History of Colgate-Palmolive
Colgate-Palmolive Company, commonly known as Colgate, is a global consumer products company
headquartered in New York City. The company traces its origins back to 1806 when William Colgate
opened a starch, soap, and candle factory in New York City. In 1873, Colgate introduced its first
toothpaste, which was sold in jars. This was a significant innovation in dental hygiene at the time.
The company continued to grow and expand its product line throughout the late 19th and early 20th
centuries.
In 1928, Colgate merged with Palmolive-Peet to become Colgate-Palmolive-Peet
Company, and later changed its name to Colgate-Palmolive Company in 1953. The merger allowed Colgate
to expand its product offerings beyond oral care, adding Palmolive soap and other household products
to its portfolio. Over the years, Colgate-Palmolive has continued to innovate and introduce new
products in both the oral care and personal care categories.
Today, Colgate-Palmolive is a
global leader in oral care products, with a wide range of toothpastes, toothbrushes, and mouthwashes
sold in over 200 countries. The company also produces a variety of personal care and household
products under brands such as Palmolive, Protex, Softsoap, and Ajax. Colgate-Palmolive remains
committed to its mission of providing safe, effective, and high-quality products that improve the
health and well-being of its consumers worldwide.