wraps were often the only therapy available for a large number of complaints.
Today, in addition to our classic treatments, the liquid for external use "Retterspitz Äußerlich" and the liquid for oral use "Retterspitz Innerlich", we offer anti-ageing care, body care and wellness products. We combine traditional healing expertise that meets modern standards with the latest scientific research. The effectiveness and tolerability of allergen-free natural substances and tried-and-tested excipients are of the utmost importance for us when it comes to healing, caring and wellbeing.
History
Retterspitz – a family company unites the traditional and the modern
When she became a widow at the age of 33, she began producing the remedy herself and even organised for it to be sold. Around 1895, she and her new husband, Friedrich Retterspitz, began producing the healing remedy in Würzburg. In 1901 the remedy was registered as a trademark under the name “Universal-Heilwickel-Bäder von Margarete Retterspitz” (Margarete Retterspitz’s universal curative wrap and soak). Margarete Retterspitz left her home in Fürth and moved to the Swiss canton of Appenzell, where she ran a Retterspitz sanatorium until her death in 1905.
The healing remedy was no longer available in Germany once Margarete Retterspitz moved away, and so pharmacist Hans Scheck purchased the formula from her having first experimented with the remedy to cure his own persistent stomach complaints. This was a key experience for him, because his stomach was restored to its normal condition in no time at all. He sold his pharmacy and founded a company for the production of “Retterspitzwasser für äußerliche Heilanwendungen” (Retterspitz water for external healing treatments) in Nuremberg in 1902.
By 1920, production of the liquid for oral use "Retterspitz Innerlich" had begun. Following his father’s death in 1935, Hermann Scheck took over operations and expanded the company considerably. The manufacturing facilities in Nuremberg were destroyed in the war, and so production was moved to Behringersdorf.
From 1966, Dr Gerhard Valet, a doctor of medicine and grandson of the company’s founder, expanded the product range by adding remedies and cosmetic care products. He developed the itching-relieving gel "Retterspitz Vitamin Gelee", cosmetic and care products, the massage oil "Retterspitz Massage Öl" and the sauna infusion "Retterspitz Sauna Essenz", among other things. The principles of effectiveness and tolerability that applied in those days are equally valid today.
Now the company is run by Dr Valet’s two sons who represent the fourth generation of family management and can look back on more than 120 successful years of company history.
Interview
The Managing Directors tell the story of Retterspitz
Retterspitz is often referred to as the “family companion” that is indispensable in every home medicine cabinet.
Yes, a lot of people have known the Retterspitz brand since childhood. Some even remember their grandmother having Retterspitz products in her medicine cabinet. So they trust these tried-and-tested remedies their whole life.
An example of this is the liquid for oral use "Retterspitz Innerlich", which has been on the market since 1920 and helps with heartburn, feelings of fullness and flatulence. Retterspitz also offers products that gently and effectively treat coughs, colds and small everyday injuries.
What do you value more – tradition or innovation?
Retterspitz is a popular brand with high emotional value attached to it. Our customers trust the traditionally proven products.
But, of course, we are a forward-thinking company that also develops new products. Examples of our many product innovations include the hydro gel "Retterspitz Hydrogel" from our medical cosmetics line and the roll-on muscle treatment "Retterspitz Muskelroller", which is great for treating sports-induced injuries. So both our tradition and our innovations are what drive us.
“Healing, caring and wellbeing” – what’s behind this claim?
These three words get right to the heart of the matter. Our customers are looking for healing remedies and a feeling of wellbeing. The liquid for external use "Retterspitz Äußerlich" was our very first product. Retterspitz’s “original treatment”, the unique wraps "Retterspitz Wickel", provides the patient with rapid relief without any harmful side effects. And at the same time, Retterspitz Wickel promote a feeling of wellbeing. It’s something everyone should experience at least once. We also offer special wellbeing products, such as our massage oil "Retterspitz Massage Öl" and the sauna infusion "Retterspitz Sauna Essenz". When it comes to care products, our customers will find a wide range of facial and body care products.
Florian Valet, Inhaber und Geschäftsführer,
Leiter der Entwicklung
A lot of customers trust the effectiveness and tolerability of Retterspitz products. How will you ensure that this trust will continue to be well placed in future?
The consistently high quality of the raw materials is an important criterion. Another is that we produce everything in accordance with the production standards for medicine manufacture. This includes special hygiene measures for our employees, production areas and production processes, extending to the documented cleaning of the areas and equipment. Our qualified, skilled and long-serving employees are very familiar with the production of pharmaceuticals and have undergone years of training. Compliance with applicable standards and laws is assessed annually by external auditors. Retterspitz manufactures its products in accordance with GMP, the standards outlined in the medical device directives and the GMP for cosmetics.
These requirements ensure that the products are all well-tolerated and of consistently high quality.
You’re Head of Development at Retterspitz. Are you working on any new product ideas?
Of course, there are always new product ideas or enhancements, such as new types of packaging or applications. When creating a product idea, innovation is just as important to us as observing the tradition and philosophy of our family company. Then it’s not long until I’ve produced the first sample in my development lab. My brother and I first test the product on ourselves, and you could definitely say that we are our own harshest critics.
If the product meets our requirements, it will be put through a two-year testing phase including clinical tolerability tests, clinical observations, safety assessments and stability tests before it is ready for market.
Turning an idea into a finished, market-ready product is a long journey that takes a lot of work. For me, it is a particular privilege to be able to support and lead the development process.
Production
Consistent top quality
Retterspitz produces in accordance with the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) quality management system for medical products and the GMP for care products, which encompass the comprehensive quality assurance guidelines for production processes and the production environment. In Behringersdorf, nine full-time employees are responsible for quality control and quality management alone.
The statutory standards for the manufacture of medical products also apply and are verified annually by external auditors. Wherever possible, the raw materials for all products are procured in pharmacopoeia quality. This ensures consistent top quality and tolerability for all products, whether they are medical products such as the bronchial cream "Retterspitz Bronchial" or natural cosmetics such as the hand cream "Retterspitz Handcreme".
Flagship store
A store becomes an experience
Retterspitz opens its first ever flagship store in Augustinerhof, Nuremberg. The two owners and Managing Directors Markus & Florian Valet see this as a step towards the future, getting closer to customers and being approachable and neighbourly.
It is the combination of tradition and modernity, of the past and the present, that gives the Retterspitz brand its appeal. It’s about the magic of the moment, taking a bit of time for yourself, caring for yourself, being good to yourself, being in the here and now.
Over the 120 years of its history, Retterspitz has been continually and carefully developed. Without haste. And with an even stronger focus on tried-and-tested traditional ingredients, regionality and the home. Today, it offers an extensive portfolio ranging from products for the home medicine cabinet to cosmetics to home fragrances. In the flagship store, customers can experience the world of Retterspitz with all of their senses.
Healing, caring and wellbeing: for more than 120 years now, Retterspitz has concerned itself with these three important areas of life. Our history stretches back to the end of the nineteenth century, with Margarete Retterspitz and her healing water. Retterspitz has been a family-run company since the very beginning, and is currently managed by the fourth generation.
THE HISTORY OF THE BRAND AND THE COMPANY
The beginnings of Retterspitz can be traced back to one confident and enthusiastic woman: Margarete Riegel, born 1851, whose husband Georg Weber gave her a beauty treatment formula created by a doctor. Fascinated, this young woman recognised this formula’s wide range of uses. She used it as a beauty treatment, to care for her skin and even to treat illnesses.
Around 70 people work for Retterspitz in Behringersdorf, just outside Nuremberg. Here, the development lab, production facility, quality control and management can all be found on one site. Retterspitz is a family company now run by the fourth generation, and the harmony of this family influences the entire company. Their sustainable approach to creation and love for the products produces a special kind of energy that reaches our customers all the way from Nuremberg. In every single bottle or tube.
Once a home remedy used by grandmothers. Now a coveted pharmacy brand for natural healing, caring and wellbeing. Retterspitz opened its first flagship store in Nuremberg on 1 July 2021.
Markus Valet, co-owner, Managing Director and
Head of Administration
Florian Valet, co-owner, Managing Director and
Head of Development
Interview
The Managing Directors tell the story of Retterspitz
Markus Valet, Inhaber und Geschäftsführer,
Diplomkaufmann
Retterspitz is often referred to as the “family companion” that is indispensable in every home medicine cabinet.
Yes, a lot of people have known the Retterspitz brand since childhood. Some even remember their grandmother having Retterspitz products in her medicine cabinet. So they trust these tried-and-tested remedies their whole life.
An example of this is the liquid for oral use "Retterspitz Innerlich", which has been on the market since 1920 and helps with heartburn, feelings of fullness and flatulence. Retterspitz also offers products that gently and effectively treat coughs, colds and small everyday injuries.
What do you value more – tradition or innovation?
Retterspitz is a popular brand with high emotional value attached to it. Our customers trust the traditionally proven products.
But, of course, we are a forward-thinking company that also develops new products. Examples of our many product innovations include the hydro gel "Retterspitz Hydrogel" from our medical cosmetics line and the roll-on muscle treatment "Retterspitz Muskelroller", which is great for treating sports-induced injuries. So both our tradition and our innovations are what drive us.
“Healing, caring and wellbeing” – what’s behind this claim?
These three words get right to the heart of the matter. Our customers are looking for healing remedies and a feeling of wellbeing. The liquid for external use "Retterspitz Äußerlich" was our very first product. Retterspitz’s “original treatment”, the unique wraps "Retterspitz Wickel", provides the patient with rapid relief without any harmful side effects. And at the same time, Retterspitz Wickel promote a feeling of wellbeing. It’s something everyone should experience at least once. We also offer special wellbeing products, such as our massage oil "Retterspitz Massage Öl" and the sauna infusion "Retterspitz Sauna Essenz". When it comes to care products, our customers will find a wide range of facial and body care products.
A lot of customers trust the effectiveness and tolerability of Retterspitz products. How will you ensure that this trust will continue to be well placed in future?
The consistently high quality of the raw materials is an important criterion. Another is that we produce everything in accordance with the production standards for medicine manufacture. This includes special hygiene measures for our employees, production areas and production processes, extending to the documented cleaning of the areas and equipment. Our qualified, skilled and long-serving employees are very familiar with the production of pharmaceuticals and have undergone years of training. Compliance with applicable standards and laws is assessed annually by external auditors. Retterspitz manufactures its products in accordance with GMP, the standards outlined in the medical device directives and the GMP for cosmetics.
These requirements ensure that the products are all well-tolerated and of consistently high quality.
You’re Head of Development at Retterspitz. Are you working on any new product ideas?
Of course, there are always new product ideas or enhancements, such as new types of packaging or applications. When creating a product idea, innovation is just as important to us as observing the tradition and philosophy of our family company. Then it’s not long until I’ve produced the first sample in my development lab. My brother and I first test the product on ourselves, and you could definitely say that we are our own harshest critics.
If the product meets our requirements, it will be put through a two-year testing phase including clinical tolerability tests, clinical observations, safety assessments and stability tests before it is ready for market.
Turning an idea into a finished, market-ready product is a long journey that takes a lot of work. For me, it is a particular privilege to be able to support and lead the development process.