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Speed Stick
Speed Stick
Speed Stick
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Speed Stick/Lady Speed Stick
Product typeDeodorant/antiperspirant
OwnerColgate-Palmolive
CountryUnited States
Introduced1963 (Speed Stick)
1983 (Lady Speed Stick)
MarketsWorldwide
Previous ownersThe Mennen Company (1963–1992)
TaglineDon't sweat it. Handle it.
Websitewww.speedstick.com

Speed Stick is an American brand of deodorant/antiperspirant produced by multinational healthcare company Colgate-Palmolive. It was formerly known as "Mennen Speed Stick" prior to Colgate-Palmolive's purchase of The Mennen Company. Currently, the products feature the words "by Mennen" in a small font on the label. Speed Stick comes in both deodorant and antiperspirant forms. Speed Stick is both a sponsor and the official antiperspirant of the NHL.

Speed Stick comes in forms for men and women (Lady Speed Stick) and in stronger "24/7" forms. Both Speed Stick and Lady Speed Stick are available in stick and gel form.

Speed Stick product types include 24/7, Pro, Stain Guard, Irish Spring, and Original.

Sponsors

[edit]
Speed Stick sponsorship of Cole Whitt

Speed Stick was promoted on Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis, in which Zach Galifianakis would abruptly cut an interview in half to promote the product.

Speed Stick bought a 30-second commercial on CBS during Super Bowl XLVII. Since the beginning of 2014, Speed Stick has sponsored NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Cole Whitt for at least ten races a year, initially through their GEAR brand until Indianapolis in 2015. This sponsorship has appeared on the cars of four teams that Whitt has driven for in this time, including Swan Racing,[1] BK Racing,[2] Front Row Motorsports[3] and Premium Motorsports.[citation needed]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Speed Stick

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Speed Stick is a of antiperspirant and products, primarily targeted at men, that provides 24-hour protection against sweat and through stick and formulations in various scents. Introduced in 1963 by the Company as one of the early innovations in solid sticks, it quickly became a leading men's personal care product. In 1992, acquired for $670 million, integrating Speed Stick into its portfolio and expanding its global marketing and product development. The brand's lineup includes core offerings like Speed Stick Original for basic odor protection, Power series for enhanced wetness control, and collaborations such as Irish Spring-scented variants, alongside the women's Lady Speed Stick line featuring emollient formulas for softer skin application. Over the decades, Speed Stick has introduced innovations like clear formulas in to avoid white residue and unscented options for sensitive skin, supported by multimillion-dollar advertising campaigns emphasizing active lifestyles. As Colgate-Palmolive's top men's brand, it remains a staple in retail channels worldwide, with ongoing updates like the 1998 Ultimate line for prolonged fragrance release.

Introduction

Brand Overview

Speed Stick is a prominent brand of deodorant and antiperspirant products, primarily targeted at men, delivering solid stick formulations designed for convenient application and effective 24-hour protection against sweat and odor. The brand emphasizes reliability and performance to support an active lifestyle, helping users maintain confidence throughout the day with a range of masculine scents and odor-fighting formulas. Originally introduced in 1963 by the Mennen Company, Speed Stick pioneered accessible personal care options in the men's grooming market. Today, as part of Colgate-Palmolive's portfolio, it holds the position of the company's leading men's , underscoring its enduring popularity and market dominance in providing all-day freshness and . The also includes a complementary line, Lady Speed Stick, tailored for women, which offers similar stick-based and antiperspirant solutions without overlapping in detailed product specifics.

Ownership and Acquisition

Speed Stick was originally developed and owned by the Company, a family-run founded in , which introduced the in 1963 as one of its flagship . Under ownership, Speed Stick became a leading men's brand in the United States, benefiting from the company's focus on innovative grooming essentials like aftershaves and talcum powders. The brand remained under Mennen's control for nearly three decades, establishing a strong market presence through its convenient stick format and reliable odor protection. In 1992, Colgate-Palmolive acquired the Mennen Company for approximately $670 million in a stock and cash deal, marking a significant expansion of Colgate's portfolio in the personal care sector. This acquisition integrated Speed Stick and other Mennen brands, such as Lady Speed Stick and Skin Bracer, into Colgate-Palmolive's offerings, enhancing its position in deodorants and antiperspirants. The deal allowed Colgate to leverage Mennen's established reputation while expanding global distribution for these products. Following the acquisition, retained the "by Mennen" branding on Speed Stick packaging to preserve the product's legacy and consumer trust in the name. This subtle endorsement continued to appear on labels, reinforcing the brand's heritage amid Colgate's broader marketing efforts. Today, Speed Stick serves as a key asset in 's Personal Care division, recognized as the company's top men's brand and contributing to its global hygiene product lineup.

History

Development and Launch

The development of Speed Stick originated in the early at the Company, driven by the rising consumer demand for convenient, solid-form for men following the post-World War II economic boom. This creation addressed the limitations of liquid and powder alternatives by offering a portable, mess-free solid format tailored to active lifestyles. Mennen launched Speed Stick commercially in 1963, branding it as "Mennen Speed Stick" and marketing it as one of the pioneering sticks designed exclusively for men. The product's innovative twist-up mechanism and contoured applicator allowed for quick, one-stroke application under the arms, setting it apart from earlier or roll-on options and emphasizing ease of use for on-the-go consumers. Early positioned Speed Stick as a symbol of masculine strength and reliability, with campaigns highlighting 24-hour protection and durability to appeal to the era's image of the vigorous American male. Taglines like "man-size " and visuals of robust, athletic figures reinforced themes of toughness and confidence, aligning with cultural shifts toward personal as a marker of modern manhood. The product's debut proved highly successful, driving rapid sales growth that necessitated expanded manufacturing facilities in , to meet demand. By the late , Mennen had broadened the lineup to include antiperspirant versions, enhancing the brand's appeal with sweat-control benefits while maintaining its core focus on men's needs.

Post-Acquisition Developments

Following the 1992 acquisition of by , Speed Stick was seamlessly integrated into the company's personal care portfolio, benefiting from Colgate's established global infrastructure for distribution and marketing. This integration enabled the brand to leverage Colgate's extensive and sales networks, which spanned over 200 countries by the mid-1990s, significantly broadening Speed Stick's availability beyond its traditional U.S. market focus. Colgate increased investments in for its lines, including Speed Stick, to enhance product efficacy and formulation innovations amid growing in the personal care sector. In the , these R&D efforts resulted in the introduction of advanced formulations designed to address consumer demands for improved performance and application. For instance, in 1996, Colgate launched Speed Stick gel antiperspirant and , featuring a smooth, non-clumping formula that provided strong wetness protection without white residue, positioning the brand more competitively against rivals like Axe and Degree. Later innovations included clinical strength options, such as Speed Stick Clinical Complete, which offered enhanced 24-hour protection through higher active ingredient concentrations, further solidifying the brand's appeal in the premium segment. By the early 2000s, Speed Stick expanded into international markets, capitalizing on Colgate's regional expertise to penetrate and . In , the brand saw successful pan-regional launches, including ministick variants that drove unit volume growth across the continent through targeted distribution in retail channels. In , Speed Stick entered key markets like and via partnerships with platforms and local retailers, adapting formulations to regional preferences while utilizing Colgate's long-standing presence in the area to build market share in personal care. In recent years, Speed Stick has aligned with Colgate-Palmolive's broader initiatives, emphasizing eco-friendly to reduce environmental impact. In 2020, the company announced that 83% of its overall by weight, including products like Speed Stick, was recyclable, marking progress toward a 2025 goal of 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable across its portfolio. As of 2024, 93% of met these criteria, with ongoing efforts to achieve the goal. These efforts involved transitioning to materials compatible with standard streams, enhancing the brand's commitment to sustainable consumer goods without compromising product performance.

Products

Deodorant and Antiperspirant Lines

Speed Stick offers two primary product categories: and antiperspirants, each designed to address different aspects of underarm . focus on control by neutralizing odor-causing compounds, such as fatty acids, and inhibiting through ingredients like fragrances and , without affecting sweat production; these are typically aluminum-free formulations that emphasize antibacterial action to maintain freshness. In contrast, antiperspirants target both sweat and by incorporating aluminum compounds, such as aluminum chlorohydrate or aluminum tetrachlorohydrex gly, which temporarily block sweat glands to reduce and limit the moisture available for bacterial proliferation. The brand's core offerings utilize a standard solid stick format with a twist-up applicator for convenient, mess-free application, available in popular scents including Original, Fresh, and to suit various preferences. These products claim 24-hour protection against odor and wetness, helping users maintain confidence throughout the day. Key features of Speed Stick deodorants and antiperspirants include non-irritating formulas that incorporate emollient ingredients to minimize skin discomfort, along with dermatologist-tested status to ensure suitability for everyday use. While the lineup primarily targets men with masculine scents and active-lifestyle positioning, a parallel women's line, Lady Speed Stick, provides similar and antiperspirant options tailored for female consumers.

Variants and Innovations

Speed Stick has introduced several specialized variants to address diverse consumer needs, including enhanced strength formulations and natural options. The Speed Stick Ultimate line offers maximum strength antiperspirant protection, delivering up to 48 hours of sweat and odor control in scents such as Ultimate Sport, which combines a fresh, energizing aroma with a clear gel formula to minimize residue. In select markets such as Latin America, the Clinical Protection variant provides advanced wetness prevention up to 48 hours under thermal conditions, featuring 100% more sweat protection compared to standard formulas through a skin-conditioning system that neutralizes odor at its source while caring for underarm skin. The Power of sub-line is marketed with natural features for 24-hour . Available in invigorating scents like Avalanche—a crisp, cool mountain-inspired blend—and , which evokes an electric freshness, this variant appeals to users seeking eco-conscious alternatives with effective, long-lasting freshness. In response to growing demand for , Speed Stick offers aluminum-free deodorants, such as the Ocean Surf variant, which uses an odor-fighting formula with essences to provide 24-hour freshness without blocking sweat glands or leaving marks on . These options, including Regular and Fresh scents, prioritize transparency in ingredients for sensitive skin. Scent profiles across the lineup vary to suit preferences, with Cool Fresh delivering a citrus-mint invigoration for daily use, Gear offering a musky, bold edge in formulations like Fresh Force, and occasional limited editions introducing seasonal twists, such as holiday-inspired woody notes. Technological advancements in the marked a significant shift toward gel-based sticks, introduced by in 1996, which provide smoother application and reduced white marks or residue compared to traditional solids. This innovation, seen in lines like Power Clear Gel, ensures a clean feel with strong wetness protection, evolving the brand's core stick format for modern convenience. In July 2025, certain Power Stick roll-on deodorants were recalled due to safety concerns, though stick and gel lines remained unaffected.

Marketing and Sponsorships

Advertising Campaigns

Speed Stick's advertising campaigns have evolved significantly since its launch, reflecting changes in consumer preferences, media landscapes, and cultural norms. In the early , following the product's introduction by the Mennen Company in 1963 as one of the first stick deodorants, campaigns emphasized the innovation's convenience, speed of application, and masculine appeal. Print advertisements often featured images of athletic, shirtless men post-shower or in active poses, underscoring the product's "man-size" protection against odor and perspiration with taglines such as "Man-Size Way to Stop Perspiration Odor" and "One Clean Stroke Does It." These efforts positioned Speed Stick as a straightforward, no-fuss solution for men seeking reliable personal care, differentiating it from aerosol alternatives prevalent at the time. After acquired in 1992, Speed Stick's promotional strategies shifted toward television in the , highlighting all-day confidence for both athletes and everyday users. Commercials depicted men in sports settings or routine scenarios, such as post-workout locker rooms or daily commutes, to convey enduring freshness and odor control without mess. A notable extension of this approach came in early 2000 with a campaign featuring MLB star , targeting men aged 18-34 through Spanish-language TV spots that linked the product's clear, non-staining formula to Rodriguez's on-field prowess and grand-slam hits. Created by agency SiboneyUSA, these ads reinforced themes of strength and reliability, contributing to the brand's growth in diverse markets. Entering the 2010s, Speed Stick adapted to by leveraging social platforms, influencer collaborations, and short-form humorous content aimed at . The 2013 ad "Handle It," featuring a comedic scenario of a young man navigating awkward social situations with poise thanks to the , exemplified the brand's pivot to lighthearted, relatable narratives broadcast across TV and online channels. Influencer partnerships emerged prominently, including endorsements from creators promoting Speed Stick Gear for active lifestyles, which helped amplify reach through viral videos and on platforms like and . By mid-decade, campaigns incorporated targeted efforts, such as initiatives tied to product launches like Speed Stick Power in 2012, encouraging user interaction around themes of handling life's challenges confidently. Television and digital ads starring NBA player , such as "Gear Overtime: Invest for the Future" and "First Impressions Are Everything" from 2016, portrayed young men from varied backgrounds managing high-pressure moments with the product's support, emphasizing empowerment and style. In the 2020s, Speed Stick's campaigns have continued to emphasize modern formulations, with promotions for aluminum-free variants like Speed Stick Zero% spotlighting natural-inspired ingredients for sensitive , aligning with growing demand for personal care options.

Sports and Event Sponsorships

Speed Stick has served as the official antiperspirant of the National Hockey League (NHL) since 1996, initially through a Canadian league deal that expanded to broader visibility across NHL properties. This partnership includes prominent rink board advertising during games, as evidenced by branded hockey pucks and promotional materials from the era, enhancing brand exposure to millions of fans. Player endorsements have been a key element, with NHL athletes featured in Speed Stick commercials and promotional campaigns tying the product's performance to the demands of professional hockey. In (MLB), Speed Stick sponsored various events in the , notably a high-profile hosted by all-star shortstop in 2000 to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of , Inc. This initiative supported youth education and community programs, aligning the brand with Rodriguez's personal commitment to the organization where he grew up, and reached audiences through MLB's charitable networks. Lady Speed Stick became the title sponsor of women's half-marathon series starting in , presenting events like the More Magazine/Fitness Magazine Women's Half-Marathon in , which drew thousands of participants. These sponsorships emphasized female empowerment by promoting fitness, resilience, and community among women runners, with branded support extending to product integrations and motivational messaging at races. Speed Stick also engaged in NASCAR partnerships, beginning with associate sponsorships in the early 2010s that evolved into primary deals, such as supporting BK Racing's No. 26 car in six Sprint Cup Series races in 2014. Through Colgate-Palmolive's foundations, the brand supports ongoing youth sports initiatives, including programs like the Colgate Women's Games, which has empowered girls in athletics since 1972 with scholarships and training opportunities. These efforts focus on underserved communities, fostering and healthy habits among young athletes.

References

  1. https://www.colgatepalmolive.com/en-us/brands/speed-stick
  2. https://investor.colgatepalmolive.com/news-releases/news-release-details/mennen-speed-stick-hits-grand-slam
  3. https://www.nytimes.com/1992/02/14/business/colgate-agrees-to-acquire-mennen-in-670-million-deal.html
  4. https://investor.colgatepalmolive.com/news-releases/news-release-details/mennen-introduces-speed-stick-gel
  5. https://investor.colgatepalmolive.com/news-releases/news-release-details/colgate-palmolive-introduces-speed-stick-ultimate-deodorant/
  6. https://morristowngreen.com/2021/05/28/mennen-worldwide-the-corner-pharmacy-that-became-a-global-company/
  7. https://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences-and-law/economics-business-and-labor/businesses-and-occupations/colgate-palmolive-company
  8. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/02/13/Colgate-Palmolive-to-acquire-Mennen/9500697957200/
  9. https://www.colgatepalmolive.com/en-us/who-we-are/history
  10. https://www.colgatepalmolive.com/en-us/brands
  11. https://www.chicagotribune.com/1988/07/15/mennen-makes-its-play-with-spray/
  12. https://archive.org/stream/usradio4196usra/usradio4196usra_djvu.txt
  13. https://www.ebay.com/itm/406016301717
  14. https://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/colgate-palmolive-company-history/
  15. https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/c/NYSE_CL_2010.pdf
  16. https://investor.colgatepalmolive.com/news-releases/news-release-details/colgate-increases-eps-17-2000-2nd-quarter-65-worldwide-volume
  17. https://www.media-outreach.com/news/singapore/2021/12/07/108635/colgate-palmolive-signs-first-memorandum-of-understanding-with-shopee-aims-to-grow-digital-commerce-business-more-than-20-times-by-2025/
  18. https://jetcommerce.co.id/update/lady-speed-stick-nominated-for-best-global-body-care-tokopedia-2023/
  19. https://investor.colgatepalmolive.com/news-releases/news-release-details/colgate-palmolives-sustainability-social-impact-report
  20. https://www.colgatepalmolive.com/content/dam/cp-sites/corporate/corporate/common/pdf/sustainability/colgate-palmolive-sustainability-key-performance-indicators-2020.pdf
  21. https://www.colgatepalmolive.com/content/dam/cp-sites-aem/corporate/corporate/common/pdf/2024-Sustainability-and-Social-Impact-Report.pdf
  22. https://www.colgatepalmolive.com/en-us/brands/speed-stick/sweat/deodorant-vs-antiperspirant-which-should-you-choose
  23. https://www.amazon.com/Speed-Stick-Ultimate-Antiperspirant-Deodorant/dp/B00NWUE3OE
  24. https://www.speedstick.com/es-co/clinical-protection
  25. https://www.amazon.ca/Speed-Stick-Nature-Avalanche-Deodorant/dp/B00QU5S9AM
  26. https://almasrypharmacy.com/speed-stick-men-power-of-nature-lightning-51g.html
  27. https://www.amazon.com/Speed-Stick-Deodorant-Ocean-Surf/dp/B001J6O3MK
  28. https://www.amazon.com/Speed-Stick-Power-Antiperspirant-Deodorant/dp/B00HXAM0SA
  29. https://www.kroger.com/p/speed-stick-gear-fresh-force-deodorant/0002220096213
  30. https://www.wral.com/consumer/5onyourside/recall-power-stick-deodorants-safety-july-2025/
  31. https://www.vintage-adventures.com/vintage-cosmetics-beauty-shaving-ads/4821-1962-mennen-speed-stick-ad-man-size-way.html
  32. https://adage.com/article/adage-encyclopedia/colgate-palmolive/98402/
  33. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ELJJMnA1PA
  34. https://contently.com/2015/02/19/10-youtube-stars-your-brand-should-partner-with-2/
  35. https://investor.colgatepalmolive.com/news-releases/news-release-details/new-speed-stickr-powertm-antiperspirantdeodorant-and-television
  36. https://www.ispot.tv/ad/AGhm/speed-stick-first-impressions-are-everything-ft-brandon-ingram
  37. https://www.ispot.tv/brands/ITN/speed-stick
  38. https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Journal/Issues/2003/01/20/Marketingsponsorship/Speed-Stick-Grabs-Creative-Hook-With-NBA/
  39. https://www.ebay.com/itm/274073394723
  40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAX_MHXAtfw
  41. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/more-than-6000-women-made-racing-in-the-rain-look-easy-at-the-seventh-annual-more-magazine--fitness-magazine-womens-half-marathon-in-central-park-92301334.html
  42. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nearly-10000-women-raced-at-emotional-and-inspirational-eighth-annual-more-magazine--fitness-magazine-womens-half--marathon-in-central-park-119336869.html
  43. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2014/05/20/bk-racing-names-sponsor-for-cole-whitts-ride/
  44. https://investor.colgatepalmolive.com/news-releases/news-release-details/colgate-womens-games-returns-48th-season
  45. https://www.colgatepalmolive.com/en-us/impact/community-impact
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