In the 20th century, dental care products became an essential part of daily life for millions. This is the story of Orzán, a Galician laboratory that created one of Spain’s first commercially successful toothpastes—and made history in the process.
To understand how a small local brand stood out in a growing market, we must first explore the global history of toothpaste and the evolution of oral hygiene.
Origins of oral hygiene and toothpaste
Concern for dental health is far from new. Over 5,000 years ago, ancient Egyptians used a mixture of animal ash, crushed eggshells, and myrrh to clean their teeth. While crude, it was effective for its time. The Romans, more curiously, used urine as mouthwash, relying on urea—later broken down into ammonia—for its supposed antiseptic properties. In other parts of the world, the Chinese used herbal and spice blends for breath freshening, while in India, twigs from trees like neem were used to clean teeth thanks to their natural antibacterial qualities.
Modern toothpaste began to take shape in the 19th century. In 1824, American dentist Peabody added soap to toothpaste to boost its cleaning power. By the late 1800s, formulas improved with baking soda and foaming agents. The major turning point came in 1873, when Colgate released the first mass-produced toothpaste in jars—followed in 1896 by the now-iconic metal tube, modeled after paint packaging. This innovation made toothpaste more hygienic and easier to store, especially before refrigeration.
Dental care in Spain before the 20th century
In 19th-century Spain, dental care was largely limited to home remedies. Rural families used simple mixtures of salt, charcoal, baking soda, and herbs like mint or thyme. While these ingredients offered some cleansing, they lacked scientific backing. Commercial toothpaste was rare, and dentistry was a luxury only a few could afford.
The 20th century and the creation of Orzán Laboratory
Spain saw a growing interest in personal hygiene with the dawn of the 20th century, Cities like Madrid and Barcelona became hubs for new dental products. In Galicia, Orzán stood out as a local alternative with national ambitions. In 1909, Galician pharmacist Vicente Pérez Peña founded Laboratorio Orzán in A Coruña, naming it after the city’s famous Orzán Beach to reflect his brand’s local roots and public accessibility. Initially focused on medicine and personal care, the lab soon recognized an opportunity: to create a toothpaste capable of competing with the growing presence of foreign brands in Spain.
Orzán toothpaste: formula, packaging and early success
Orzán was one of the first Galician toothpastes sold in metal tubes—a major innovation for the time. Its formula included baking soda, salts, minerals, and essential oils, offering both effective cleaning and protection against cavities, which were common in the population. Its practicality and effectiveness quickly won over consumers, first in Galicia and later across Spain.
National and international expansion
Orzán’s growth wasn’t confined to Spain. In the early 20th century, the brand expanded into Latin America, where it found eager audiences—especially among Galician immigrant communities in countries like Argentina and Cuba. Thanks to its quality and affordability, Orzán held its own against international brands, offering a trusted and accessible option during a time when oral hygiene was beginning to reach broader populations.
Challenges during the Spanish Civil War and postwar period
Like many businesses, Laboratorio Orzán faced serious obstacles during the Spanish Civil War. Shortages of raw materials and political instability slowed production. Yet unlike many competitors, Orzán survived—albeit with reduced output. In the difficult postwar years marked by poverty and rationing, Orzán remained on the market, supported by loyal Galician consumers and its deep local identity.
Decline and enduring legacy of Orzán toothpaste
As multinational corporations began to dominate the Spanish market, Orzán gradually lost ground until it disappeared. Despite this, it remained a symbol of Galician pride and quality until its eventual disappearance.Even though the brand is no longer on store shelves, its legacy lives on in the memory of generations who grew up using Orzán toothpaste. It demonstrated that a local company could innovate, compete, and succeed on a global stage. Laboratorio Orzán didn’t just improve oral health—it proved that Galicia could leave its mark on the world.
