History of Darlie
Darlie toothpaste, originally known as Darkie, has a complex and controversial history. It was first
introduced in the 1930s by the Hawley & Hazel Chemical Company in Shanghai, China. The brand
initially used racist imagery, featuring a logo of a man in blackface with a top hat and bow tie,
which led to significant criticism and boycotts over the years.
In 1985, the company rebranded
the toothpaste as 'Darlie' and changed the logo to a more neutral design, featuring a smiling man.
The Chinese name of the toothpaste, '黑人牙膏' (Hēirén yágāo), which translates to 'Black Man
Toothpaste,' was also changed to '黑人牌' (Hēirén pái), meaning 'Black Person Brand.' Despite these
changes, the brand still faces criticism for its historical roots and its use of racially
insensitive imagery.
Today, Darlie is a popular toothpaste brand in several Asian markets,
known for its strong cleaning properties and fresh mint flavor. It continues to be produced and
marketed by Colgate-Palmolive, which acquired a 50% stake in the brand's parent company, Hawley &
Hazel, in 1985.