Listerine

Last updated
Listerine
Listerine logo.svg
Listerine products.jpg
Various Listerine products in Canada
Product type Mouthwash, toothpaste, fluoride rinse, quick-dissolving strips, chewable tablets, breath spray, dental floss
Owner McNeil Consumer Healthcare division of Kenvue
CountryUnited States
Introduced1879 (original formula)
1914 (over the counter)
Related brandsPlax
Previous owners
Tagline"Kills germs that cause bad breath"
"Bring Out the Bold"
Website www.listerine.com

Listerine is a brand of antiseptic mouthwash that is promoted with the slogan "Kills germs that cause bad breath". Named after Joseph Lister, who pioneered antiseptic surgery at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary in Scotland, Listerine was developed in 1879 by Joseph Lawrence, a chemist in St. Louis, Missouri. [1] [2]

Contents

Originally marketed by the Lambert Pharmacal Company (which later became Warner–Lambert), Listerine has been manufactured and distributed by Johnson & Johnson since that company's acquisition of Pfizer's consumer healthcare division on December 20, 2006. [3]

The Listerine brand name is also used in toothpaste, chewable tablets, and self-dissolving teeth-whitening strips.

History

1925 advertisement ListerineAdvertisement1925.jpg
1925 advertisement

Inspired by Louis Pasteur's ideas on microbial infection, the English doctor Joseph Lister demonstrated in 1865 that use of carbolic acid on surgical dressings would significantly reduce rates of post-surgical infection. Lister's work in turn inspired St. Louis-based doctor Joseph Lawrence to develop an alcohol-based formula for a surgical antiseptic which included eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate, and thymol (its exact composition was a trade secret). Lawrence named his antiseptic "Listerine" in honor of Lister. [4]

Lawrence hoped to promote Listerine's use as a general germicide as well as a surgical antiseptic, and licensed his formula to a local pharmacist named Jordan Wheat Lambert in 1881. Lambert subsequently started the Lambert Pharmacal Company, marketing Listerine. [4] Listerine was promoted to dentists for oral care in 1895 [5] and was the first over-the-counter mouthwash sold in the United States, in 1914. [6]

Lambert's licensing agreement with Lawrence required that he and his "heirs, executors and assigns" be paid royalties by Lambert or its successors for each bottle sold in perpetuity, until such time that Lambert or its successors ceases manufacturing Listerine. [7] Most of these royalty shares are held by Lawrence's heirs. Real estate broker John Reynolds bought a roughly 50% stake in the royalties in the 1950s, which he then transferred to the Archdiocese of New York, and was later resold to other parties to help fund the diocese. The Salvation Army, American Bible Society, and Wellesley College also held shares in Listerine royalties. [8] [7]

Listerine entered common household use after Jordan Wheat Lambert's son Gerard Lambert joined the company and promoted an aggressive marketing campaign. [4] According to Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner's book Freakonomics : [9]

Listerine, for instance, was invented in the nineteenth century as powerful surgical antiseptic. It was later sold, in distilled form, as both a floor cleaner and a cure for gonorrhea. But it wasn't a runaway success until the 1920s, when it was pitched as a solution for "chronic halitosis" — a then obscure medical term for bad breath. Listerine's new ads featured forlorn young women and men, eager for marriage but turned off by their mate's rotten breath. "Can I be happy with him in spite of that?" one maiden asked herself. Until that time, bad breath was not conventionally considered such a catastrophe. But Listerine changed that. As the advertising scholar James B. Twitchell writes, "Listerine did not make mouthwash as much as it made halitosis." In just seven years, the company's revenues rose from $115,000 to more than $8 million.

In 1955, Lambert Pharmacal merged with New York-based Warner-Hudnut and became Warner-Lambert Pharmaceutical Company, and incorporated in Delaware with its corporate headquarters in Morris Plains, New Jersey. [10] Following the merger, Warner-Lambert attempted to back out of the aforementioned royalty agreements with Lawrence by filing a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The company cited that the payments were based upon Listerine's formula having initially been a trade secret, but that since the formula had been published in 1931, the property no longer had a value, and that the indefinite agreement was legally unreasonable. The court, however, ruled in favor of Lawrence and the defendants, citing that the conditions were plainly-worded, implicit, and could be waived by ending production of the product. [7] [11] [12]

In 2000, Pfizer acquired Warner-Lambert. [13] Among Lambert's assets was the original land for Lambert-St. Louis International Airport. [14]

Glass bottle with paper label. The screw top indicates that the bottle was manufactured post-1920s. Old Listerine bottle.jpg
Glass bottle with paper label. The screw top indicates that the bottle was manufactured post-1920s.

From 1921 until the mid-1970s, Listerine was also marketed as preventive and remedy for colds and sore throats. In 1976, the Federal Trade Commission ruled that these claims were misleading, and that Listerine had "no efficacy" at either preventing or alleviating the symptoms of sore throats and colds. Warner-Lambert was ordered to stop making the claims, and to include in the next $10.2 million worth of Listerine ads specific mention that "Listerine will not help prevent colds or sore throats or lessen their severity." [15] The advertisement run by Listerine added the preamble "contrary to prior advertising". [16]

For a short time, beginning in 1927, the Lambert Pharmaceutical Company marketed Listerine Cigarettes. [17] [18]

From the 1930s into the 1950s, advertisements claimed that applying Listerine to the scalp could prevent "infectious dandruff". [19]

Listerine was packaged in a glass bottle inside a corrugated cardboard tube for nearly 80 years before the first revamps were made to the brand: in 1992, Cool Mint Listerine was introduced in addition to the original Listerine Antiseptic formula and, in 1994, both brands were introduced in plastic bottles for the first time. In 1995, FreshBurst was added, [20] then in 2003 Natural Citrus.[ citation needed ] In 2006 a new addition to the "less intense" variety, Vanilla Mint, was released. Nine different kinds of Listerine are on the market in the U.S. and elsewhere: Original, Cool Mint, FreshBurst, Natural Citrus, Naturals, Soft Mint (Vanilla Mint), UltraClean (formerly Advanced Listerine), Tooth Defense (mint shield), and Whitening pre-brush rinse (clean mint).[ citation needed ] In the United Kingdom, where in recent years the only option for most residents to obtain the original Listerine was to purchase from a dwindling number of larger branches of Boots the Chemist only the flavoured products are now obtainable as Boots has removed the Original from its selection. [21] Original is not listed on the Listerine UK website as among the Listerine products available in the United Kingdom. [22]

Composition

According to the product overview, the ingredients are as following for Listerine Total Care. [23] Similar distribution is contained in other varieties, which also list the essential oils as active ingredients. [24]

Listerine Total Care

Active ingredient

Inactive ingredients

Distributions in case of Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash, Original-05/22/2008 for essential oils are: menthol (mint) 0.042%, thymol (thyme) 0.064%, methyl salicylate (wintergreen) 0.06%, and eucalyptol (eucalyptus) 0.092%. [25]

Benefits

In combination, all have an antiseptic effect, [26] and there is some thought that methyl salicylate may have an anti inflammatory effect as well. [27] Ethanol, which is toxic to bacteria at concentrations of 40%, [28] is present in concentrations of 21.6% [23] in the flavored product and 26.9% [29] in the original gold Listerine Antiseptic. [30] At this concentration, the ethanol serves to dissolve the active ingredients. [31] [32]

Research indicates that Listerine can reduce dental plaque by 22.2% and gingivitis by 28.2% at 6 months. Dental plaque by 20.8% and gingivitis by 27.7% at 6 months, when compared with vehicle in test. Vehicle was 26.9% hydroalcoholic containing all ingredients in Listerine Antiseptic except its essential oils. [33] [34]

Listerine also sell a formulation called Listerine Advanced Defence Gum Treatment containing a common food preservative, ethyl lauroyl arginate (LAE) at 0.147%. [35]

Safety

Alcohol

The addition of essential oils means the ethanol is considered to be undrinkable, known as denatured alcohol, and it is therefore not regulated as an alcoholic beverage in the United States. (Specially Denatured Alcohol Formula 38-B, specified in Title 27, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 21, Subpart D) However, consumption of mouthwash to obtain intoxication does occur, especially among alcoholics and underage drinkers. [36]

The use of alcohol-containing mouthwash such as Listerine may increase the risk of developing oral cancer in some cases, see Oral cancer § Alcohol. [37] In 2009, Johnson and Johnson launched a new alcohol-free version of the product called Listerine Zero. [29]

Contaminants

On April 11, 2007, McNeil-PPC disclosed that there were potentially contaminants in all Listerine Agent Cool Blue products sold since its launch in 2006, and that all bottles were being recalled. [38] The recall affected some 4,000,000 bottles sold since that time. [39] According to the company, Listerine Agent Cool Blue is the only product affected by the contamination and no other products in the Listerine family were under recall. [38]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mouthwash</span> Liquid rinse for oral hygiene

Mouthwash, mouth rinse, oral rinse, or mouth bath is a liquid which is held in the mouth passively or swirled around the mouth by contraction of the perioral muscles and/or movement of the head, and may be gargled, where the head is tilted back and the liquid bubbled at the back of the mouth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rubbing alcohol</span> Alcohol used for germ protection

Rubbing alcohol is either an isopropyl alcohol or an ethanol-based liquid, with isopropyl alcohol products being the most widely available. The comparable British Pharmacopoeia (BP) is surgical spirit. Rubbing alcohol is denatured and undrinkable even if it is ethanol-based, due to the bitterants added.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Menthol</span> Organic compound used as flavouring and analgesic

Menthol is an organic compound, specifically a monoterpenoid, that occurs naturally in the oils of several plants in the mint family, such as corn mint and peppermint. It is a white or clear waxy crystalline substance that is solid at room temperature and melts slightly above. The main form of menthol occurring in nature is (−)-menthol, which is assigned the (1R,2S,5R) configuration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bad breath</span> Presence of unpleasant odors in exhaled breath

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a symptom in which a noticeably unpleasant breath odour is present. It can result in anxiety among those affected. It is also associated with depression and symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder.

Crest is an American brand of toothpaste and other oral hygiene products made by American multinational Procter & Gamble (P&G) and sold worldwide. In many countries in Europe, such as Germany, Bulgaria, Serbia, Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, Poland, Hungary, Latvia, Romania, Estonia and Lithuania, it is sold as Blend-A-Med, the name of an established German toothpaste acquired by P&G in 1987. In France, Spain, Italy, Israel, Sweden, Finland, Colombia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, Australia, Nigeria, Greece, Uruguay and Argentina, P&G markets similar toothpaste formulations under the Oral-B brand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Methyl salicylate</span> Chemical compound

Methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen or wintergreen oil) is an organic compound with the formula C8H8O3. It is the methyl ester of salicylic acid. It is a colorless, viscous liquid with a sweet, fruity odor reminiscent of root beer (in which it is used as a flavoring), but often associatively called "minty", as it is an ingredient in mint candies. It is produced by many species of plants, particularly wintergreens. It is also produced synthetically, used as a fragrance and as a flavoring agent.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chlorhexidine</span> Disinfectant and antiseptic

Chlorhexidine is a disinfectant and antiseptic with the molecular formula C22H30Cl2N10, which is used for skin disinfection before surgery and to disinfect surgical instruments. It is also used for cleaning wounds, preventing dental plaque, treating yeast infections of the mouth, and to keep urinary catheters from blocking. It is used as a liquid or a powder. It is commonly used in salt form, either the gluconate or the acetate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Liniment</span> Ointment-like medicated topical preparation for application to skin

Liniment, also called embrocation and heat rub, is a medicated topical preparation for application to the skin. Some liniments have a viscosity similar to that of water; others are lotion or balm; still, others are in transdermal patches, soft solid sticks, and sprays. Liniment usually is rubbed into the skin, which the active ingredients penetrate.

Breath spray is a product sprayed into the mouth for the purpose of temporarily eliminating or at least covering up bad breath. The masking effect is short-term and reported to last for 4-6 hours. Breath sprays are occasionally advertised as being for smokers or those who dip tobacco, and occasionally to cover up the smell of cigarette/cigar smoking. Common flavours include cinnamon, spearmint and peppermint, as well as company-specific flavors, such as "Ice Mint", "Cool Mint" or "Supermint".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wintergreen</span> Small shrub in the Heath family

Wintergreen is a group of aromatic plants. The term wintergreen once commonly referred to plants that remain green throughout the winter. The term evergreen is now more commonly used for this characteristic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hexetidine</span> Anti-bacterial agent

Hexetidine is an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent commonly used in both veterinary and human medicine. It is a local anesthetic, astringent and deodorant and has antiplaque effects.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eucalyptol</span> Chemical compound

Eucalyptol is a monoterpenoid colorless liquid, and a bicyclic ether. It has a fresh camphor-like odor and a spicy, cooling taste. It is insoluble in water, but miscible with organic solvents. Eucalyptol makes up about 70–90% of eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptol forms crystalline adducts with hydrohalic acids, o-cresol, resorcinol, and phosphoric acid. Formation of these adducts is useful for purification.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Certs</span> Mint confectionery

Certs was a brand of breath mint that was noted for the frequent use of "two mints in one" in its marketing. The original "classic mints" were disc-shaped without a hole and sold in roll packaging similar to Life Savers and Polo. Certs was one of the first mints to be nationally marketed in the United States and has been a fixture at American drug stores and convenience stores since its debut on the market in 1956. It was discontinued in 2018, possibly due to its containing partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil, an ingredient which has not been allowed in food sold in the United States since then.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cetylpyridinium chloride</span> Chemical compound

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) is a cationic quaternary ammonium compound used in some types of mouthwashes, toothpastes, lozenges, throat sprays, breath sprays, and nasal sprays. It is an antiseptic that kills bacteria and other microorganisms. It has been shown to be effective in preventing dental plaque and reducing gingivitis. It has also been used as an ingredient in certain pesticides. Though one study seems to indicate cetylpyridinium chloride does not cause brown tooth stains, at least one mouthwash containing CPC as an active ingredient bears the warning label "In some cases, antimicrobial rinses may cause surface staining to teeth," following a failed class-action lawsuit brought by customers whose teeth were stained.

Monoterpenes are a class of terpenes that consist of two isoprene units and have the molecular formula C10H16. Monoterpenes may be linear (acyclic) or contain rings (monocyclic and bicyclic). Modified terpenes, such as those containing oxygen functionality or missing a methyl group, are called monoterpenoids. Monoterpenes and monoterpenoids are diverse. They have relevance to the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, agricultural, and food industries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Euthymol</span> Brand of fluoride-free toothpaste

Euthymol is a brand of antiseptic, fluoride-free toothpaste distributed by LG H&H UK that is characterised by its bright pink colour and medicinal taste. It is also notable for its packaging, which is old fashioned, having merely a pattern and the product name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oral hygiene</span> Cleaning the mouth by brushing the teeth and cleaning in between the teeth

Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping one's oral cavity clean and free of disease and other problems by regular brushing of the teeth and adopting good hygiene habits. It is important that oral hygiene be carried out on a regular basis to enable prevention of dental disease and bad breath. The most common types of dental disease are tooth decay and gum diseases, including gingivitis, and periodontitis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dentyl pH</span> Brand of mouthwash

Dentyl Dual Action, previously known as Dentyl Active, and originally as Dentyl pH, is a brand of mouthwash, an oral hygiene product designed to reduce the presence of bacteria responsible for tooth decay, gingivitis and halitosis. Traditional mouthwash formulations typically use alcohol or other antimicrobial ingredients to kill bacteria.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gingivitis</span> Inflammation of the gums

Gingivitis is a non-destructive disease that causes inflammation of the gums; ulitis is an alternative term. The most common form of gingivitis, and the most common form of periodontal disease overall, is in response to bacterial biofilms that are attached to tooth surfaces, termed plaque-induced gingivitis. Most forms of gingivitis are plaque-induced.

Warner–Lambert was an American pharmaceutical company.

References

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  2. ↑ "History of LISTERINE®". LISTERINE®. Retrieved 2021-06-04.
  3. ↑ "Johnson & Johnson Acquires Pfizer Consumer Healthcare". Lexpert. December 20, 2006. Retrieved March 20, 2020.
  4. 1 2 3 Hicks, Jesse. "A Fresh Breath". Thanks to Chemistry. Chemical Heritage Foundation. Archived from the original on July 12, 2016. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  5. ↑ "Prescribe Listerine for Patients". The Pacific Dental Journal. 5 (2): 58. 1895. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  6. ↑ Casey, Wilson (2009). Firsts: Origins of Everyday Things That Changed the World. New York: Penguin. p. 155. ISBN   978-1101159460 . Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  7. 1 2 3 Susan, Decker (2020-07-13). "Bad Breath Offers a Rare Payoff in Listerine-Royalty Stake Sale". Bloomberg. Retrieved 2022-07-27.
  8. ↑ "Corporations: Riches from Royalties". Time. 1966-12-16. ISSN   0040-781X . Retrieved 2022-07-27.
  9. ↑ Levitt, Steven D.; Dubner, Stephen J. (2009). Freakonomics : A Rogue Economist Explores The Hidden Side Of Everything. New York: HarperCollins. p.  87. ISBN   978-0-06-073133-5. OCLC   502013083.
    Previous editions of Freakonomics incorrectly described halitosis as a "faux medical term", which this Wikipedia article previously reflected.
  10. ↑ "Warner-Hudnut, Inc. ( Early Warner-Lambert Company )". GoAntiques.com. Archived from the original on 2011-09-27. Retrieved February 25, 2010.
  11. ↑ "When the Secret Enables the Brand: The Long-Lasting Listerine License". IPWatchdog.com | Patents & Patent Law. 2021-11-23. Retrieved 2022-07-27.
  12. ↑ "Warner-Lambert Pharm. Co. v. John J. Reynolds, Inc., 178 F. Supp. 655 (S.D.N.Y. 1959)". Justia Law. Retrieved 2022-07-27.
  13. ↑ "2000: Pfizer joins forces with Warner-Lambert". Pfizer. Archived from the original on May 24, 2013. Retrieved February 5, 2010.
  14. ↑ Mary Delach Leonard (Dec 25, 2016). "Lambert airport traces its history to an aviation visionary who knew how to sell mouthwash". St. Louis Public Radio. Archived from the original on 2017-02-18. Retrieved 2018-04-28.
  15. ↑ "Three by the FTC" . Time . Jan 5, 1976. Retrieved 2006-12-05.
  16. ↑ Business Its Legal, Ethical, and Global Environment by Marianne M. Jennings 8th edition page 324, Given these safeguards, we believe the preamble "Contrary to prior advertising" is not necessary.
  17. ↑ Gardiner, Phillip (2004). "The African Americanization of menthol cigarette use in the United States" (PDF). Nicotine & Tobacco Research. 6: S55–65. doi:10.1080/14622200310001649478. PMID   14982709. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-08-19. Retrieved 2014-08-15.
  18. ↑ "LISTERINE Cigarettes". Tobacco Documents Online. Archived from the original on 2011-06-15. Retrieved 2009-09-25.
  19. ↑ Lambert Pharmacal (1930). "Listerine gets rid of dandruff". Popular Science . 116 (5): 17. ISSN   0161-7370.
  20. ↑ "Article: Warner-Lambert reenters the dentrifice business". Chain Drug Review. 1995-07-31. Archived from the original on 2013-09-26. Retrieved 2014-08-16.
  21. ↑ "Boots website: Listerine products selection".
  22. ↑ "Products". LISTERINE® UK. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
  23. 1 2 "TOTAL CARE Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash". LISTERINE®. Retrieved 2021-06-04.
  24. ↑ "LISTERINE® Gum Therapy Antiseptic Mouthwash". LISTERINE®. Retrieved 2021-06-04.
  25. ↑ "Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash, Original-05/22/2008". CPID. Retrieved 6 September 2022.
  26. ↑ Bachir, Raho G; Benali, M (September 2012). "Antibacterial activity of the essential oils from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus". Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. 2 (9): 739–742. doi:10.1016/S2221-1691(12)60220-2. ISSN   2221-1691. PMC   3609378 . PMID   23570005.
  27. ↑ Mason, L.; Moore, R. A.; Edwards, J. E.; McQuay, H. J.; Derry, S.; Wiffen, P. J. (2004). "Systematic review of efficacy of topical rubefacients containing salicylates for the treatment of acute and chronic pain". BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.). 328 (7446): 995. doi:10.1136/bmj.38040.607141.EE. PMC   404501 . PMID   15033879.
  28. ↑ Reynolds, Scott A.; Levy, Foster; Walker, Elaine S. (March 2006). "Hand Sanitizer Alert". Emerging Infectious Diseases. 12 (3): 527–529. doi:10.3201/eid1203.050955. ISSN   1080-6040. PMC   3291447 . PMID   16710985.
  29. 1 2 "Johnson & Johnson sued over mouthwash cancer fears". The Guardian. 2011-08-27. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
  30. ↑ Block's disinfection, sterilization, and preservation. Gerald E. McDonnell, Joyce M. Hansen (6th ed.). Philadelphia. 2021. ISBN   978-1-4963-8149-1. OCLC   1149169039.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) CS1 maint: others (link)
  31. ↑ "Alcohol". Listerine Professional. Retrieved 2018-04-30.
  32. ↑ "Alcohol in Mouthwashes & Rinses | LISTERINE® Professional". ListerineProfessional. Retrieved 2021-06-04.
  33. ↑ "Removing Plaque from Teeth | LISTERINE® Professional". ListerineProfessional. Retrieved 2021-06-04.
  34. ↑ Gordon, J. M.; Lamster, I. B.; Seiger, M. C. (September 1985). "Efficacy of Listerine antiseptic in inhibiting the development of plaque and gingivitis". Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 12 (8): 697–704. doi:10.1111/j.1600-051x.1985.tb00941.x. ISSN   0303-6979. PMID   3902908.
  35. ↑ "Product profile". Listerine Advanced Defence Gum Treatment.
  36. ↑ Cathleen Terhune Alty (March 12, 2014). "Do you want that mouthwash straight up or on the rocks?". RDH.
  37. ↑ Rao KN, Mehta R, Dange P, Nagarkar NM (2024-05-08). "Alcohol-Containing Mouthwash and the Risk of Oral Cancer: Exploring the Association". Indian Journal of Surgical Oncology. doi:10.1007/s13193-024-01948-4. ISSN   0975-7651. There is some evidence for alcohol-containing mouthwash use which is associated with the potential risk of developing carcinoma of oral cavity. The results are inconclusive.
  38. 1 2 "McNeil-PPC, Inc. today issues voluntary nationwide consumer recall of Listerine Agent Cool Blue plaque-detecting rinse products" (Press release). McNeil-PPC. 2007-04-11. Retrieved 2014-04-10.
  39. ↑ "Contamination prompts J&J recall of Listerine Agent Cool Blue plaque-detecting rinse". NBC News. Associated Press. 2007-04-12. Archived from the original on August 19, 2014. Retrieved Aug 15, 2014.
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