1860
Louis Pasteur’s theory that invisible germs are the cause of numerous infections inspires an English doctor named Joseph Lister.
Ever wondered where LISTERINE® rinse got its name? Dr. Joseph Lawrence, the creator of LISTERINE® mouthwash, wanted to name his work after a scientist who paved the way. Dr. Joseph Lister, an English doctor and surgeon, became the first surgeon to perform an operation in a chamber sterilized with pulverized antiseptic. The result? More patients survived than ever before. Inspired, Lawrence created a unique formulation of his own that was perfect for killing germs in tissues, like those found in your mouth.
*NOT ALL PRODUCTS ARE COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE IN SINGAPORE.
From Surgery Antiseptic to Modern Mouthwash
1865
Lister becomes the first surgeon to perform an operation in a chamber sterilized by pulverizing antiseptic in the air. Mortality rates begin to fall.
1876
Lister publicly recognizes the work of 2 men working to modernize surgical practices: Dr. Joseph Lawrence and Robert Wood Johnson, founder of Johnson & Johnson.
1879
Inspired by Lister, Lawrence creates LISTERINE® mouthwash, a unique antiseptic for use in surgeries and bathing wounds.
1881
Lambert Pharmaceutical Co. buys the rights to the LISTERINE® formula and begins to produce and market it.
1895
Studies show that LISTERINE® rinse is effective at killing germs in the mouth, and it catches the attention of dentists.
1914
LISTERINE® mouthwash becomes the first prescription product in the United States to also be sold over the counter and is marketed as an oral germ killer.
1920s
LISTERINE® mouthwash renames bad breath “halitosis” and sales rise.
1997
LISTERINE® mouthwash puts the tooth fairy out of a job in an iconic commercial.
2006
LISTERINE® mouthwash makes a bold statement: rinsing with LISTERINE® mouthwash reduces plaque by up to 52% more than brushing alone.
2008
LISTERINE SMART RINSE® and LISTERINE® HEALTHY WHITE™ VIBRANT launch in the U.S. market.
2009 - 2011
LISTERINE® rinse launches the TOTAL CARE line in the US market.
2012
LISTERINE® rinse releases ULTRACLEAN® line to replace the ADVANCED mouthwash line.
2012
LISTERINE® rinse launches Fluoride Defense to replace LISTERINE® RESTORING.
2014
LISTERINE® mouthwash launches floss and NATURALS line in the U.S. market.
