Transformational Health Care Ideas

The Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies has brought the world new ideas that have transformed the health and well-being of people across the globe. Here are some of the ways in which our products and ideas have changed people’s lives

Sterile Surgical Dressings and Sutures

Starting in 1887, Johnson & Johnson manufactured and marketed the first commercial sterile surgical dressings, along with sterile sutures. They greatly increased the survival rates of patients in American hospitals and saved a countless number of lives.

Baby Powder

In 1893, we developed JOHNSON’S® Baby Powder. It led to an entirely new business -- trusted products to help parents care for their babies and young children.

Dental Floss

In 1898, we introduced dental floss to help people keep their teeth and gums healthy. We originally made it from leftover suture silk.

Sanitary Protection Products

In 1897, we started producing and marketing disposable sanitary napkins for women. This was a big improvement over homemade methods. These products grew out of our early maternal and child health kits, which were produced at a time when most babies were born at home.

Non-Irritating Shampoo

More than 50 years ago we developed JOHNSON’S® Baby Shampoo with our NO MORE TEARS® formula, a mild soap-free formula that cleans baby’s hair but won’t irritate the eyes. We understood that when you’re washing your baby’s hair, it’s a special time that you don’t want to spoil with eye irritation.

Antiseptic Mouthwash

LISTERINE® Antiseptic was created in 1879 by Dr. Joseph Lawrence and Jordan Wheat Lambert as a surgical disinfectant. They soon discovered that it was great at killing germs in the mouth, making it the first-ever antiseptic mouthwash. In 2006, LISTERINE® joined our family when we acquired Pfizer Consumer Healthcare.

First Aid Kits

We manufactured and marketed the first-ever First Aid kits in 1891 under our famous RED CROSS® trademark. They were originally designed to help railroad workers who needed on-site medical treatment. We soon made kits for homes, offices, factories, schools, farms and more. We also published the first First Aid Manuals, which became the standard in treating injuries.

Ready-Made Bandages

In 1920 one of our employees, Earle Dickson, came up with the idea for a ready-made bandage that people could apply themselves. Before that, if people wanted to protect a cut, they had to make their own bandages. The iconic BAND-AID® Brand Adhesive Bandage went on the market in 1921.

Pain Relief Without Aspirin

In 1955, TYLENOL® (acetaminophen) elixir for children was introduced. It was the first prescription aspirin-free pain reliever. Five years later it became available for use without a prescription and has become the pain reliever that doctors and pediatricians recommend the most.