American diversified company that manufactures and distributes household and commercial cleaning products, personal-care products, and pet foods. Headquarters are in New York City.

Colgate-Palmolive's history traces back to the early 19th century, when William Colgate, a soap and candle maker, began selling his wares in New York City. His company sold the first toothpaste in a tube, Colgate Ribbon Dental Cream, in 1896.

In 1928 Colgate & Company was bought by Palmolive-Peet Company. Palmolive-Peet's founder, B.J. Johnson, had developed the formula for Palmolive soap in 1898. At the turn of the century Palmolive, which contained both palm and olive oils, was the world's best-selling soap. The current corporate name was adopted in 1953.

Colgate-Palmolive markets products in the United States and approximately 200 other countries. Major product categories include toothpastes and mouthwashes, toothbrushes, deodorants, bar soaps and liquid soaps, dish soaps and dishwasher detergents, floor- and surface-cleaning products, and pet food.