[1] He is best known for his contributions to applied chemistry, including the development of toothpaste and detergent.

[1] Ittner developed the first applied chemistry research team at Colgate.

Work in the Colgate research lab fostered many developments in detergents with many of the patents being held in Martin Hill Ittner's name.

[1] On June 7, 1938, Ittner gave a commencement speech on The Function of Technology in Modern Society at Washington University, where he was awarded an honorary degree.

[7][4] In 1942 Ittner was awarded the Perkin Medal for applied chemistry in recognition of his contributions.