About Us

A young man by the name of E. S. Patanwala set foot in Bombay in the early 20th century leaving his humble home in Jhalra Patan, a small principality in Rajputana (currently the state of Rajasthan). He found a job with a perfumer and picked up the rudiments of blending perfumes. Astute work, sincerity, honesty, diligence and good fortune paved the way for the start of a new business. He started manufacturing Hair Oils under the name of “Otto Duniya”, which, over a period of became quite successful. Very soon he started his own laboratory and office in Bombay. He established Patanwala Pvt. Ltd. in 1909 and started selling Oils and Perfumes, some of which were imported. With growing expertise, his perfumes and oils grew in popularity and its recognition as a legend manufacturer, exporter and trader by then became quite popular. His creations gradually drew patronage from the English gentry and princes of India.

Maharaja Jhalawar, Maharaja Patiala, Maharaja Gwalior and Maharaja Kota became a part of his choice patrons. Ambitions for greater success led him through Europe and in spite of a rudimentary knowledge of English, he established contacts with the largest maker of aromatic chemicals in the world, Leon Givaudan of Switzerland. With their training and guidance, he developed a face cream ideally suited for the Indian climatic conditions. This sweet smelling Cream was to become a household word for skin care in India. So how was the name inspired? His Majesty King Zahir of Afghanistan convened an audience with Mr. E. S. Patanwala along with a few other select entrepreneurs on his visit to India. The king was presented a hamper with all E. S. Patanwala's products; in it was a jar of pearly white cream without any name. His Majesty was impressed and commented that it reminded him of the snow in Afghanistan. This cream was then named “Afghan Snow” in honor of the king of Afghanistan, and was  introduced in 1919. 

“Afghan Snow”, thus, became India's first beauty cream and is now the first beauty cream to be awarded the ISI mark by the Bureau of Indian standards (BIS), which is recognition of its impeccable quality standards. Even its new products like “Classic Afghan Snow” and “Afghan Herbal Winter Cream” have been awarded the prestigious ISI mark. With an ever expanding global market, our products have reached the shores of South East Asia, Europe, USA, South Africa and the Middle East.

Today, the fourth generation in the family runs the firm. With its more than 90 year old tradition and innovation, we have developed unparalleled expertise in the manufacture of Bathing Soaps, Face and Body Creams, Shaving Creams, Non-Alcoholic Fragrances, etc. It is also one of the few companies in India that specializes in the making of transparent glycerin based bathing soaps which is an arduous and highly specialized art.

We remain committed to setting new trends, creating new products like glycerine soaps, medicated soaps, and fulfilling our customers' ever changing needs. It is our philosophy, vision and mission to constantly strive for perfection in the field of cosmetics and continue to innovate, to keep you pristine forever.