Colgate believes in celebrating differences—in people and their smiles. But today’s media landscape tends to tell a different story, as most online and TV personalities boast nearly identical sets of straight, gleaming teeth with no gaps. It’s no wonder why 65% of Gen Z respondents reported that pressure to have a perfect smile negatively impacts their confidence, and 85% would like to change their smiles.*
Colgate wants to remind people everywhere, especially Gen Z, that the most beautiful smile is the one they own. That’s why today, Colgate is launching the My Smile is My Superpower campaign by unveiling an original music video: “The Beauty of Gaps.” It celebrates a range of smiles and includes a whistled take on the empowering anthem, “Roar.” Through this campaign, Colgate aims to show everyone, once and for all, that all smiles are beautiful smiles, no matter their size, shape, or shade.
Award-winning actress Uzo Aduba, who proudly sports a gap in her stunning smile, is joining the campaign with a passion for empowering confidence in others. Together, Uzo and Colgate are setting out to remind people that uniformity does not equal beauty—individuality does.
“When I was younger, I fixated on the gap in my teeth—so much so that it kept me from smiling and being authentically myself,” said Aduba. “It wasn’t until I discovered that my smile is representative of my family’s Anyaoku heritage that I started to see it as a source of confidence and pride. I’m excited to be partnering with Colgate to share my smile story in the hopes of inspiring others to own their smiles just the way they are.”
To help the next generation tackle life head-on with a confident smile, Colgate is committed to reaching 250,000 kids in the US with smile confidence resources by the end of 2024 through its Bright Smiles, Bright Futures (BSBF) program. Established in 1991, the BSBF program has reached approximately 1.7 billion children in more than 100 countries across the world. The program strategically partners to reach underserved children and their families where they are born, live, work, learn, and play. BSBF promotes health equity, optimal health and well-being, and leads global social impact efforts that empower children and families to achieve healthy and bright futures.
“Our research has shown that when your smile doesn’t match the idealized version portrayed in the world, it’s easy to doubt its beauty,” said Diana Haussling, SVP & GM of Consumer Experience & Growth at Colgate. “We at Colgate know that there is power in every smile, and I am proud that with this initiative we are providing resources to help kids smile with confidence wherever they go.”
Join Colgate in its efforts to build smile confidence by sharing this Activity Sheet and Brushing Tips Sheet with your community and watching “The Beauty of Gaps” music video here. Additionally, stay connected with us on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
*Smile survey by Censuswide (1000 Gen Z consumers aged 11-26), January 2024. Results represent those surveyed who shared an opinion.
About Colgate-Palmolive
Colgate-Palmolive Company is a caring, innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets, and our planet. Focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, and Pet Nutrition, we sell our products in more than 200 countries and territories under brands such as Colgate, Palmolive, elmex, hello, meridol, Sorriso, Tom’s of Maine, EltaMD, Filorga, Irish Spring, PCA SKIN, Protex, Sanex, Softsoap, Speed Stick, Ajax, Axion, Fabuloso, Soupline, and Suavitel, as well as Hill’s Science Diet and Hill’s Prescription Diet.
We are recognized for our leadership and innovation in promoting sustainability and community well-being, including our achievements in decreasing plastic waste and promoting recyclability, saving water, conserving natural resources, and improving children’s oral health through the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program, which has reached approximately 1.7 billion children and their families since 1991. For more information about Colgate’s global business and how we are building a future to smile about, visit www.colgatepalmolive.com.
