Crookes Laboratories

Crookes Laboratories was a prominent British pharmaceutical company founded in 1912, originally established to commercialize the scientific work of chemist Sir William Crookes. The company gained early distinction for its pioneering development of "Collosols," which were stable colloidal medicinal preparations of metals and other substances. Over the mid-20th century, it transitioned into a major manufacturer of consumer healthcare products, becoming widely known for household brands such as the skin care lotion Lacto-Calamine and the decongestant Karvol. The company underwent several ownership changes, being acquired by Guinness in 1960 and subsequently by The Boots Company in 1971. Under Boots, it operated as Crookes Healthcare before its brands were eventually integrated into larger global entities like Reckitt Benckiser.