Sayman Salve (Zinc Oxide Skin Ointment)

Sayman Salve is an old St. Louis skin ointment. Current jars use petrolatum and zinc oxide.

Updated Oct 20, 2026. Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

Current jars turn up mostly with online sellers and some small pharmacies. Old Sayman tins sell at auction as collectibles only.

Professional insight

Pharmacists check the active ingredients and NDC on Sayman jars. Older tins are treated as display pieces only.

Current label lists petrolatum and zinc oxide as actives.
NDC 11527-152-68 identifies the 4 oz jar.
Some buyers report newer jars differ from old formulas.
Ask a pharmacist before using it on broken skin.

Check the label

Drug Facts panel lists petrolatum and zinc oxide percentages.
Net weight shown as 4 oz (113 g).
NDC number printed on the jar or box.
Expiry date and lot number present.
Labeler or distributor name, such as Sheffield Pharmaceuticals.
Warnings section for external use only.
Tamper seal intact under the lid.

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Sayman Salve history

Founder: Thomas M. Sayman
Original base: St. Louis, Missouri
Jar size today: 4 oz (113 g)

Thomas Sayman reportedly toured with a circus as a boy. He later built a soap and salve business in St. Louis. Early federal records show a misbranding case over his healing salve.

Safe use

Red flags

Jar has no Drug Facts panel or NDC number.
Listing mixes vintage tin photos with new jar claims.
No expiry date visible in the photos.
Seller claims the salve cures named diseases.

Common questions

Is Sayman Salve still made?: Yes. A 4 oz petrolatum and zinc oxide jar is still listed.
Does Sayman Salve contain camphor?: The current label lists only petrolatum and zinc oxide as actives.
Are old Sayman tins valuable?: Collectors buy them for display. Value depends on condition and design.