Vicks VapoRub

Vicks VapoRub is a mentholated topical ointment that has been in use for over 125 years. It was originally formulated by North Carolina pharmacist Lunsford Richardson to treat his son's croup and is now manufactured by Procter & Gamble[5][8].\n\n## Active Ingredients\n\nVicks VapoRub contains three primary active ingredients:\n- Camphor (synthetic) 4.8% - functions as a cough suppressant and topical analgesic\n- Eucalyptus oil 1.2% - functions as a cough suppressant\n- Menthol 2.6% - functions as a cough suppressant and topical analgesic[1][2][4]\n\nThe Lemon variant has slightly different proportions, with 4.7% camphor instead of 4.8%[4][5].\n\n## Inactive Ingredients\n\nThe product also contains several inactive ingredients:\n- Cedarleaf oil\n- Nutmeg oil (in US formulations) or Myristica oil (in Canadian formulations)\n- Petrolatum (petroleum jelly)\n- Thymol\n- Turpentine oil\n- Lemon fragrance (in the Lemon variant only)[3][5][6]\n\n## Uses and Administration\n\nVicks VapoRub serves two primary purposes:\n\n1. **For cough suppression**:\n - Apply a thick layer on throat and chest\n - Cover with a warm, dry cloth if desired\n - Keep clothing loose around throat and chest to help vapors reach the nose and mouth\n - Use up to three times daily or as directed by a doctor[4][10]\n\n2. **For muscle and joint minor aches and pains**:\n - Apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily[4][10]\n\nThe product is not recommended for children under 2 years of age[4][10].\n\n## Formulations\n\nVicks VapoRub is available in different formulations across regions:\n\n- **United States**: Contains camphor (synthetic), eucalyptus oil, menthol, cedarleaf oil, nutmeg oil, petrolatum, thymol, and turpentine oil[5]\n- **India**: Marketed as an Ayurvedic medicine with slightly different formulation including menthol (Pudinah ke phool), camphor (Karpoor), thymol (Ajowan ke phool), turpentine oil (Tarpin ka tel), eucalyptol (Nilgiri tel), nutmeg oil (Jatiphal tel), and an ointment base[5]\n- **UK**: Contains camphor 5% w/w, turpentine oil 5% w/w, levomenthol 2.75% w/w, and eucalyptus oil 1.5% w/w[7]\n\n## Additional Uses\n\nBeyond its primary applications, Vicks VapoRub has been used for other purposes, though scientific evidence varies:\n\n- **Mosquito repellent**: Some studies suggest the camphor and menthol in Vicks VapoRub may help repel certain species of mosquitoes, though DEET and picaridin remain more effective[8]\n- **Acne treatment**: While some beauty bloggers promote it for acne, research is mixed. Camphor may help, but petroleum jelly could worsen breakouts[8]\n- **Headache relief**: Some studies show menthol gels may help with headaches, but the concentration in Vicks VapoRub (2.6%) is lower than what was tested in studies (6-10%)[8]\n\nThe product has maintained its popularity as a household remedy for over a century, with its distinctive strong menthol scent and petroleum jelly-like texture being instantly recognizable to many consumers.

Brand names

Vicks VapoRub

Other names

Camphor + Menthol + Eucalyptus Oil