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.
From Surgery Antiseptic to Modern Mouthwash
1860
Louis Pasteur’s theory that invisible germs are the cause of numerous infections inspires an English doctor named Joseph Lister.
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 two 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 catches the attention of dentists.
1914
LISTERINE® mouthwash becomes the first prescription product in the US to also be sold over the counter and is marketed as an oral germ killer.
1920
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 56% more than brushing alone.
2008
LISTERINE® SMART RINSE and LISTERINE® HEALTHY WHITE™ VIBRANT launch in the US 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 NATURALS line in the US 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.
