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Q. There is an ad in a vintage Good Housekeeping magazine from October 1927 where Listerine mouthwash is recommended for women with bad skin. I find that nothing is really new and that Listerine has been used for treating skin problems for decades.
A. We have not been able to find the advertisement you referred to. Listerine was introduced to physicians in 1879 for use as a surgical antiseptic. In 1914 it was brought to the market as the first commercial mouthwash.
Readers have told us that Listerine is helpful against dandruff, jock itch, nail fungus, lice and blemishes. The FDA only sanctions its use as a mouthwash.
I used to use Listerine for acne, but now I prefer Tom's of Maine mouthwash. The original gold Listerine has 27% alcohol while Tom's has no alcohol. Listerine contains menthol, thymol, methyl salicylate, and eucalyptol. Tom's contains glycerin, witch hazel, aloe vera, peppermint, and menthol.
They both work well, Tom's just isn't as drying as Listerine.
I can remember my Dad telling me that the man (whom my Dad knew) who "invented" Listerine meant it to be cure for dandruff..He was very surprised that it became a mouth wash.. Of course he was one of the very many people who invent something, sell the rights, and never make another cent from it..