Tom's of Maine
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Personal care products |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Founder | Tom Chappell, Kate Chappell |
| Headquarters | Kennebunk , United States |
Area served | United States, Canada |
| Products | Natural personal care products |
| Owner | Colgate-Palmolive (since 2006) |
Number of employees | 120 (2006) |
| Parent | Colgate-Palmolive |
Tom's of Maine is an American producer specializing in natural personal care products. Since 2006, it has been predominantly owned by the multinational corporation Colgate-Palmolive. Established in 1970 by Tom Chappell and Kate Chappell in Maine, the brand is dedicated to creating formulations that are free from toxic substances.
History
Starting with an initial investment of $5,000, Tom's of Maine expanded into a business valued at $100 million, with its main office located in Kennebunk, Maine. By 2006, the company became part of the global enterprise Colgate-Palmolive and had a workforce of around 120 employees. Certain manufacturing processes are carried out through contract facilities situated in both the United States and Canada.
The product line prioritizes ingredients derived from natural sources and avoids synthetic additives such as artificial colors, flavors, fragrances, sweeteners, and preservatives. The brand maintains a strict policy against animal testing and ensures that ingredient processing supports both environmental sustainability and human health. Although the majority of the products are vegan, some include propolis or beeswax that is collected without causing harm to bees.
In November 2024, the US FDA issued a formal warning after detecting harmful bacteria and mold-like contaminants in Tom's of Maine products and production sites. The FDA highlighted that several consumer complaints had not been properly addressed and mandated the company to provide evaluations and corrective action plans concerning contamination risks, testing protocols, and sanitation measures.
Acquisition
Colgate-Palmolive purchased an 84% controlling interest in Tom's of Maine in 2006 for $100 million, while the Chappell family retained a 16% share. This acquisition allowed Colgate to broaden its consumer base by incorporating Tom's of Maine’s offerings. The deal included provisions to maintain the original company’s values and operational culture.