Vicks VapoRub is a mentholated ointment made by U.S. household and personal care manufacturer Procter & Gamble.
Originally formulated by North Carolina pharmacist Lunsford Richardson to treat his son’s croup, the salve has been around for more than 125 years.
People are still inventing uses for it — some of which are backed by solid science and others that are (so far) unstudied.
Procter & Gamble lists the following active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub:
It also contains several inactive ingredients that may be responsible for some of its popular uses:
Vicks VapoRub isn’t a decongestant. Rather, strong menthol and camphor vapors create a cooling sensation in your nasal passages that trigger receptors in your brain to feel that you’re breathing more openly.
The results of a 2017 study, in which adult cold patients self-reported how they slept, suggest that using VapoRub can improve subjective sleep quality.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) lists camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol as cough suppressants.
A word of caution, though: Vicks VapoRub isn’t recommended if your cough has lots of phlegm or if it’s chronic, such as with asthma or emphysema.
The NIH describes both camphor and menthol as topical analgesics, or pain relievers you rub on your skin.
Products containing camphor and menthol can create a powerful cooling sensation that may temporarily override your ability to feel the pain of sore muscles and joints.
Similar products like Biofreeze, which contains 4 percent active menthol, have helped reduce pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, according to research from 2014.
All three of the active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub have antifungal properties. After previous studies suggested that OTC mentholated ointments may be effective in treating toenail fungus, a small 2015 study tested the effectiveness of Vicks VapoRub against toenail fungus in people living with HIV.
The results suggested that Vicks VapoRub may be a cost-effective alternative to expensive antifungal medications, especially for those without insurance and who may be socioeconomically disadvantaged.
Not sure about using Vicks VapoRub on toenail fungus? Here are some other remedies to try.
While there’s little or no research to support the following uses of Vicks VapoRub, some people have said they tried it with favorable results.
Stretch marks are purplish, red, or white lines that appear on the skin after a period of quick growth. They most often appear around puberty and pregnancy.
Researchers haven’t found evidence that any topical cream or lotion is effective in reducing stretch marks. Nevertheless, some people report success in fading stretch marks using Vicks VapoRub.
If you want a surefire remedy, you may want to try one of these three treatments:
Some people believe the strong scent of Vicks VapoRub can keep pets from urinating on or scratching up furniture in your home.
Dabbing a small amount of the product on the area you want to protect may keep your pet at bay, but make sure your pet can’t lick or chew the ointment off the surface.
Camphor is toxic to animals. It can cause a skin reaction, and in large enough amounts, it can cause seizures and even death.
The synthetic camphor was tested and proven to deliver the same product benefits as the natural camphor for VapoRub.” The active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub are camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol. They have been staples in this product for over 100 years.
What does putting Vicks on your feet do?
Some people claim that putting Vicks VapoRub on your feet can help with cold symptoms. However, there isn’t any scientific evidence to support this theory. The manufacturer’s guidelines say to apply the product to your chest.
Menthol and camphor, two of the active ingredients in VapoRub, may help soothe your muscles by acting as a topic anesthetic, according to the NIH. Applying Vicks to your feet may help soothe sore muscles.
Is it OK to use Vicks VapoRub with COVID-19?
Products containing menthol are not recommended for people with COVID-19. Menthol can trigger receptors in your brain that make you feel as though you’re breathing more clearly than you are and can lead you to underestimate the severity of your symptoms. This may result in delaying necessary medical treatment.
If you’re experiencing trouble breathing due to a SARS-CoV-2 infection, it’s best to talk with a doctor about treatment options. Do not use off-label medications for treating an infection with the coronavirus.
Rub VICKS VapoRub on Your FEET and Feel What Happens | Dr. Mandell
FAQ
Does Vicks have chemicals in it?
Is Vicks good or bad for you?
Is there a natural version of Vicks VapoRub?
Is Vicks a synthetic?
What is Vicks VapoRub ointment?
Vicks VapoRub is an ointment that’s rubbed on the throat and chest to relieve a cough. It’s unsafe for any use in children under 2 years old. In adults and children age 2 and older, use it only on the neck and chest to ease coughing during a cold. Vicks VapoRub is made of ingredients such as camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol.
Is Vicks VapoRub organic?
This formula from Rhode Island was made to mimic the classic Vicks’ VapoRub, but with certified organic ingredients—all intentionally sourced from US farms. Let the lavender oil, certified organic beeswax and eucalyptus, and peppermint essential oil wash over you for easy breathing. You can apply liberally, but a little goes a long way.
What is Vicks VapoRub made of?
Vicks VapoRub is made of ingredients such as camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol. Camphor also is one of the main ingredients in other medicines used on the skin, such as Campho-Phenique and Bengay. Swallowing a few teaspoons of camphor can cause deadly poisoning in toddlers.
Is Vicks VapoRub toxic?
The ingredients are toxic when ingested. There have been cases when Vicks VapoRub caused the skin under the nose to lighten. when long-term or excessive use of Vicks VapoRub caused a rare form of pneumonia. If your cough or muscle soreness lasts longer than a week, talk with a doctor.