Since 1948, we have been making ointments, tinctures and cosmetics from medicinal herbs in Dob near Domžale, Slovenia. We are a family company with our own production, combining traditional formulations with modern pharmaceutical expertise. Today, as the third generation at its helm, the company is led by Dr Nina Poljšak, MPharm.
How it all began
Our story begins in Klagenfurt, between the two World Wars. There, Jože Koželj met head teacher Alojz Poljšak, who devoted his free time to herbalism. Together they went to Vienna, where Koželj learned from Poljšak how to make tinctures, ointments and other preparations from medicinal plants. Our oldest formulations come from this knowledge.
Jože married Poljšak's daughter Aleksandra and returned with her to Slovenia. In 1948 he came to Dob, where we still are today. Driven by the wish to help the sick, he also studied iridology and urine diagnosis, and became one of the best-known healers and diagnosticians of his time. People came to him for advice from all over Europe, as well as from Australia and the USA, among them many well-known personalities.
The first registered medicines
Jože Koželj developed two products to the point where he registered them as medicines. The oral care tincture PARAGIN was registered in Belgrade in 1958. A year later it was followed by the aromatic massage ointment RASTIN, which many people in Slovenia still know as the good old “Pepetova žavba” (Pepe’s salve).
The knowledge returns to the Poljšak family
After Jože’s death, the company was taken over by Zoran Poljšak, a graduate engineer of chemical technology. In this way, the knowledge that Alojz Poljšak had passed on almost a century earlier returned to the same family. Zoran led production for 40 years, drawing on his expertise in chemical technology to adapt it to modern standards. Today the company is led by his daughter, Dr Nina Poljšak, MPharm, who brings pharmaceutical expertise to our traditional formulations.
Our journey through time
- 1948Dob near Domžale: Jože Koželj comes to Dob. We have been operating at the same location ever since.
- 1958PARAGIN: an oral care tincture, registered as a medicine.
- 1959RASTIN: an aromatic massage ointment, registered as a medicine.
- 1980sRASTIN F and RASTIN V: for aching joints and muscles, and for heavy, tired legs.
- 1994RIBODERMIN ointment: an ointment with fish oil and its naturally occurring vitamins A and D3 for dry, cracked and irritated skin. For many years it has been used in the neonatal unit of the University Medical Centre Ljubljana, as well as in other hospitals and maternity wards. It contains no allergens or preservatives, which makes it gentle even on the most sensitive baby skin. The ointment is dermatologically tested and proven hypoallergenic.
- 1990sFIZIO: a line developed together with athletes and physiotherapists. It is used by physiotherapy centres, recreational athletes and top Slovenian athletes.
- 2000sKREMCA: face, hand and body care for women and men.
- 27 Dec 2022Fire: a major fire destroyed our production area, warehouse, roof, machinery and product stock.
- 2023A new beginning: with the help of fellow craftspeople, friends, acquaintances and everyone who stood by us in so many ways, we were quickly back on our feet. In the same year we launched two new products:
- RIBODERMIN cream: with D-panthenol, allantoin, almond oil and vitamins A and E for the care of dry, cracked and irritated skin. It is also suitable for nipple care during breastfeeding and for the nappy area of babies.
- KALMAGEL: a cooling gel with chamomile extract, D-panthenol, allantoin and betaine. It soothes the skin after sun exposure, insect bites, jellyfish stings and shaving, and leaves it pleasantly cool and non-greasy.
How we work
- Our own production: we develop and manufacture all our products in Dob near Domžale.
- ISO 22716 certificate: the international standard of good manufacturing practice for cosmetic products. It ensures controlled and safe production.
- Pharmaceutical expertise: professional work and product development.
For partners
We also offer our experience in product development and manufacturing to other brands, from formulation to finished product. Among others, we develop and manufacture the JUVENTINA cosmetic line by Prof. Dr Uroš Ahčan and hair care products for the FIGARO brand.
Where to find us
Our products are available in pharmacies and specialised shops across Slovenia, in our online shop and in our own shop in Dob, where we welcome you every weekday from 8 am to 3 pm.
