Lifebuoy Soap was a household staple for generations of British and American British families. Turn-of-the-century advertisements for Lifebuoy soap proclaimed the slogan “Lifebuoy Saves Lives” and featured images of heroic coastal lifesavers. These wonderful images now appear quaint and even humorous in their comparison of household hygiene with the drama of rescue on stormy seas. Yet, the advertisements also appealed to consumers’ genuine fear of disease and growing understanding of health and hygiene.

Listen to the Lifebuoy Song