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How LISTERINE ® Works

 WHY LISTERINE® CLEANS DEEPER. 

In 1879, two scientists – Dr.Joseph Lawrence and Pharmacist Jordan Lambert – joined forces to create LISTERINE®, a powerhouse antiseptic made from four essentials oils.

LISTERINE® penetrates deep into the layers of bacteria that build up in our mouths. Our unique formula consists of four essential oils – eucalyptol, methol, thymol and methyl salicylate. This formula sweeps through the mouth, tackling hard-to-reach places and fighting through layers of plaque to leave your mouth clean and fresh.

The unique essential oil formulation in LISTERINE® helps you get a healthier mouth:

  • Eucalyptol – with antibacterial properties, this eucalyptus-derived essential oil works as an anti-fungal agent within the mouth.

  • Methol – this natural oil as germ-killing abilities to help halt the growth of bacteria.

  • Thymol – this powerful oil is derived from the ajowan herb, and helps decrease the risk of gum disease.

  • Methyl Salicylate – for minty freshness from morning til night, the flavouring agent in this essential oil is, well… essential! 

How do we know this? We’ve spent more than 100 years refining and enhancing LISTERINE® – and we are backed by over 50 clinical studies to confirm just how effective against plaque we really are. LISTERINE® has been proven to kill 99.9% of germs, while ensuring healthy gums, clean teeth and fresh breath.

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LISTERINE® cleans deeper than other leading daily mouthwashes

EUCALYPTOL

 EUCALYPTOL  - Derived from the eucalyptus tree, this essential oil acts as an antibacterial and anti-fungal agent.

MENTHOL

 MENTHOL  - Identical to menthol found in natural cornmint, this essential oil has germ killing properties that help prevent growth of bacteria in the mouth.

THYMOL

THYMOL  - Developed from the ajowan  herb, thymol has antiseptic qualities that help to fight oral infection while decreasing the risk of gum disease and bad breath.

METHYL

 METHYL SALICAYLATE  - Identical to methyl salicylate in natural wintergreen, this essential oil provides a flavoring agent to ensure fresh breath.

LISTER

LISTERINE® is named in tribute to Doctor Joseph Lister, who pioneered the idea of using disinfectants in hospitals and during surgery. Lister’s work paved the way to the modern antiseptic operating room, and he is responsible for a dramatic downturn in patient mortality that occurred in the 19th century.

LISTERINE

LISTERINE ®  – In 1879, Dr. Joseph Lawrence and Jordan Lambert create a remarkable new antiseptic using four essential oils: EUCALYPTOL, MENTHOL, THYMOL, and METHYL SALICYLATE. They decide to name their creation “LISTERINE ® ” in honor of Dr. Joseph Lister, the father of modern antiseptics.

BULB

LIGHT BULB – IN 1879, Thomas Edison develops a filament of carbonised thread and creates the symbol for bright ideas – also known as the light bulb.

ALBERT

ALBERT EINSTEIN – Born March 14, 1879. Mathematical theorist, hairstyle trendsetter, and all-around smart guy who we suspect (although there’s no historical evidence to support this) was a big swisher.

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