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  1. About Us
  2. History

OVER 50 YEARS OF INNOVATION

You view your car as a work of art and enjoy keeping it that way. That’s why we have been committed for over 50 years to making products that help you make your car look so good inside and out that you can’t help but stare. Here's a quick history lesson on how we've continuously helped you keep your vehicle looking like new.

1962

Humble Beginnings

You probably know history’s famous inventors. But we’d like to offer up polymer chemist Joe Palcher, the inventor of Armor All Protectant. In 1962, Joe discovered a "miracle formula" that protected rubber, plastic, and vinyl from UV radiation, ozone and harmful effects of nature's elements.

1966

the Secret Gets Out

In 1966, a local auto shop owner convinced Joe to bottle and sell the formula. Named Tridon ("no dirt" spelled backwards), the product quickly grew in popularity across the U.S. Among the automotive industry and everyday car owners alike, it became clear how easy it could be to keep a vehicle looking like new. 

1972

Call It Armor All Protectant

In 1972, marketing expert and car enthusiast Alan Rypinski bought the rights to Joe’s company, renamed the product Armor All Protectant, and set out to make its powerful shine enhancement available to fellow car enthusiasts everywhere.

1976-1979

A Patent Shine

In 1976, Alan made it official – he patented Armor All Protectant in the U.S, and in 1979 received a second patent for its exclusive infusion method, which allows its chemicals to penetrate the surface and protect it from degradation. But that was just the beginning – and for the next three decades, the innovations kept rolling out.

1979

McKesson

McKesson acquires the rights to the Armor All brand in 1979, eventually taking the company public in the 1980’s.

1982

Car Wash

The Armor All brand launches a wash specifically formulated for cars as an alternative to commonly used dish soap.

1992

Do it Yourself Products

The 80's and 90's were busy for Armor All as it continued its leadership in car care innovation. With the development of a strong line of products, Armor All further simplified the process of protecting your entire car. Our line of cleaners and washes, including Armor All Multi Purpose Cleaner, Armor All Glass Cleaner, and Armor All Car Wash, has helped countless "Do It Yourself'ers" clean their cars from top to bottom. Constant innovation in interior care and a strong line of Tyre & Wheel care products have made it convenient for countless proud car owners to make their cars look like new.

1996

Clorox

Clorox acquires the Armor All Products Company in 1996, beginning a new chapter for the Armor All Brand.

2000

Wipes

The introduction of Armor All Wipes was truly revolutionary. By combining the protection and shine of our sprays with the convenience of a wipe, we made it easier to keep your car beautiful and protected even during the busiest times.

2010

Avista Capital Partners

Clorox sells the Armor All and STP brands to Avista Capital Partners in 2010, which named the business Armored AutoGroup and moves its headquarters to Danbury, CT.

2012

Introducing Armor All Shield

The Armor All Shield range is launched give the best the Armor All brand has to offer:  top quality results without needing to spend the weekend in the driveway. Armor All Shield is even better than wax. The US patented formula forms a protective shield that prevents dirt and grime from sticking to your car and can also be applied in direct sunlight or cold temperatures. The Armor All Shield range of award-winning products has expanded to Shield For Glass, Shield Tire Glaze, Shield Wheel Cleaner, Shield Brake Dust Repellent and Shield Car Wash. 

2015

Spectrum Brands

A new chapter for Armor All begins as Spectrum Brands, a global and diversified consumer products company with market-leading brands, acquires Armored AutoGroup from Avista Capital Partners and becomes part of the Spectrum Brands Global AutoCare division.
We’ve come a long way from Joe Palcher’s lab and his formula of five decades ago – in addition to constantly expanding our product line, we’ve become a complete resource for the car enthusiast. And that means innovating and testing new automotive care technologies, and working with industry experts. Because like you, we know that every last detail of your car needs to look perfect – not just the body, but the wheels, tyres, seats, dash, and interior trim. A car should look so good that nothing else matters. Some people might call that an obsession. But like Joe Palcher, Alan Rypinski, and every car care enthusiast who has ever worked for or used Armor All products, we know it’s pure passion.

To this day it’s the passion of car care experts like you that continues to inspire us. We encourage you to follow us on Facebook,  join the conversation on Twitter, visit our YouTube channel OR Contact Us with a question or comment and we’ll be sure to get back to you!