About us

In a place and at a time when cosmetics was a luxury, two brothers decided to open their own laboratory. To tell you a little more about our history, we are going to tell you some important milestones for this family business:

Miguel de Mérida Nicolich, an ophthalmologist, was one of the founders of the Municipal Institute for the Blind and Deaf and Dumb (today converted into La Purísima Special Education Center) in Malaga, to which he owes a meritorious work for blind and deaf and dumb children, and which he had previously experienced because he was blind. He dedicated his life to the institute until he died at the age of 40.

The brothers Miguel de Mérida Nicolich and Manuel de Mérida Nicolich found Laboratorios Nicolich, S.A., at Paseo Salvador Rueda 11.

Miguel was an ophthalmologist (1892-1932) and Manuel was a military pharmacist (1898-1965). Together they developed specialized formulas for eye and skin care.

To alleviate an outbreak of trachoma in the area of Vélez-Málaga, Laboratorios Nicolich presents Abéñula Azul.

Abéñula, synonymous with eyelash, has antiseptic properties and illuminates the eyelids. La abéñula, sinónimo de pestaña, tiene propiedades antisépticas e ilumina los párpados.

Laboratorios Nicolich is positioned as a reference in eye care. It has up to one hundred pharmaceutical specialties such as lanordermas, oftarmer ointments or calmoline, among others.

The Abéñula product range is created, consisting of blue, white, brown, black and green creams.

The second generation of the Mérida-Nicolich family joined the business, Manuel’s sons, Manuel and Miguel Mérida-Nicolich Gamarro, both pharmacists.

The facilities are relocated to Paseo de Salvador Rueda, 17

It takes risks with new makeup products, Duetto and shadow sticks.

Old leaflet

The company is launching a new color for its cream shadow range, Abéñula celeste.

New design for Abéñula grande.

The economic activities are regularized and Laboratorios Nicolich decides to withdraw the pharmaceutical specialties to establish itself only in the cosmetic market with its brand Abéñula.

Abéñula takes advantage of the benefits of information technology and begins to digitize many administrative processes.

The third generation, sons of Manuel and Miguel Mérida-Nicolich Gamarro, began to take the reins of the company.

In manufacturing, Manuel Mérida-Nicolich Rubio; in the commercial department, Eloisa Mérida-Nicolich Torres; and in administration, Lourdes Mérida-Nicolich Rubio.

Laboratorios Nicolich, S.A. becomes a limited liability company.

The packaging of large and small Abéñula is unified.

We redesigned the brand’s packaging.

Profilers are included in the Abéñula product range.

With the computer revolution, there are more and more eyes in front of a screen. That is why we present Abéñula Descanso, to care for and moisturize tired eyes. This product is also very well accepted by the male public.

Laboratorios Nicolich complements its range of products with a face cream with protection.

Social networks give a great boost to the brand.

The fourth generation of the Merida-Nicolich family enters the business.

Here’s to another 90 years with a renewed image.