When care smells of home: The soap journey from East Frisia to Nienburg
There are places that don't need advertising. Places where life moves at a slower pace, but more consciously. One of them is in the heart of East Frisia, between willows, teapots, and wind turbines. Soap is made here—but not just any soap. Soaps that do more than just clean. They tell the story of origin, attitude, and craftsmanship. Welcome to the CARE Soap Manufactory , formerly Soap Manufactory Gerken - and in a
A story that goes far beyond foam.
East Frisia is a region where you see the sky before you recognize the houses. The landscape seems almost minimalist: green, expansive, clear. But behind this tranquility lies a mentality that shapes many things – including business. Nothing is done here "just like that," but out of conviction. Those who make something with their hands here mean it. Those who produce a product here often know the farmer who supplies the raw materials personally.
Aurich: East Frisia's district town between tradition, craftsmanship and North German serenity
Located in the heart of East Frisia, Aurich is more than just a small district town—it's a center of vibrant regionalism. Surrounded by moors, marshlands, and ancient farmsteads, the rural environment has always shaped the thinking and work of the local people. Aurich is where East Frisian down-to-earthness meets traditional craftsmanship—a combination that provides ideal conditions for businesses like the CARE Soap Manufactory.
The connection to nature is not a distant ideal, but an everyday reality: Many ingredients come directly from the surrounding area, and collaborations with regional farms and beekeepers are a given. At the same time, Aurich is a place undergoing change – with young initiatives, sustainable thinking, and a growing awareness of quality over quantity. Anyone who uses CARE products inevitably senses a piece of this region – unpretentious, authentic, and consistent.
The entrance area of the CARE soap factory in Aurich – with a small shop and a view of the craft
This proximity—both geographical and human—is a leitmotif of the Care Soap Manufactory . Everything produced there has its origins in East Frisia: be it the milk from the local farm or the honey from the company's own beekeeping operation, "De Lüttje Imkeree." And you can see this in the products—in both the quality and the way they are kept.
What began in 2005 as a small natural soap production company under the name CARE is now a company that has firmly established its roots in the region and has continued to develop. Following the merger with Immen Aptheek, it became Manufaktur Gerken – with an expanded product range but the same values.
Here, soap is still cut by hand, not stamped. It smells of lavender, lemon balm, or marigold—not artificial perfume. Packaging is limited to what's necessary, but never excessive. Sustainability isn't a trend; it's part of everyday life.
Just 100 kilometers south, in Nienburg, we at Quellmed work with a similarly deep understanding of skin and the environment. We use highly mineralized healing spring water that is dermatologically highly compatible – especially for sensitive skin types. This is where research and naturalness meet. And this is where collaborations are born that are not based on marketing ideas, but on shared conviction.
Insight into production at CARE: Soap is made by hand, piece by piece.
Our close partnership with the Gerken manufactory is therefore not a partnership of convenience, but rather an expansion of content. Together, we create products that unite two regions and two philosophies: the elemental water from Nienburg – and the elemental tranquility of East Frisia.
A prime example of this combination is the Quellmed Gold Edition – a luxurious yet down-to-earth soap. It is based primarily on Nienburg healing spring water and is complemented by nourishing ingredients such as aloe vera, shea butter, and vegetable glycerin.
This soap is:
Vegan and cruelty-free
Free from parabens, alcohol and synthetic fragrances
Suitable for sensitive, irritated or barrier-damaged skin
Produced in small batches, with an eye on quality over quantity
The Gold Edition does not represent luxury in the classic sense, but rather the most valuable thing that skin care can offer: gentleness, trust, clarity.
Click here to go directly to our Gold Edition
In a time when so much is becoming arbitrary, it's precisely these collaborations that create meaning again. When two companies like Manufaktur Gerken and Quellmed join forces, it's not just about products—it's about a whole new approach: regional, responsible, and humane.
And honestly, you can tell. It's the good feeling of holding something in your hand that's more than just a bar of soap. It's a piece of East Frisia. And a sip of healing water for your skin. Because natural cosmetics are more than just a name; they must be lived and breathed with life, according to our shared conviction.