The History of Blistex

In the 1930s, a Seattle-based pharmacist developed an effective ointment to treat cold sores and chapped lips. In 1947, Charles Arch incorporated Blistex Inc. in Chicago and began selling ointment for treating cold sores, fever blisters, and chapped lips. The company ran its first ad campaign in various magazines in 1949. In 1956, the first Blistex lip balm was introduced. Notably, it was packaged in the industry’s first swivel-propelled stick. The company expanded to other countries before acquiring Kank-A, the first ADA-approved product for treating mouth sore pain, in 1977. In 1978, the company changed headquarters and also purchased Ivarest, a brand focused on reducing itchiness caused by exposure to poison ivy. In 1996, Blistex acquired Stridex, an anti-acne brand, and then made several more brand acquisitions in the 2000s. Today, Blistex is well-known for its line of lip ointments and also maintains a portfolio of acquired brands.