the product in question is the mouthwash known as Listerine. It has a very wide international success and is used as a mouthwash. while the sizes may change, the purpose is always the same. gargle and spit and you'll have fresh, clean, minty breath. The original use for Listerine was as medical antiseptic because it used carbolic acid which when applied to surgical dressing could disinfect wounds. the way that they "found out" that Listerine had other uses was done without any research. they just started labeling it as a cure all. it got to the point where the Federal Trade Commission ruled that they had to stop marketing it and hit them with a hefty fine.
the ethical that people had with Listerine were that it was basically advertised like snake oil. "drink this to cure your cold. put it on your feet to help there. rub it on your scalp to stop dandruff." of course we now know that drinking Listerine is bad for your health but it was still a big issue.