COVID-19 RESPONSE FAQs

There have been questions about the effectiveness of LISTERINE^® mouthwash against COVID-19. The health and safety of our consumers and your patients is paramount. Here are some additional frequently asked questions about our products.

QA Text:

QA Question:

Does rinsing with LISTERINE® Antiseptic mouthwash kill the COVID-19 Virus?

LISTERINE® Antiseptic is not intended to prevent or treat COVID-19 and should be used only as directed on the product label. Although there are recent lab-based reports (in vitro studies) of some LISTERINE® Mouthwashes having activity against enveloped viruses, including coronavirus, the available data is insufficient, and no evidence-based clinical conclusions can be drawn with regards to the anti-viral efficacy of LISTERINE® Antiseptic mouthwash at this time.

QA Question:

Can LISTERINE® Antiseptic be used as a hand sanitizer or surface disinfectant because it contains alcohol?

No. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol in order to protect yourself. Only some LISTERINE® mouthwash formulations contain alcohol, and if present is only around 20% alcohol. LISTERINE® mouthwash is not intended to be used, nor would it be beneficial as a hand sanitizer or surface disinfectant.

QA Question:

Can LISTERINE® mouthwash prevent sore throats and common colds?

QA Question:

Can Listerine® Antiseptic be used by dentists as a pre-procedural rinse to protect against the COVID-19?

QA Question:

Which germs does LISTERINE® Antiseptic kill?

QA Question:

Does rinsing with Listerine® Antiseptic reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection?

No. Listerine® Antiseptic is a daily mouthwash which has been proven to kill 99.9% of germs that cause bad breath, plaque, and gingivitis. Listerine® Antiseptic mouth rinse is not intended to reduce the risk of, prevent or treat COVID-19 infections. Consumers should follow the preventative measures issued by public health authorities including washing hands frequently, maintaining social distance, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

QA Question:

Does Listerine® Antiseptic kill the coronavirus that causes COVID-19?

Although there are recent lab-based reports (in vitro studies) of some LISTERINE^® Mouthwashes having activity against enveloped viruses, including coronavirus, the available data is insufficient, and no evidence-based clinical conclusions can be drawn with regards to the anti-viral efficacy of LISTERINE^® Antiseptic mouthwash at this time.

Our understanding of the course of COVID-19 disease transmission continues to evolve. More research is needed to understand whether the use of mouthwashes can impact viral transmission, exposure, viral entry, viral load and ultimately affect meaningful clinical outcomes.