Vicks History

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The Vicks® story isn't brief, but it is interesting. Below is a decade-by-decade timeline that shows how Vicks has grown for more than 100 years.

Click on any of the decades below to take a look at past Vicks ads, watch vintage TV spots, learn interesting Vicks facts, and see just how far the legacy has grown. .

Historical Vicks ads are for entertainment purposes only. Historical product claims may no longer be valid. For information on current Vicks products and usage, go to the Products section. Use all products as currently directed.

Vicks: A Century of Soothing, Comforting Care

1890s	1900s	1910s	1920s	1930s	1940s
1950s	1960s	1970s	1980s	1990s	2000s

Vicks in the 1950s

1940s 1960s

Enlarge	In 1952, Vicks^® Medicated Wild Cherry cough drops are introduced in the U.S.

Enlarge	In 1952, Vicks^® Cough Syrup launches in the U.S. It is the first liquid cough syrup introduced by Vicks.

Enlarge	After testing under the Medi-Mist Nasal Spray for three years, Vicks^® Sinex Nasal Spray is introduced nationally in the U.S. in 1959 to help provide relief from nasal congestion associated with hay fever and head colds. Pictured is an introductory package for the Medi-Mist Spray.

Enlarge	From 1956 through 1959, Vicks^® Formula 44^® is introduced in Australia, the United Kingdom, France, the Philippines, and India, and then nationally in the U.S. Vicks Formula 44 offers a category innovation—the cough suppressant effectiveness of codeine without the narcotic ingredient.