Diversified U.S. company that manufactures household, health-care, and personal care products.
It began in the early 19th century, when William Colgate, a soapmaker and candlemaker, began selling his wares in New York City. His company sold the first toothpaste in a tube in 1908, and in 1928 it was bought by the makers of Palmolive soap. Its current name was adopted in 1953. Its headquarters are in New York City.