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    Colgate
    Consumer Goods / Oral Care

    Colgate

    United States flagUnited States

    "Every great moment starts with a smile"

    Founded 1806 New York City, USA
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    About

    The brand traces its roots to 1806 when William Colgate opened a soap and candle factory in New York City. That original business survived the founder's death by sixteen years before launching its first toothpaste in jars in 1873. The company eventually pivoted entirely away from candles to become a dominant force in oral hygiene, selling products in over 200 countries today.

    Current leadership focuses on innovation and global expansion while navigating a competitive landscape filled with rivals like Procter & Gamble. Recent strategies include AI-driven search optimization campaigns in South Africa that achieved a 44x conversion rate for high-intent audiences. The company also leverages celebrity partnerships to engage younger demographics, such as the August 2026 launch of Optic White Vitamin C featuring BTS member j-hope.

    Products & Sub-brands

    TotalOptic WhitePro SeriesColgate MaxFreshSensodyneElmexTom's of MaineAquafresh

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who owns Colgate toothpaste?
    Colgate is owned by the American multinational corporation Colgate-Palmolive Company, which was originally founded by William Colgate in 1806 as a soap and candle maker.
    Is Colgate still in business?
    Yes, Colgate is thriving as a global leader in oral care, recently launching new products like Optic White with BTS and reporting strong Q2 2026 profits.
    What is the difference between Colgate and Oral-B?
    Colgate is primarily known for its toothpaste and general oral hygiene products, while Oral-B is a competitor owned by Procter & Gamble that specializes heavily in electric toothbrushes and professional dental tools.
    Where is Colgate-Palmolive headquartered?
    The company is headquartered in New York City, USA, and distributes its products to consumers in over 200 countries worldwide.
    Does Colgate use hydrogen peroxide in their toothpaste?
    Yes, the brand offers a Pro Series line powered by hydrogen peroxide designed to dissolve surface and below-surface stains more effectively than standard pastes.

    Keywords

    oral caretoothpastedental hygienemouthwashtoothbrushwhiteningsensitivitygingivitisplaquehydrogen peroxideBTSj-hopeOptic WhiteTotalPro Series

    Sources

    WikipediaColgate-PalmoliveYahoo FinanceGoogle BusinessReuters

    Company Info

    Founded
    1806
    Founder
    William Colgate
    Headquarters
    New York City, USA
    Industry
    Consumer Goods / Oral Care
    Parent Company
    Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Toothpaste Launch Year
    1873
    Countries Served
    200+
    South Africa Conversion Rate
    44x
    Share Sale Date
    August 15, 2026
    BTS Collaboration Month
    August 2026

    Official Website

    www.colgate.com/en-us

    Links

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