Gold Bond is a brand of over-the-counter skin care products produced by Chattem of Chattanooga, Tennessee, now a subsidiary of the French pharmaceutical company Sanofi. It is available as both a powder and a topical cream. Gold Bond is used to curb moisture, control odor, and soothe minor skin irritations, notably jock itch. Spin-off products are designed for specific uses, such as foot powders or powders for infants to treat diaper rash.
Ingredients
The active ingredient of Original Strength Gold Bond Powder is menthol. Inactive ingredients include corn starch and zinc oxide. The product formerly contained talc.
History
The history of Gold Bond dates to 1882, when it was first developed by physicians of the Rhode Island State Medical Association. The formula was purchased by Arthur W. Guilford in 1908, who established the Gold Bond name and began making the product in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. The formula and rights were sold in 1912 to John M. Chapman of New Bedford, Massachusetts, who achieved greater brand recognition and distribution. Timothy F. Shea, who in 1930 joined what was then "The Gold Bond Sterilizing Powder Company", eventually rose to general manager and treasurer, and later took over as sole owner.