Lavera was founded and is still run by Thomas Haase.
In his own words here is his story, and that of Lavera.
"Lavera's story is also my story and it has both a simple as well as a personal background: since I was two years old I suffered from neurodermatitis - this skin disorder was not very well-known, the conventional cosmetic and medicinal creams brought me no relief, that's why, even in my youth I became interested in alternative skin-care preparations.
It was only natural that I later opened, together with friends, one of the first organic food shops in Germany. Like many others, we also wanted to live a healthier lifestyle and of course we were and (still are today!) motivated by an awareness of chemicals, pesticides and large industry that is prevalent in today's society. During this time I began to cultivate my own plants, and develop formulations for natural cosmetics that might help my skin.
During the sumer of 1975 I made my first lip balm which withstood the personal "stress-test" - I used the lip balm to protect my over sensitive skin throughout my summer holidays in Denmark, I will never forget it - its formula of wool wax, beeswax and olive oil.
In 1987 after more than 10 years in research and cosmetic development, I founded my own company on a small estate near Hanover: laverana GmbH was born. Today, approximately 240 people are employed in our own buildings on the outskirts of the beautiful Deister mountains, producing genuine natural cosmetics.
Natural cosmetics that you know under the brand name lavera - a name carefully chosen for its meaning: in Latin lavera means "the truth" - a beautiful translation for the dedication of both philosophy and commitment. We use raw plant materials, as much as possible from certified organic agriculture, our products are 100% free from synthetic perfumes, colourants and preservatives. And of course, we ensure skin compatibility - exclusively through tests with volunteers, together with skin specialists and allergists.
With over 350 awards and recommendations from OEKO-TEST (the critical German testing magazine) this proves that our nature based product innovation and modern ideas can be combined.
It is a real pleasure for me to be able to work with natural cosmetics that receives so much positive feed back - and it is my wish that more and more people will feel good in their skin and experience LAVERA."
Yours.
Thomas Haase & the Lavera team.