About Dettol
Dettol stands as the world's leading antiseptic brand and one of Britain's most trusted names in hygiene, protecting families since 1933. Developed by British company Reckitt and Colman, Dettol has grown from a revolutionary antiseptic liquid into a comprehensive range of over 200 germ-killing products. Now available in 124 countries and owned by Reckitt (formerly Reckitt Benckiser), Dettol remains the flagship hygiene brand that British households have relied upon for over ninety years. The Dettol story began in 1929 when British scientist Lloyd Roake, working with Albert Leopold Reckitt and Dr William Colebrook Reynolds, first formulated what would become Dettol. Originally developed for personal use as a douching formulation and hand washing, the antiseptic liquid was introduced to the market in 1933 by Reckitt & Sons Limited, a prominent British soap manufacturer founded in the nineteenth century. The name "Dettol" was invented by Lloyd Roake, creating one of the most recognisable brand names in British household products. The distinctive sword-and-circle logo and the characteristic cloudy-when-diluted property became instantly identifiable markers of the brand's germ-fighting credentials. In 1938, Reckitt & Sons merged with J & J Colman, another established soap producer, creating Reckitt & Colman Ltd. This merger assumed ownership of Dettol and oversaw its early growth from antiseptic product to household essential. The post-war years saw Dettol become standard in British medicine cabinets and cleaning cupboards. A significant corporate evolution occurred in 1999 when Reckitt & Colman merged with Dutch company Benckiser N.V., forming Reckitt Benckiser Group plc. This merger positioned Dettol within a diversified global portfolio of hygiene and household products alongside complementary brands like Lysol and Harpic. In 2021, the company rebranded to simply Reckitt, streamlining its identity while maintaining focus on consumer health and hygiene. Today, Dettol contributes significantly to Reckitt's annual revenues as a flagship brand. The range has expanded dramatically from the original antiseptic liquid to encompass over 200 products containing various active ingredients, all designed to kill 99.9% of bacteria and protect family health. The hand hygiene range provides multiple formats for keeping hands clean and protected. Antibacterial liquid hand wash remains a bathroom staple. Hand sanitiser sprays and gels enable protection on-the-go. These products have become essential for modern hygiene-conscious consumers, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Antibacterial wipes offer convenient protection for hands and surfaces. The On-The-Go 2in1 Antibacterial Wipes remove 99.9% of bacteria on both hands and different surfaces, perfect for everyday life. Biodegradable Multi-Surface Wipes use plant-derived fibres for antibacterial protection with reduced environmental impact. Surface cleaners and sprays tackle household hygiene across kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces. Dettol Antibacterial Surface Cleanser is proven to kill bacteria including E.coli, S.aureus, Listeria, Campylobacter, P.aeruginosa, MRSA, and Salmonella. All-in-One Disinfectant Spray provides convenient whole-home protection. The laundry range addresses a growing awareness of bacterial transfer through clothing and textiles. Dettol Laundry Cleanser kills 99.9% of bacteria, stopping odour-causing bacteria at source. Effective even in cold wash cycles as low as 15°C, it suits modern energy-conscious laundry habits. Suitable for bedding, towels, clothes, underwear, children's clothes, and gym kit. Washing Machine Cleaner maintains appliance hygiene, eliminating bacteria and odours that can build up in washing machines. This addresses the hidden bacterial reservoirs many consumers don't consider when focusing on laundry cleanliness. Dettol's modern formulas include plant-based ingredients while maintaining proven antibacterial effectiveness. Products kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, including COVID-19 virus, providing reassurance for health-conscious households. Mould and Mildew Remover extends the brand into bathroom-specific challenges. This specialist product tackles the fungal growth common in damp bathroom environments, complementing general antibacterial products. The iconic Dettol Antiseptic Liquid remains available, maintaining the heritage product that started it all. Diluted for wound cleaning or added to bath water, this original format continues serving its traditional purposes alongside modern spray and wipe formats. Dettol products are widely available across UK supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, and Waitrose. Savers and other health and beauty retailers stock comprehensive ranges. MX Wholesale and other trade suppliers serve business customers. Online grocery platforms provide full availability. Comparing Dettol to competitors like Zoflora, Flash, and supermarket antibacterial brands, Dettol offers the distinctive combination of ninety-year heritage, Reckitt's global research capabilities, comprehensive product range, and trusted 99.9% bacteria-killing claims. Zoflora provides fragrance-focused disinfection. Flash offers multi-surface cleaning. Dettol's antiseptic heritage and extensive range provide unmatched credibility in household hygiene. For UK consumers seeking trusted antibacterial protection from Britain's leading hygiene brand, Dettol delivers ninety years of germ-fighting expertise across wipes, sprays, laundry products, and more. Whether protecting hands on-the-go, sanitising kitchen surfaces, or ensuring laundry hygiene, Dettol provides the 99.9% bacterial protection that families rely upon. Using Grocefully to compare Dettol prices across UK retailers ensures you find the best deals on Britain's most trusted antibacterial brand.