The history of Bac

“Bac®” was established in the early part of the last century and it was registered as a brand back in 1919.

1952

The first product was Bac disinfecting soap, which was introduced to the market in West Germany in 1952. In that same year, a couple of weeks later, the very first Bac deodorant stick in the world made its debut. This was invented by the director of the Olivin® factory at that time, Joachim Jencquel. The factory was located in Wiesbaden and was founded in 1948.

1952

The first product was Bac disinfecting soap, which was introduced to the market in West Germany in 1952. In that same year, a couple of weeks later, the very first Bac deodorant stick in the world made its debut. This was invented by the director of the Olivin® factory at that time, Joachim Jencquel. The factory was located in Wiesbaden and was founded in 1948.

The deodorant stick was very handy and the effect was superb. The deodorant stick was wrapped in aluminium foil and inserted into a protective applicator. This was very innovative for that time and a major advertising campaign followed. The first slogan „…with one stroke – refreshed“ caused a real sales revolution.

The deodorant stick was very handy and the effect was superb. The deodorant stick was wrapped in aluminium foil and inserted into a protective applicator. This was very innovative for that time and a major advertising campaign followed. The first slogan „…with one stroke – refreshed“ caused a real sales revolution.

1960

In March 1960, Bac introduced the deodorant spray. The prospects were almost as promising as those of the deodorant stick. The design of the bottle – which contained the deodorant – contributed significantly to the deodorant’s success. Not its round shape, which later on would characterise deodorant sprays, but the glass bottle which was covered with a pastel pink rubbery layer. The design was achieved through the latest coating technologies and had a true 1960s look.

1960

In March 1960, Bac introduced the deodorant spray. The prospects were almost as promising as those of the deodorant stick. The design of the bottle – which contained the deodorant – contributed significantly to the deodorant’s success. Not its round shape, which later on would characterise deodorant sprays, but the glass bottle which was covered with a pastel pink rubbery layer. The design was achieved through the latest coating technologies and had a true 1960s look.

1972

Bac wanted to move with the times, of course, and developed a new look that was revealed publicly for the first time in 1972. The theme of the new design was rainbows. In advertisements, attention was drawn to this deodorant in a sporty setting, depicting racing yachts. This was to emphasise the freshness of the products in a picture in which you could float away on your dreams. With Bac grooming products, you had the wind in your sails!

1972

Bac wanted to move with the times, of course, and developed a new look that was revealed publicly for the first time in 1972. The theme of the new design was rainbows. In advertisements, attention was drawn to this deodorant in a sporty setting, depicting racing yachts. This was to emphasise the freshness of the products in a picture in which you could float away on your dreams. With Bac grooming products, you had the wind in your sails!

1975

In 1975 – following the acquisition of Olivin by Schwarzkopf – Bac was no longer sold exclusively to the retail sector, but also found its way into the supermarket chains. Bac’s excellent reputation made a crucial contribution to its huge success in the new distribution channel: in that first year, the market share almost doubled. Shortly afterwards, the Bac family’s first TV commercial aired. As a result of that, brand awareness constantly increased, resulting in more initial purchases and a growing market share.


In the 1980s, the company also started to focus seriously on the environment and in 1987, Bac introduced deodorants with environmentally friendly propellants.

1975

In 1975 – following the acquisition of Olivin by Schwarzkopf – Bac was no longer sold exclusively to the retail sector, but also found its way into the supermarket chains. Bac’s excellent reputation made a crucial contribution to its huge success in the new distribution channel: in that first year, the market share almost doubled. Shortly afterwards, the Bac family’s first TV commercial aired. As a result of that, brand awareness constantly increased, resulting in more initial purchases and a growing market share.


In the 1980s, the company also started to focus seriously on the environment and in 1987, Bac introduced deodorants with environmentally friendly propellants.

In 1992, a well-oiled marketing department came up with a new advertising slogan to inform consumers about an important feature of Bac products, which is their long-lasting effect, enabling wearers to feel fresh throughout the day. „…Bac – invigorating freshness throughout the day!”

In 2002 the Bac brand had been around for 50 years and we wanted to celebrate that. To be able to celebrate and share Bac’s 50th anniversary with our consumers, during that period the Bac deodorant spray and shower gel were offered at an anniversary price. A great moment in the rich history of an innovative and fantastic brand!

In 1992, a well-oiled marketing department came up with a new advertising slogan to inform consumers about an important feature of Bac products, which is their long-lasting effect, enabling wearers to feel fresh throughout the day. „…Bac – invigorating freshness throughout the day!”

In 2002 the Bac brand had been around for 50 years and we wanted to celebrate that. To be able to celebrate and share Bac’s 50th anniversary with our consumers, during that period the Bac deodorant spray and shower gel were offered at an anniversary price. A great moment in the rich history of an innovative and fantastic brand!

The brand has now been added to the product portfolio of Labori International BV, which is also a family-owned business. Just like in the early period at the end of the 1940s, when the Olivin family founded the factory. Still characteristic of the family business is the strong mutual commitment between the company, its employees and customers. Not only does that ensure a good connection with the consumer, but it also guarantees high-quality products at a fair price.

Nowadays, Labori International increasingly concentrates on men’s grooming, with strong brands like Bac. Where the focus continues to be on unique freshness, the stimulating formulas, consistent quality and good skin care.

The brand has now been added to the product portfolio of Labori International BV, which is also a family-owned business. Just like in the early period at the end of the 1940s, when the Olivin family founded the factory. Still characteristic of the family business is the strong mutual commitment between the company, its employees and customers. Not only does that ensure a good connection with the consumer, but it also guarantees high-quality products at a fair price.

Nowadays, Labori International increasingly concentrates on men’s grooming, with strong brands like Bac. Where the focus continues to be on unique freshness, the stimulating formulas, consistent quality and good skin care.