The history of Listerine is rooted in the evolution of modern medicine, at a time when scientific discoveries were radically changing healthcare practices. It all began with Sir Joseph Lister, a visionary British physician and surgeon, who drew on the theories of Louis Pasteur to develop revolutionary sterilization techniques. In 1865, Sir Joseph Lister performed a surgical operation in a room sterilized with antiseptics. This approach, unprecedented at the time, considerably reduced post-operative infections, marking a major breakthrough in medical history.
Inspired by this work, the original Listerine formula was developed in response to an urgent need: to reduce infections and improve the safety of medical interventions. This scientific background laid the solid foundations for a product that would become a benchmark in hygiene, well beyond the hospital environment.
In 1876, at a scientific conference on Sir Joseph Lister's research, two men were deeply impressed: Dr Joseph Lawrence, a passionate pharmacist, and Robert Wood Johnson, founder of the future Johnson & Johnson group. Together, they decided to combine their skills and ambitions to modernize the medical practices of their time.
In 1879, Dr Lawrence developed a unique antiseptic formula inspired by Lister's work, which he named Listerine in his honor. The product was initially designed as a disinfectant for operating theatres and surgical wounds. Shortly afterwards, Lawrence joined forces with pharmacist Jordan Wheat Lambert to found the Lambert Pharmaceutical Company. Their objective? To produce and market a product capable of revolutionizing medical hygiene and, by extension, public health.
Before becoming the world-famous mouthwash, Listerine was an exclusively medical product. Used in hospitals, it disinfected operating theatres and irrigated wounds, reducing the risk of serious infection. This crucial role in the medical field enabled Listerine to build a solid reputation for effectiveness and reliability.
This first step in its history bears witness to the rigorous scientific approach that guided its creation. By establishing itself as an indispensable solution in the hospital environment, Listerine laid the foundations for a product that would, decades later, become part of the daily routine of millions of households.
Over time, Listerine's antiseptic benefits were adapted for wider use. By the early 20ᵉ century, it became clear that the formula could also be used to improve oral hygiene. The transition took place gradually, and Listerine positioned itself as an essential complement to tooth brushing.
Today, Listerine is recognized as a daily mouthwash that eliminates up to 99% of the bacteria responsible for oral health problems. It complements the action of brushing by reaching hard-to-reach areas, offering overall protection against bad breath, plaque and gum disease.
Listerine is more than just a hygiene product: it's a brand you can trust. With over a billion users worldwide, it is a global benchmark in oral health. In France, Listerine is the number 1 brand in pharmacies, offering a varied range of 12 products adapted to each individual's specific needs.
Thanks to its availability in supermarkets and pharmacies, Listerine has become a product accessible to all. This success is the fruit of a constant commitment to research and innovation, which guarantees visible and lasting results.
Choosing Listerine means choosing a product based on over 130 years of scientific expertise and innovation. It means integrating into your daily routine a reliable, effective and recognized solution for improving oral health. Listerine is much more than just a mouthwash: it's a genuine ally for a healthy, radiant, confident smile.
Listerine offers a complete range of products designed to meet the specific needs of users. Each formula has been carefully developed to deliver targeted benefits and guarantee a pleasant experience. Here's an overview of the different ranges:
Listerine doesn't just complement brushing: it significantly improves oral health by offering a targeted solution tailored to every need. When you choose Listerine, you opt for :
Integrating Listerine into your routine means choosing a simple, fast and effective solution for caring for your smile. With its multiple benefits and scientific heritage, Listerine is a must-have for oral hygiene.
