1926 – The product was originally called Baby Gays and in 1926, the labels were changed to read Q-tips® Baby Gays. Later, the name Baby Gays was discarded and Q-tips® became the identifying mark for cotton swabs. The “Q” in Q-tips® stands for quality and the word “tips” describes the cotton swab at the end of the stick.

1948 – Due to increased consumer demand, Q-tips® , Inc., moved its manufacturing facility from New York City to a new facility in Long Island City, New York.