The history of Colgate
William Colgate was born in Kent, England in 1783 and emigrated with his parents to the United States in 1798. He started working as a soap-boiler in New York City In 1804. He learned a lot and used his skills to set up his own company. After only two years in the soap business he founded his own company called Colgate-Palmolive in Manhattan. The business took off from the beginning and pretty quick he became one of the most prosperous men in New York City. He donated most of his earned money to the Baptist church since he was a proud member. He strongly believed that his wealth came to him because of god and he thanked god for that by giving a lot of money to the church.
From soap to toothpaste
First they produced only soap, starch and candles, but later on they expanded the business with oral hygiene products such as toothpastes, toothbrushes, mouthwashes and dental floss. Those are mostly the products that we know Colgate for today, but they were first known for their soap. Actually, the oral hygiene products came on the market not earlier than 16 years after Williams dead.
Colgate took really off in the 1950’s where they came up with the slogan ‘It cleans your breath while it cleans your teeth’. Market research shows that Colgate is the only brand in the world that is purchased by more than half of all households in the world.
A future to smile about
Smiling is a powerful thing and Colgate believes that everyone deserves a future to smile about. If you have a healthy smile, you smile more. Smiling is a form of optimism and that is what the world needs more than ever according Colgate. Over the years they worked with several innovators, members of the Gen Z community and positive psychologists to intergrade positive knowledge into their brand, because positivity makes the world a better place. Some funny facts about the oral hygiene segment:
- Blue is the most favourite toothbrush colour in the world
- Kids smile approximately 400 times a day!
- China and India were the first countries which invented toothpaste
- The first toothbrush sticks were made from bamboo and bone and the bristles from hog’s necks hair
- The first nylon bristles (the ones that we still use everyday) were introduced in 1938
What makes Colgate so unique?
Colgate added an antibacterial ingredient in their toothpastes that gives teeth an extra protection for 12 hours after brushing teeth. You can eat and drink and the protection is still working. Most toothpaste does their job, but they don’t give that extra protection, which is so important. Colgate protects against plaque, cavities, tartar build up, gum problems and bad breath. A part of the unique formula is Triclosan, this helps reducing plaque and helps against gum problems. Gantrez is the special ingredient that protects the teeth after brushing, which continues working for 12 hours. Fluoride helps protecting against cavities, reduces tartar and not to forget about the fresh breath that it gives. Because of this unique combination of ingredients the protection keeps doing its work and does not get washed away immediately. You can eat and drink without worrying about your teeth. We at NORDIC EXPAT SHOP offer a wide assortment of Colgate oral hygiene products that you can buy online and get delivered worldwide. Have a look at our Colgate selection of toothpastes, toothbrushes and more here. We add new products to our web shop continuously, so you don’t have to miss out on anything.
