Colgate is combating Smile Shame to address concerns of 97 per cent of Malaysians who wish they could smile freely

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 6 October 2023 – This World Smile Day®, global personal and home care brand Colgate-Palmolive (“Colgate”) is taking a stand against Smile Shaming, underscoring the beauty and importance of all smiles through its #FreeYourSmile campaign. This is especially significant given the proven benefits smiles bring to society’s health, mental wellbeing and social bonding. The region-wide campaign kickstarts Colgate’s efforts to tackle this complex topic for society and drive real positive change.

Colgate first commissioned an independent study across Asia-Pacific to gain insights and inform initiatives to propel this movement to eradicate Smile Shame for society to fully gain the benefits of smiling.

The Colgate Smile Study 2023 found that a resounding 97 per cent of Malaysians would like the ability to smile more freely. The main reason why Malaysians say they cannot smile freely is because of personal feelings of doubt about the beauty of their smile, exacerbated by the influence of social media content making 43 per cent of Malaysians feel that they should have perfect teeth to smile. These findings are consistent across the region where approximately nine in ten people in Asia-Pacific wish they could smile without reservations.

Regardless, most Malaysians (96 per cent) have said that they will smile whenever they like, compared to the regional average of 74 per cent.

The inaugural study, conducted by research company Pureprofile in August – September 2023, surveyed more than 4,000 individuals aged 16 to 55 years old across eight Asia-Pacific markets namely Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Philippines, Australia, Thailand and India. More than 500 individuals were surveyed in Malaysia.

This World Smile Day®, Colgate is celebrating all smiles by adapting its iconic logo to represent the many different and beautiful smiles that surround us daily. Colgate is also collaborating with influencers across the region to further champion this cause including Instagram personalities Ta Ta and Ming Yue, who have both experienced Smile Shame but are now embracing the smiles that perfectly reflect their unique self.

Additionally, as part of #FreeYourSmile, Colgate is introducing a Smile Generator AI tool at colgate.com/yourcolgatesmile, encouraging everyone to create their personalised Colgate smile on TikTok or Instagram, and spread the message to celebrate all smiles.

Yves Briantais, Executive Vice President, Marketing Asia-Pacific, Colgate-Palmolive said, “Smile Shame is especially prevalent in Asia-Pacific and this must change. At Colgate, we are on a mission to free people from the constraints of Smile Shame to truly embrace their own unique smiles . We believe brands have the power to challenge unrealistic beauty standards and promote authenticity, and our range of products to support everyone on their own personal journey. This World Smile Day®, Colgate is leading the charge by celebrating all smiles.”

Four in five Malaysians (81 per cent) believe that brands should have a role to play in tackling the issue of Smile Shame, according to the Colgate Smile Study 2023.

Advocating for the Benefits of Smiling

When smiling freely, Malaysians indicate that they generally feel relaxed, comfortable and confident. In fact, scientific research supports the idea that smiling positively impacts mental health, acting as natural anti-depressants and pain relievers[1]. Smiling is also good for the heart, aiding in lowering blood pressure and expediting recovery after stressful events[2].

A key health benefit of smiling includes strengthening the immune system by increasing white blood cell counts, providing protection against infections[3]. Socially, smiling is a powerful tool to foster bonds and building trust by making a lasting positive impression on others[4].

Standing against Smile Shame

Smile Shame may not be a familiar term to many. It encapsulates the feelings of embarrassment, self-consciousness, or insecurity regarding one’s smile.

The Colgate Smile Study 2023 revealed that 63 per cent of Malaysians can relate to the concept of Smile Shame, with 45 per cent having personally experienced it themselves.

86 per cent of Malaysians feel that it is safe to talk about Smile Shame, a sentiment primarily driven by the belief that society is becoming more open and accepting of transparent dialogue discussing personal insecurities.

Celebrating the Diversity of Smiles

Smile Shame is associated with different attributes across markets, reflecting diverse perceptions of what makes a beautiful smile. In Malaysia, Smile Shame is typically associated with teeth structure, whether their smile looks fake, and the colour of their teeth.

The Colgate Smile Study 2023 also revealed that the key factor that makes Malaysians worry about their smile is their own feeling of self-doubt, followed by concerns about comments from others including family, friends, and even strangers.

#FreeYourSmile is the first step in Colgate’s mission to celebrate all smiles and combat Smile Shame, with more initiatives planned. This movement represents Colgate’s goal to inspire individuals to express themselves freely and proudly, regardless of perceived imperfections.

For more information, please visit colgate.com/yourcolgatesmile

2 Smile! It’s Good for Your Heart’ (Sep 2012) Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley. Available at: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/smile_its_good_for_your_heart

Hashtag: #Colgate

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets and our planet. Focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition, they sell their 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 more than 1.4 billion children since 1991. Our range of products are for everyone to find a way to get the smile they want.

For more information about Colgate’s global business and how we are building a future to smile about, visit www.colgatepalmolive.com.