Our company began as a one-man, one-product
operation…founded in 1949 by Ivan D. Combe.
But the idea that inspired it was big. Identify unfilled consumer needs—and fill them.
In 1950, Ivan Combe created Clearasil®, the first effective acne medication ever introduced for teen-agers. Working single-handedly as distributor, sales manager and advertising director, he made the brand number one in its field—before selling it to Richardson-Vicks in 1961.
Throughout the 60s to this day, Combe has created new product categories and revolutionized existing ones—with brands such as Grecian® Formula 16® haircolor for men, Lanacane® itch creme, Odor-Eaters® odor-destroying insoles, Sea-Bond® denture cushions and Vagisil® feminine itch creme.
Until his death in January 2000, Mr. Combe guided the company’s dynamic growth. He never ceased to remind his people, “We are innovators, not imitators.”
Today, Combe products are sold on 6 continents in 64 countries. A testimony to the bedrock idea behind Combe: Identify unfilled consumer needs—and fill them.
