History of LISTERINE®
From Surgery Antiseptic to Modern Mouthwash
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. 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 your mouth.
The history of LISTERINE® goes back more than 130 years, to the beginnings of modern medicine.
It all started in 1860, with the work of Sir Joseph Lister.
The English doctor and surgeon were at that time applying the theories of the famous scientist Louis Pasteur: theories according to which invisible germs could be the cause of numerous infections.
In 1865, Sir Joseph Lister became the first surgeon to carry out an operation in a chamber sterilised by pulverising antiseptic in the air. During the 19th century, this resulted in a significant fall in mortality rates in patients.
A MAN TO BE REMEMBERED
In 1876, following a conference on his research activities, Sir Joseph Lister drew attention to the work of two men who were to play an active part in the history of LISTERINE®:
Doctor Joseph Lawrence, creator of the brand
Robert Wood Johnson, founder of the Johnson & Johnson group which markets the product today
TWO MEN, ONE AIM: TO MODERNISE SURGICAL PRACTICE
In 1879, Doctor Joseph Lawrence created a unique formulation in his laboratories, inspired by the research of Sir Joseph Lister, and called it LISTERINE®.
He then formed a partnership with the pharmacist Jordan Wheat Lambert, and together they created the Lambert Pharmaceutical Company.
In this company they produced and sold LISTERINE®, used as a disinfectant in operating theatres and as a solution for bathing wounds.
TODAY…
LISTERINE® is used today as a daily mouthwash. Our product is aimed at improving oral hygiene for everyone, by supplementing the brushing action.
LISTERINE® has been taken up by more than a billion people throughout the world.
Louis Pasteur’s theory that invisible germs are the cause of numerous infections inspires an English doctor named Joseph Lister.
Lister becomes the first surgeon to perform an operation in a chamber sterilized by pulverizing antiseptic in the air. Mortality rates begin to fall.
Lister publicly recognizes the work of 2 men working to modernize surgical practices: Dr. Joseph Lawrence and Robert Wood Johnson, founder of Johnson & Johnson.
Inspired by Lister, Lawrence creates LISTERINE® mouthwash, a unique antiseptic for use in surgeries and bathing wounds.
Lambert Pharmaceutical Co. buys the rights to the LISTERINE® formula and begins to produce and market it.
Studies show that LISTERINE® rinse is effective at killing germs in the mouth, and it catches the attention of dentists.
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.
LISTERINE® mouthwash renames bad breath “halitosis” and sales rise.
LISTERINE® mouthwash puts the tooth fairy out of a job in an iconic commercial.
LISTERINE® mouthwash makes a bold statement: rinsing with LISTERINE® mouthwash reduces plaque by up to 56% more than brushing alone.
LISTERINE SMART RINSE® and LISTERINE® HEALTHY WHITE™ VIBRANT launch in the U.S. market.
LISTERINE® rinse launches the TOTAL CARE line in the US market.
LISTERINE® rinse releases ULTRACLEAN® line to replace the ADVANCED mouthwash line.
LISTERINE® rinse launches Fluoride Defense to replace LISTERINE® RESTORING.
LISTERINE® mouthwash launches floss and NATURALS line in the U.S. market.
LISTERINE® brand extends its healthy mouth offerings by launching 5 new floss products into the market.
LISTERINE® rinse introduces HEALTHY WHITE™, a way to safely whiten and restore enamel.