Mastisol Liquid Adhesive <

Mastisol Liquid Adhesive — Medical-Grade Skin Adhesive for Dressings, Devices & Ostomy, Multiple Sizes

7–10x stickier than benzoin. Latex-free. Used in every department of the hospital. Mastisol Liquid Adhesive is a clear, non-water-soluble, professional-grade medical skin adhesive used to secure dressings, wound closure strips, medical tapes, IV and catheter sites, and ostomy appliances for extended periods. Formulated by Ferndale Laboratories with gum mastic, storax, and methyl salicylate, Mastisol creates an occlusive tacky film on skin that dramatically improves the hold of virtually any medical adhesive placed over it — clinically proven to be 7–10 times stronger than Compound Tincture of Benzoin. Latex-free. Non-irritating. Compatible with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) disinfectants. Dries clear without staining. Used in ORs, ICUs, oncology, pediatrics, vascular access, wound care, and home care settings. Available in 2/3 cc sterile vials (ampules), 15 ml bottles, 2 oz bottles, and 4 oz clinical packs. Recommended removal with Ferndale Detachol Adhesive Remover. Flammable — keep away from open flame.

✔ 7–10x Stronger Than Benzoin    ✔ Non-Water-Soluble — Extended Hold    ✔ CHG-Compatible    ✔ Latex-Free · Non-Irritating    ✔ Dries Clear    ✔ Vials, 15ml, 2 oz & 4 oz Sizes    ✔ Hospital & Home Use

⚠ Important: Mastisol is flammable — keep away from open flame and allow to dry fully before applying dressings. Apply around wounds and catheter sites, not directly on open skin breaks. Discontinue use if skin irritation develops.

Available SKUs

Product Details

Features & Benefits

• 7–10x Stronger Than Benzoin — Clinically Proven — Compound Tincture of Benzoin has been a standard skin prep adhesive for decades. Mastisol has been clinically proven to deliver 7–10 times the adhesive strength of benzoin — a meaningful difference in real-world dressing performance. Where benzoin-prepped dressings begin to lift at edges within days, Mastisol-prepped dressings maintain full contact for significantly longer wear cycles. This is the reason Mastisol has become the standard in hospital vascular access programs, oncology units, and pediatric departments where dressing integrity is critical.
• Non-Water-Soluble — Holds Through Moisture, Sweat & Activity — Many skin prep adhesives are water-soluble — they weaken when the patient sweats, bathes, or is exposed to moisture. Mastisol is non-water-soluble, meaning the adhesive film remains intact through perspiration, skin moisture, and incidental water exposure. This is the specific property that makes it the preferred choice for high-moisture areas, active patients, and clinical settings where dressing integrity must be maintained between scheduled change intervals.
• Creates an Occlusive Barrier — Reduces Infection Risk — When Mastisol is applied around a catheter insertion site, IV dressing, or wound closure, the film creates an occlusive seal at the dressing perimeter — blocking external contaminants from tracking under the dressing edge. This property is a key reason Mastisol is associated with reduced CLABSI rates in hospital central line programs and is considered part of infection control protocols in many institutions.
• CHG-Compatible — Safe for Vascular Access Protocol — Mastisol is compatible with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), which is the standard antiseptic used for central line and vascular access site prep. Many adhesives interact negatively with CHG. Mastisol's CHG compatibility makes it appropriate for use in vascular access dressing protocols without concern for antiseptic interference.
• Latex-Free · Non-Irritating · Dries Clear — Mastisol is latex-free and designed to be gentle on skin with minimal sensitization risk compared to benzoin-based products. It dries completely clear without staining skin, clothing, or dressing materials.
• Multiple Formats for Every Setting — The sterile 2/3 cc vials are designed for single-use clinical applications where aseptic technique is required. The 15 ml, 2 oz, and 4 oz bottles serve clinical and home-care patients who need a reliable supply for ongoing wound care, ostomy care, or device securement. Matching the format to the setting optimizes both cost and hygiene.
• Use Detachol for Removal — Mastisol's strong non-water-soluble bond requires a dedicated remover for clean, atraumatic removal. Ferndale Detachol Adhesive Remover is specifically formulated to dissolve the Mastisol film without pulling at the skin — important for fragile, post-surgical, or frequently changed sites.

Mastisol vs. Compound Tincture of Benzoin — Which Should You Use?

Bottom line: Choose Mastisol when the dressing or device must stay in place for an extended period, in high-moisture or high-activity situations, or where CHG compatibility is required. Benzoin remains adequate for routine short-term dressing prep. For patients who have experienced skin reactions to benzoin, Mastisol is the better-tolerated alternative.

How to Use Mastisol Liquid Adhesive

Bottle Format (15 ml, 2 oz, 4 oz)

1. Clean and dry the skin thoroughly. Remove any oils, lotions, or moisture.
2. Apply a thin, even layer of Mastisol to the skin area where the outer edges of the dressing or device will contact skin. Do not apply directly over open wounds or catheter insertion sites — apply to the surrounding intact skin only.
3. Allow Mastisol to dry for 20–30 seconds until the surface becomes tacky. Do not rush this step.
4. Apply the dressing, tape, or device over the dried Mastisol and press firmly along all edges.

Sterile Vial / Ampule Format (2/3 cc)

1. Place the blister pack on a hard surface with the label facing down. Gently press through the blister to crack the inner ampule.
2. Peel back the blister lid and remove the vial using aseptic technique.
3. Turn the vial upside down to dispense Mastisol along a half-inch border around the dressing placement area.
4. Allow 20–30 seconds to dry until tacky, then apply the dressing per facility protocol.

Removal: Apply Ferndale Detachol Adhesive Remover to the dressing perimeter and allow to soak briefly before peeling back. Do not pull without remover — the strong bond can cause skin trauma on fragile or frequently changed sites.

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Questions about Mastisol or any of our wound care and ostomy supplies? Call 1-866-218-0902 — Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm EST