History of Ivory
Ivory soap, a product of Procter & Gamble (P&G), was introduced to the market in 1879. It quickly
became renowned for its purity and ability to float, a characteristic attributed to an accidental
discovery during the manufacturing process. The story goes that a worker left the mixing machine
running too long, whipping air into the soap. Rather than discard the batch, it was shipped out and
customers appreciated the soap's buoyant nature. This 'accidental' invention became a unique selling
point and was a pivotal moment in the product's history.
Ivory soap's slogan, '99 and
44/100%
pure,' became an iconic part of its branding. This purity claim was based on laboratory tests,
emphasizing its simple, clean formula devoid of dyes and heavy perfumes, making it a favorite for
sensitive skin. Over the decades, P&G expanded the Ivory line to include liquid soaps and body
washes, maintaining its reputation for mildness. Despite the influx of new brands and products,
Ivory has retained a loyal customer base, symbolizing simplicity and purity in personal care.