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Updated: January 4, 2026

Resinol Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

Author

Peter Daggett

Peter Daggett

Calendar with medication bottle and upward availability graph

Resinol isn't on the FDA shortage list, but patients still struggle to find it. Here's the real availability picture in 2026 and what you can do today.

If you've been searching for Resinol Medicated Ointment and coming up empty, you might be wondering: is Resinol in a shortage? The short answer is no — but availability is still a real challenge for many patients. Here's what you need to know in 2026.

Is Resinol on the FDA Drug Shortage List?

No. As of 2026, Resinol is not listed on the FDA's official drug shortage database. The FDA tracks shortages of drug products it regulates — typically prescription drugs and some OTC products — but Resinol has not appeared on this list. The product is being manufactured and distributed by ResiCal, Inc.

So Why Can't Patients Find It?

The problem is structural, not a shortage in the traditional sense. Resinol is a niche over-the-counter product, and major retail pharmacy chains (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid) do not reliably stock it on their shelves. Their purchasing decisions are driven by volume — and Resinol, while beloved by long-time users, doesn't have the nationwide sales velocity of products like Neosporin or Benadryl itch cream.

This creates a frustrating situation where the product exists and is being produced, but patients can't simply walk into their nearest pharmacy and pick it up. Instead, it requires knowing the right channels to obtain it.

What Is the Current Availability Status in 2026?

In 2026, Resinol remains available through multiple channels:

Online retailers: Amazon, Kroger, and specialty health retailers stock it reliably

Independent pharmacies: Can order it through their drug wholesaler in 1 to 3 days

Manufacturer direct: ResiCal, Inc. can direct patients to sources at 1-800-204-6434

Hospital supply channels: Many hospitals and clinics stock it directly

Has Resinol Ever Been in a True Shortage?

There have been periods — particularly around 2020 to 2022 during pandemic-era supply chain disruptions — when even ordering through wholesalers became difficult. Some online retailers ran out of stock temporarily. However, these disruptions were relatively short-lived compared to the prolonged shortages affecting prescription medications like Adderall or chemotherapy drugs. Resinol recovered and has been consistently orderable, if not always shelf-ready.

How Does This Affect Patients Who Depend on It?

For patients who use Resinol regularly — for diaper rash, perianal irritation, chronic eczema flares, or recurrent skin irritations — the unpredictable availability at retail stores is a real inconvenience. The practical solution is to maintain a small stock by ordering online or asking an independent pharmacy to set up periodic orders.

What Should Patients Do Right Now?

Don't rely solely on walking into a chain pharmacy — call ahead or order online.

If you use Resinol regularly, keep a spare jar on hand from Amazon or an independent pharmacy.

Ask your independent pharmacist to flag your account for reorders so you don't run out.

Keep a backup alternative on hand — Calmoseptine, calamine lotion, or zinc oxide ointment can bridge the gap if needed.

Let medfinder Do the Work

Rather than calling every pharmacy in your area yourself, medfinder does it for you. You provide your medication name and ZIP code, medfinder calls pharmacies near you, and you get results texted back. It's the fastest way to find out which pharmacies near you have Resinol in stock or can order it quickly.

Also see: How to Find Resinol in Stock Near You (Tools + Tips).

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Resinol is not on the FDA's official drug shortage list in 2026. It continues to be manufactured and distributed by ResiCal, Inc. However, it is frequently not stocked on the shelves of major chain pharmacies, making it challenging to find without calling ahead or ordering online.

Resinol's difficulty comes from its niche status as an OTC product. Major pharmacy chains stock shelves based on sales volume, and Resinol doesn't meet the turnover threshold for reliable shelf placement at most CVS or Walgreens locations. It can be ordered through independent pharmacies or purchased online.

No. Resinol has been in continuous production since the late 1800s. In 2002, it was purchased by ResiCal, Inc., which continues to manufacture the same original formula. The company has stated there are no plans to change or discontinue the product.

You can use medfinder to have local pharmacies checked for Resinol availability. You can also call independent pharmacies directly and ask them to order through their wholesaler. Online retailers like Amazon and Kroger are also reliable sources.

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Patients searching for Resinol also looked for:

Calmoseptine OintmentCalamine LotionHydrocortisone Cream 1%Zinc Oxide Ointment (Desitin 40%)

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