Campho-Phenique® was first introduced in 1884 as a results of experimentation in 1867 with phenol by Joseph Lister. Lister demonstrated that using phenol to clean a patient’s skin before and after surgery could greatly reduce infections.

After it’s initial introduction, Campho-Phenique liquid isn’t mass produced until 1944 when Sterling Drug acquires the product. The following year, it’s repositioned as a first aid antiseptic and made available to the public. Then, in 1979 Campho-Phenique is re-formulated into a first aid gel.

It’s not until 1984 that Campho-Phenique becomes a cold sore remedy and 19 more years before Campho-Phenique Cold Sore Treatment for Scab Relief is launched.

Today, Campho-Phenique offers two products — Cold Sore Treatment and Pain Relieving Antiseptic Liquid. Each product utilizes phenol as both an antiseptic to prevent spreading of infection and secondary infection, and as a local anesthetic to numb pain, a common symptom in all these cases. Each medication can be purchased as an over-the-counter remedy at local drug stores and online.