Historical information

Resinol is used to treat several different types of skin ailments. Resinol was developed by Dr. Merville Hamilton Carter (1857-1939) in his private practice as treatment for his patients in Baltimore, Maryland during the late 19th century. In 1895, Carter, along with his brother Allan L. Carter and his cousin Henry Stier Dulaney founded the Resinol Chemical Company and began to mass-produce the ointment and other medical products. After over forty years of selling Resinol, the company had John H. Buffham & Co. as an outlet in Great Britain and was a successful global distributor. Henry LeRoy Carter Sr., the son of Dr. Carter, began running the company after the deaths of his father and other staff members. The company's sales began to decline in the 1940s, and after the death of Henry LeRoy Carter Sr. in 1951, his son Henry LeRoy Carter Jr. took the place of his father and grandfather as president of the Resinol Chemical Company. At that time, the company focused more on soap manufacturing, but continued to sell Resinol. For the rest of the 20th century, Resinol's popularity continued to dwindle. It was purchased by ResiCal Inc. in 2002.

Physical description

A clear glass jar with a metal screw top containing 'Resinol' antipruritic and sedative ointment.

Inscriptions & markings

Lid : ‘RESINOL’ / ( Ungt Resinol) / ANTIPURITIC AND / LOCAL SEDATIVE / A Soothing Preparation THAT PROMOTES HEALING/ OF SKIN IRRITATIONS/ Prepared Only By/ RESINOL CHEMICAL CO. / BALTIMORE MO / USA.. Jar : THIS IS REAL RESINOL/ Beware of substitutions……….. / RESINOL/ For relief of Itching, Chafing, Dandruff Scales, /…………/ Chemically Pure………….