For nearly 150 years ago the Uppsala chemist Henrik Gahn started the brand. The idea was to produce ink. After a few years they changed direction and came to focus on producing a preservative called Aseptin and a remedy for cold sores - Amykos. In 1915 the product series Watzins was incorporated through the hairdressing master Watz. Today, Gahns range of products include eyebath, Hega shaving balm, foot and hand cream.