LISTERINE®.COM COVID-19 Update
OUR RESPONSE TO COVID-19
At Kenvue, we are committed to helping individuals and communities around the world manage the unprecedented impacts of COVID-19. Our teams are actively working to maintain production of high-demand consumer health products, including LISTERINE® brand products.
Our mouthwash is in high demand as consumers focus on personal hygiene. We are prioritizing the continued production of high-demand products to maintain supply, all while ensuring the highest level of quality and safety.
LISTERINE® is an antimicrobial mouthwash that is clinically proven to fight germs that cause plaque, bad breath and the early gum disease, gingivitis. LISTERINE® is not intended to prevent or treat COVID-19 and should be used only as directed on the product label.
Although there are recent lab-based reports (in vitro studies) of some LISTERINE® Mouthwashes having activity against enveloped viruses, including coronavirus, the available data is insufficient, and no evidence-based clinical conclusions can be drawn with regards to the anti-viral efficacy of LISTERINE® mouthwash at this time.
Our understanding of the course of COVID-19 disease transmission continues to evolve. More research is needed to understand whether the use of mouthwashes can impact viral transmission, exposure, viral entry, viral load and ultimately affect meaningful clinical outcomes.
As a company firmly rooted in science, we are actively participating in scientific dialogue with study investigators around the globe.
USE AS DIRECTED
There have been consumer questions around the effectiveness of LISTERINE® against COVID-19. The health and safety of our consumers is paramount. Here are some frequently asked questions with answers from the makers of LISTERINE®.
Does rinsing with LISTERINE® Antiseptic reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection?
LISTERINE® is not intended to prevent or treat COVID-19 and should be used only as directed on the product label. Although there are recent lab-based reports (in vitro studies) of some LISTERINE® Mouthwashes having activity against enveloped viruses, including coronavirus, the available data is insufficient, and no evidence-based clinical conclusions can be drawn with regards to the anti-viral efficacy of LISTERINE® mouthwash at this time.
Consumers should follow the preventive measures issued by the World Health Organization(link is external) including maintaining social distance and practising good hygiene such as washing hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Can LISTERINE® be used as a hand sanitizer or surface disinfectant because it contains alcohol?
No. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol in order to protect yourself. Only some LISTERINE® formulations contain alcohol, and if present is only around 20% alcohol. LISTERINE® is not intended to be used, nor would it be beneficial as a hand sanitizer or surface disinfectant.
How can I use LISTERINE®, beyond rinsing?
LISTERINE® is only intended to be used to help prevent common oral health problems like bad breath, plaque, cavities, gingivitis and tooth stains. LISTERINE® is not intended to be gargled in the throat, but rather, swished in the mouth. LISTERINE® has many products to choose from. Always read the product label to ensure the product is right for you and use the product as directed.
Can LISTERINE® prevent sore throat?
No. LISTERINE® products are intended to be used only to help prevent common oral health problems like bad breath, plaque, cavities, gingivitis and tooth stains. Please consult with your doctor on how to treat, prevent or relieve the pain of a sore throat.
LISTERINE® has antiseptic products, do these kill the germs that cause COVID-19?
LISTERINE® is not intended to prevent or treat COVID-19 and should be used only as directed on the product label. Although there are recent lab-based reports (in vitro studies) of some LISTERINE® Mouthwashes having activity against enveloped viruses, including coronavirus, the available data is insufficient, and no evidence-based clinical conclusions can be drawn with regards to the anti-viral efficacy of LISTERINE® mouthwash at this time.
LISTERINE® is clinically proven to fight germs that cause bad breath, plaque and gingivitis.
OUR PRODUCT BENEFITS
What germs does LISTERINE® Antiseptic kill?
LISTERINE® Antiseptic is a daily mouthwash that is clinically proven to kill germs that cause plaque, bad breath and the early gum disease gingivitis. LISTERINE® Antiseptic kills up to 99% of germs that cause early gum disease left behind after brushing.
There are many LISTERINE® products that provide different oral care benefits. Find the one that’s right for you.
Does LISTERINE® Antiseptic kill the coronavirus that causes COVID-19?
No. Listerine® is a daily mouthwash that has been proven to fight germs that cause bad breath, plaque, and gingivitis. Listerine® mouth rinse is not intended to reduce the risk of, prevent or treat COVID-19 infections. Consumers should follow the preventative measures issued by public health authorities including maintaining social distance and practising good hygiene such as washing hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
How can LISTERINE® help me during the COVID-19 pandemic?
LISTERINE® has a portfolio of products intended to help prevent common oral health problems like bad breath, plaque, cavities, gingivitis and tooth stains. LISTERINE® can be helpful in maintaining oral hygiene between dental visits. Please contact your dentist for updated guidance on when dentists can resume booking patients for non-emergency visits.