Comprehensive medication guide to Resinol including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
Resinol is an OTC medication not typically covered by standard health insurance. However, it qualifies for FSA and HSA reimbursement under CARES Act rules — no prescription required.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$10–$20 retail for a 3 oz jar at most online retailers; as low as $7.40 with a SingleCare coupon at participating pharmacies.
Medfinder Findability Score
45/100
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Resinol is an over-the-counter topical analgesic and skin protectant ointment manufactured by ResiCal, Inc. (NDC: 67492-105). Its active ingredients are Petrolatum 55% and Resorcinol 2%, with calamine, corn starch, lanolin, and zinc oxide as inactive ingredients. It has been used by patients, nurses, and physicians for over 125 years.
Resinol is used to temporarily relieve pain and itching from minor skin irritations, minor burns, sunburn, minor cuts and scrapes, insect bites, and rashes from poison ivy, oak, and sumac. It is also widely recommended by healthcare providers for diaper rash and perianal skin irritation, though these are off-label uses.
Resinol does not require a prescription and is safe for adults and children 2 years and older when used as directed. For children under 2 or for serious wounds, a doctor should be consulted before use.
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Petrolatum (55%) creates a semi-occlusive barrier on the skin surface that protects against irritants, reduces trans-epidermal water loss, and maintains the moist environment that promotes wound healing. Petrolatum is not absorbed through the skin.
Resorcinol (2%) acts on local nerve endings to reduce pain and itching, has mild antiseptic and antibacterial properties that reduce secondary infection risk, and exerts a gentle keratolytic effect that helps soften irritated or thickened skin. At the 2% concentration used in Resinol, it has a well-established safety profile for topical use.
The inactive ingredients — calamine (anti-itch/astringent), zinc oxide (protective/antibacterial), lanolin (emollient), and corn starch (moisture absorption/friction reduction) — enhance the formula's multi-action approach to skin relief and protection.
Petrolatum 55% / Resorcinol 2% — ointment
3 oz (85.1g) jar — standard size
Petrolatum 55% / Resorcinol 2% — ointment
1.75 oz tube — portable format
Petrolatum 55% / Resorcinol 2% — ointment
1.25 oz (35g) jar — travel size
Resinol is not on the FDA drug shortage list, but it is genuinely difficult to find at major chain pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid. These chains prioritize high-turnover products, and Resinol's niche status means it often doesn't make the shelf-stocking cut. Patients who walk into a chain pharmacy looking for Resinol are frequently disappointed.
The product is reliably available through online retailers (Amazon, Kroger, HealthWarehouse) and can be special-ordered at any independent pharmacy using NDC 67492-105. The manufacturer, ResiCal, Inc., can also be reached at 1-800-204-6434 to locate local sources.
For the fastest way to find Resinol near you, use medfinder — a service that calls pharmacies on your behalf and texts you the results. No hold music, no repeated calls.
Resinol is an over-the-counter product and does not require a prescription from any provider. However, it is widely recommended by healthcare professionals across multiple specialties:
Pediatricians — for diaper rash and infant skin irritations
Family Physicians and PCPs — for minor skin irritations across all age groups
Colorectal Surgeons — for perianal skin care after procedures
Gastroenterologists — for patients with GI conditions, ostomy care, and incontinence-related dermatitis
Nurse Practitioners and PAs — in outpatient, hospital, and urgent care settings
Dermatologists — for stubborn skin irritations and eczema management
Since Resinol is OTC, patients can self-select it for labeled uses without a provider's recommendation. Telehealth providers may also suggest Resinol after a virtual skin evaluation, making it accessible to patients who prefer remote care.
No. Resinol is not a controlled substance. It is classified as a Human OTC Drug and is not scheduled by the DEA. No prescription is required to purchase Resinol, and there are no refill restrictions or monitoring requirements associated with it.
Anyone 18 years or older can purchase Resinol directly from pharmacies or online retailers without a doctor's order. For children under 2, physician guidance is recommended before use, but this is a safety precaution rather than a legal restriction.
Resinol is generally well-tolerated. Common side effects are primarily cosmetic and texture-related:
Skin and fabric staining (beige color may transfer to clothing or bedding)
Darkening of light-colored hair if contacted during application
Tacky, sticky ointment consistency (difficult to wash off skin)
Mild local irritation at application site (in sensitive individuals)
Allergic contact dermatitis (rare): increased redness, swelling, hives, or blistering at application site
Systemic absorption of resorcinol (risk increases with large-area application or broken skin)
Eye irritation if product contacts eyes (rinse thoroughly with water)
Stop use and see a doctor if condition worsens, symptoms last more than 7 days, or signs of allergic reaction appear.
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Calmoseptine Ointment
Menthol + zinc oxide OTC ointment; closest alternative to Resinol for perianal irritation and diaper rash. Widely recommended by nurses and physicians.
Calamine Lotion
Classic OTC lotion for poison ivy, insect bites, and general itch relief. Less protective than Resinol but widely available.
Hydrocortisone Cream 1%
Mild OTC corticosteroid for inflammation and itching. Best for allergic rashes and eczema flares.
Zinc Oxide Ointment (Desitin 40%)
Heavy-duty barrier ointment for diaper rash and incontinence dermatitis. Available everywhere.
Prefer Resinol? We can find it.
Harsh soaps and skin cleansers
minorAvoid on treated areas — can disrupt skin barrier and increase irritation.
Alcohol-based skin products
minorCan increase dryness and irritation; may affect resorcinol absorption.
Hair coloring and chemical treatments
minorMay react with Resinol causing discoloration or affecting treatment results; avoid on treated areas.
Other topical skin medications
minorDo not combine on same area without doctor's guidance — increased irritation risk.
Thyroid medications (theoretical)
minorHigh systemic resorcinol absorption (from large-area application) may theoretically affect thyroid function. Not a concern at standard use on small areas.
Resinol is one of America's longest-standing medicated ointments, backed by over 125 years of clinical use and enthusiastic endorsement from pediatricians, colorectal surgeons, nurses, and family physicians. Its multi-ingredient formula addresses pain, itching, bacterial protection, and skin barrier function simultaneously — a combination that few single-ingredient alternatives can match.
The biggest challenge with Resinol isn't its effectiveness — it's finding it. Major chain pharmacies rarely stock it on shelves, and patients who aren't familiar with independent pharmacies or online ordering often give up after one failed search. The key is knowing your options: independent pharmacies can order it in 1 to 3 days, Amazon ships it overnight, and the price ($10 to $20 per jar) is accessible to most households.
If you've been recommended Resinol and can't find it, don't settle for less-effective alternatives before exhausting your options. Use medfinder to find which pharmacies near you have it in stock or can order it — and get back to feeling better faster.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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