About us
It all started when...
In 2017, we launched an innovation project with Enterprise Estonia and the Estonian University of Life Sciences, focusing on the native stinging nettle. The very next year, in collaboration with the university, we developed our first stinging nettle extract—made from nettles harvested in pure, organic-certified Estonian forests. This marked the beginning of a natural cosmetics line based on Estonian stinging nettle extract, which also inspired our brand name. However, we—Laura and Birgit—soon faced challenges in replenishing our own iron levels, and finding high-quality, effective iron supplements proved difficult. As the saying goes, if you really want something, you have to create it yourself! That single product idea and innovation project grew into something truly significant. We are deeply passionate about the subject of iron; every person’s iron-related needs are unique, and there is nothing more rewarding than hearing that our products have helped someone.
Sunstainability
...is of the utmost importance to us. From the very beginning, it was clear that we would use organic and Estonian raw materials in our dietary supplements whenever possible. Our iron-enriched product line for children is certified organic. For our cosmetics, we use ingredients that are certified organic or hold Ecocert/Cosmos certification. Sourcing raw materials from as close to home as possible is also a priority for us; over 95% of our raw materials come from the European Union—covering everything that can be grown or produced within Europe. We always prefer domestic companies whenever the opportunity arises. When selecting packaging, we also prioritize environmental friendliness and ease of recycling.
We produce...
...in three countries: Estonia, Finland, and Latvia. Liquid supplements and powders come from Estonia, tablet-form supplements from Finland, and iron-fortified baby foods from Latvia. Only a few specifically patented supplements come to us directly from their manufacturers. It is important that production remains as close to home as possible. All our manufacturers are reliable, experienced, and strictly certified companies that share the same business principles as we do.
Charity
We believe in giving back to the source from which we receive. Balance is essential in all business activities, which is why charity is so important to us. Since the company’s inception, we have donated a portion of our product sales to the Children’s Fund of the Tartu University Hospital; as parents ourselves, the Children’s Fund was the natural choice for us. We also donate proceeds from our cosmetic product sales to the Estonian Cancer Society.
Did you know that...
Our name—Nôgel —comes from the word nogulane, a colloquial term for the stinging nettle. We are usually called Nõgel or Nogel—both suit us just fine!