Colgate-Palmolive

William Colgate started a small soap and candle business in New York City in 1806, which eventually grew into a global company over 200 years.

The initial Colgate advertisement made its debut in a New York newspaper in 1817.

In 1820, Colgate founded a starch factory in Jersey City, New Jersey, expanding its operations.

After the death of founder William Colgate, the company underwent reorganization and was renamed as Colgate & Company, with Samuel Colgate, the founder's son, taking over the management.

In 1872, the Peet brothers began selling the first milled perfumed soap, known as Cashmere Bouquet, which was the first luxury toilet soap.

In 1873, Colgate began selling aromatic toothpaste in jars.

In 1890, Madison University in New York State was renamed Colgate University to honor the Colgate family for their long-standing financial support and involvement.

Martin Ittner joined Colgate-Palmolive as its chief chemist in 1896 and established one of the earliest corporate laboratories, pioneering new methods in applied chemistry.

In 1898, B.J. Johnson Soap Co. introduced Palmolive Soap, which has now become a globally recognized brand sold in over 88 countries with 54 different variants.

In 1900, Colgate received top honors for its fine soaps and perfumes at the World’s Fair in Paris, showcasing the company's excellence and quality products on an international platform.

In 1902, Stylish Palmolive advertising started, focusing on ingredient purity and product benefits.

In 1906, Colgate & Company marked its 100th anniversary with a celebration. The company boasted a product line of over 800 different products.

To celebrate the incorporation, the first Colgate Clock was placed atop the Colgate Factory in 1908. It was the world's largest clock at that time, featuring a diameter of 38 feet and shaped in an octagon to symbolize Colgate's soap.

In 1912, William Mennen produced America's first shaving cream in a tube, which was more convenient and commercially successful than traditional shaving soaps.

In 1914, Colgate established its first international subsidiary in Canada, marking the beginning of its global expansion.

By 1920, Colgate had started establishing operations in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa, further solidifying its presence on a global scale.

In 1924, the second Colgate Clock was installed. The minute hand was placed on top of a truck and featured in a parade in front of City Hall. This clock is now located in Colgate Park.

In 1926, the soap manufacturers Palmolive and Peet merged to create the Palmolive-Peet Company, a significant development in the soap industry.

On July 1, 1928, the merger of Palmolive-Peet Co. and Colgate Co. was finalized, forming the Colgate Palmolive Peet Company, which became one of the largest soap and perfumery companies in the US.

In 1939, Colgate merged with Palmolive-Peet to form the Colgate-Palmolive-Peet Company.

In 1953, the company officially changed its name to Colgate-Palmolive Company.

In 1956, Colgate established its corporate headquarters at 300 Park Avenue in New York City.

In 1962, Colgate inaugurated a research center in Piscataway, New Jersey.

In 1966, Palmolive introduced its dishwashing liquid, which is now available in more than 35 countries.

In 1968, Colgate introduced toothpaste containing sodium monofluorophosphate (MFP), expanding its oral care product range. This marked a significant advancement in dental hygiene.

In 1970, Irish Spring launches in Germany as Irische Frühling and in Europe as Nordic Spring. It is a significant expansion for the brand, which later expands to North America in 1972.

In 1972, Colgate acquires Hoyt Laboratories, which later transforms into Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals. This acquisition marks a strategic move in expanding Colgate's product portfolio.

In 1976, Colgate-Palmolive acquired Hill’s Pet Nutrition, leading to its current status as a global leader in pet nutrition and veterinary recommendations.

In 1985, Elizabeth Barbour, a hand model with the Ford Agency in New York City, was hired by the Colgate-Palmolive Company to update the iconic hand image on the Palmolive dishwashing soap label.

In 1987, Colgate acquired the Softsoap liquid soap business from the Minnetonka Corporation, leading to its current position as the global leader in liquid hand soap.

In 1989, Colgate achieved a significant milestone as its annual company sales surpassed the $5 billion mark, showcasing its growth and success in the market.

Colgate introduced fluoride toothpaste with MFP, marking a significant advancement in oral care products.

Colgate® Bright Smiles, Bright Futures™ program celebrates reaching 1 Billion children since its inception in 1991, promoting oral health education worldwide.

In 1992, Colgate acquired the Mennen Company, leading to the expansion of Mennen products to over 52 countries. Additionally, Colgate Total toothpaste was introduced.

Colgate Total toothpaste is launched in the U.S. market and gains popularity as the market leader due to its 12-hour protection and ability to combat a wide range of oral health issues.

Colgate successfully acquires the GABA oral care business in Europe, strengthening its presence in the European pharmacy channel and enhancing its relationship with the dental community.

In 2006, Colgate entered the fast-growing Naturals segment by acquiring Tom's of Maine, a prominent leader in that market in the United States.

In 2011, Colgate expanded its presence in Europe by acquiring the Sanex personal care brand.

In May 2015, Colgate-Palmolive sold its Australian laundry detergents and pre-wash brands to Henkel for US$245 million (€220 million). This divestment was part of Colgate-Palmolive's strategic business decisions.

Colgate launched Colgate TotalSF, a next-generation toothpaste with a patented advanced stannous fluoride formula, offering multiple benefits.

As of August 2023, the members of the board of directors of Colgate-Palmolive include Noel Wallace, John P. Bilbrey, Lisa M. Edwards, C. Martin Harris, Martina Hund-Mejean, Kimberly A. Nelson, Lorrie M. Norrington, Steve Cahillane, John T. Cahill, and Stephen Sadove.