Colon Gel Activo detergent

Colon is a historic Spanish laundry detergent brand that has been a household staple in Spain for decades. It was originally created by the Spanish company Jabones Camp, founded by Joan Camp in Granollers, Barcelona, in 1934. The brand became culturally iconic in Spain during the 1980s primarily due to a famous television commercial featuring general director Manuel Luque and his catchphrase "Busque, compare y, si encuentra algo mejor, cómprelo" (Search, compare and, if you find something better, buy it).

In 1989, the brand was acquired by the German company Benckiser, which later merged with the British firm Reckitt & Colman in 1999 to form the global giant Reckitt Benckiser (now known simply as Reckitt). Ownership remains with Reckitt as of early 2026, though the company has explored divestment options for its Spanish detergent business in recent years. Manufacturing for the Spanish market remains largely centered in the original Granollers facility in Catalonia, maintaining the brand's strong local roots while operating under a British multinational parent company.