Colgate toothpaste and oral care products

Colgate is one of the most recognizable brands in the world, specializing in oral hygiene products such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwashes, and dental floss. The brand's history began in 1806 when William Colgate established a starch, soap, and candle business on Dutch Street in New York City. It was not until 1873, years after the founder's death, that the company introduced its first toothpaste, which was originally sold in glass jars. In 1896, Colgate made history by selling toothpaste in a collapsible tube, similar to the packaging used today.

Over the decades, Colgate expanded its reach globally, forming a significant merger in 1928 with the Palmolive-Peet Company to become Colgate-Palmolive-Peet, eventually shortening the name to Colgate-Palmolive in 1953. Today, the brand is a powerhouse in the consumer goods sector, with its products sold in over 200 countries and territories.

Manufacturing for Colgate is highly decentralized to serve various regional markets efficiently. The company operates major production facilities in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, China, India, and various countries across Europe and Southeast Asia. As a publicly-traded multinational, the ultimate owner is the Colgate-Palmolive Company, headquartered in Midtown Manhattan, New York. The brand remains a leader in dental professional recommendations and continues to innovate with sub-brands like Colgate Total, Optic White, and Sensitive Pro-Relief.