About Kleenex
Kleenex is the UK's number one facial tissue brand, with a heritage spanning nearly a century since launching in Britain in 1925. Originally developed during World War I as a crepe paper gas mask filter, the material was refined into a softer product and marketed in 1924 as a cold cream remover—the name Kleenex combining "Kleen" (a sensational spelling of clean) with the product's cleansing purpose. The brand's transformation into a handkerchief replacement came in 1929 when Kimberly-Clark's head researcher, suffering from hay fever, began using tissues instead of cloth handkerchiefs. Sales doubled in the first year. By the 1930s, Kleenex was marketed as a hygienic alternative to carrying a used handkerchief, establishing the disposable tissue category that remains dominant today. Key UK milestones include Kleenex For Men tissues in 1956 (now Mansize, known for staying strong when wet), Travel Tissues in 1983 (now Pocket Packs), and Kleenex Balsam in 1996—the first tissues containing calendula balm to prevent sore noses. The Collection Cubes launched in 2013 brought decorative tissue boxes to British homes, whilst the 2020 Allergy Comfort range was designed for the UK's 13 million allergy sufferers. Owned by Kimberly-Clark Corporation (founded 1872 in Wisconsin), Kleenex sits alongside Andrex, Huggies and Kotex in their portfolio. Compare Kleenex prices across Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Boots and other UK retailers with Grocefully.