Exhibit 99.1


                        Press Release Dated May 12, 1998





                          CHATTEM SELLS CORN SILK BRAND
                               TO DEL LABORATORIES


- - Divestiture allows Chattem to further focus on strategic businesses and reduce
debt

Chattanooga, Tennessee (May 12, 1998) - Chattem, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTT), a
Chattanooga, Tennessee-based manufacturer of health and beauty care products and
the Sunsource line of dietary supplements, today announced the sale of its CORN
SILK oil control makeup brand to Del Laboratories, Inc. (AMEX: DLI) for
$10,750,000 plus inventories and the assumption of certain liabilities. Del is a
Uniondale, New York-based marketer and manufacturer of cosmetics and
over-the-counter pharmaceuticals.

CORN SILK is the original face makeup line specially formulated to absorb excess
facial oil, and is offered in loose and pressed powders; liquid makeup; a cream
concealer; an enriched coverstick concealer, and a new weightless powder.
Chattem will continue to operate the CORN SILK business in the United Kingdom
pursuant to a license agreement.

Chattem will use the net proceeds from the sale to reduce indebtedness. Chattem
will recognize an extraordinary gain of approximately $.70 per share in
connection with the CORN SILK divestiture. After the reduction of borrowing
costs, Chattem expects the sale to be only slightly dilutive to 1998 projected
earnings per share.

With the CORN SILK sale, Chattem will focus on its four strategic businesses:
over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, functional toiletries, dietary supplements and
anti-perspirant/deodorants.

All forward looking statements are subject to the risks and uncertainties
detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact:

Chattem, Inc.

Alec Taylor
President & COO
(423) 281-2037, ext. 281