5 Natural Vaporubs For A Safe Vicks Alternative
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If you’re like us, you might have grown up with Vicks VapoRub in your bathroom cabinet, dabbing some on every winter. But most vapor rubs (including Vicks) include camphor, a synthetic ingredient. While it’s FDA-approved in the United States, camphor can be dangerous if swallowed, and some countries have banned it altogether.
Instead, we can turn to natural vapor rubs when dealing with a cough or cold. The below brands use sustainable and organic alternatives—like eucalyptus, ginger, lavender, and peppermint—so we can breathe easy (okay, easier) knowing these chest rubs are as natural as possible.
Looking for more natural remedies? This winter, ward off congestion and sickness with these immunity boosts, including the power of elderberry and yoga poses that support our immune systems.
1. Erbaviva
Ingredients | Sunflower & seed oils, shea butter, beeswax, calendula, myrrh & rosemary extracts Price | $20 for 1.75 oz
For any little ones experiencing cold and cough, check out Erbaviva’s Sniffles Baby Chest Balm. It’s thoughtfully crafted to provide both comfort and antivirals to keep your baby protected through the seasons, with ingredients like cypress, myrrh, and calendula. A little dab behind the ears or on the chest will make all the difference.
2. Babo Botanicals
Ingredients | Certified organic coconut oil, beeswax, seed & fruit oils, eucalyptus, tea tree oil Price | $13 for two oz
Congested noses and chests meet their match with Babo Botanicals’ Eucalyptus Remedy Organic Soothing Chest Rub. This family-owned brand knows what works best from experience, so they’ve sourced USDA-certified organic ingredients for every part of this effective formula. Free of camphor, petroleum, and preservatives, this all-natural balm has been pediatrician and dermatologist tested for immediate relief.
3. Badger
Ingredients | Organic EVOO, essential oils, ginger & rosemary extracts Price | $11 for two oz
Badger’s Aromatic Chest Balm is infused with eucalyptus, rosemary, ravintsara, and tea tree oils to tackle phlegm and congestion at the source. (The B Corp’s founders know it works because they created this formula for their own daughter!) Like all Badger balms, this is USDA-certified organic and free from artificial ingredients, petroleum, fragrances, and camphor. For a travel-friendly tin, try the 0.75 oz—you’ll be relaxed in no time.
4. Tubby Todd Bath Co
Ingredients | Certified organic coconut, sunflower, & olive oils, beeswax, shea butter, eucalyptus & tea tree oils Price | $17 for two oz
Andrea Faulkner Williams launched Tubby Todd Bath Co to find a solution to her family’s sensitive skin, including eczema and dryness. Today, this line of body care basics is made with the whole family in mind, with natural and organic ingredients at the forefront. The Organic Chest Rub will clear up congestion quickly due to an effective blend of essential oils with eucalyptus and lavender.
5. Farmaesthetics
Ingredients | Certified organic sweet almond & essential oils, ginger, rosemary, eucalyptus, beeswax, lavender Price | $30 for 1.5 oz
What’s more comforting than lavender alone? Farmaesthetics’ Deep Lavender Rub! 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.
