Lifebuoy (soap)

Lifebuoy is a brand of soap that was created by the Lever Brothers in England in 1895. It was one of the first soaps to use carbolic acid, which gave it a red color and strong, medicinal scent. Lifebuoy is currently owned by Unilever.

History

Lifebuoy was originally, and for much of its history, a carbolic soap containing phenol (carbolic acid, a compound extracted from coal tar). The original Lifebuoy was a hard, mottled, red and white soap with a distinct medicinal carbolic smell. Lifebuoy's distinctive phenol smell was noted in a 1922 New Yorker article that reported "the smell of Lifebuoy soap clinging to the skin is often a source of embarrassment to its users".

Composition

The primary ingredient of Lifebuoy is sodium palmate, the sodium salt of palmitic acid. It also contains glycerin, water, sodium chloride (salt), tetrasodium EDTA, tetrasodium etidronate, BHT, and fragrance. The red color is achieved with Red 17.

Uses

Lifebuoy is a popular choice for hygiene purposes in many parts of the world. It is often used in areas where cleanliness is a priority, such as hospitals and kitchens. The soap's antibacterial properties make it a good choice for preventing the spread of diseases.

Marketing

Lifebuoy has been marketed for many years with the slogan "Lifebuoy — the soap that saves lives". This is a reference to the soap's original purpose as a disinfectant to combat the cholera epidemic in 19th century England.

See also

• List of Unilever brands
• Soap
• Hygiene

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