It all started when…

In 2017, we launched an innovation project with Enterprise Estonia (EAS) and the Estonian University of Life Sciences, focusing on the native stinging nettle. The very next year, in collaboration with the same 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, it wasn’t long before we—Laura and Birgit—faced challenges in replenishing our own iron levels, and we found it difficult to locate high-quality, effective iron supplements. As the saying goes, if you really want something, you have to create it yourself! A single product idea and an 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!

Sustainability is of the utmost importance to us. From the very beginning, it was clear to us that we would use organic and Estonian raw materials in our dietary supplements whenever possible. Our iron-fortfied product line for children is certified organic. For our cosmetics, we use ingredients that are certified organic or hold Ecocert/Cosmos certification. It is also important to us that our raw materials come from as close to home as possible. Over 95% of our raw materials originate in the European Union — covering everything that can be grown or produced within Europe. We always prioritize 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.

We believe in giving back to the source from which we take – a sense of balance is essential in all business activities. That is why charity is so important to us. Since the company’s foundation, 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? Our name – Nôgel- comes from the word nogulane, a term for the stinging nettle in Estonian. People usually call us Nõgel in Estonia or just Nogel – both work for us!