Vicks VapoRub is a household staple best known for clearing stuffy noses and soothing nighttime coughs. However, its unique blend of camphor, menthol, eucalyptus oil, and petrolatum has inspired a wide variety of unconventional uses outside of cold and flu season.
While some of these are long-standing folk remedies, it helps to separate the fun hacks from what is actually safe for your skin. Here are some of the most surprising uses people talk about, along with a few important cautions:
Popular Unconventional Uses (With a Grain of Salt)
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Relieving Dry or Cracked Heels: Many people swear by slathering a thick layer of Vicks on their feet at night and putting on cotton socks to lock in moisture. The petrolatum base helps soften rough skin, while menthol provides a cooling sensation. (Caution: Avoid applying it to open cracks, cuts, or bleeding skin, as the active ingredients can sting intensely.)
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Soothe Minor Muscle Aches: Thanks to menthol and camphor, rubbing a small amount onto a sore shoulder or tight calf can create a warming/cooling sensation that distracts the brain from minor aches and pains, acting similarly to a mild muscle rub.
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Calming Itchy Bug Bites: The menthol and eucalyptus in Vicks can provide a temporary cooling effect that helps take the “edge” off the itch from mosquito bites. (Again, never put it on broken skin where the bug bite has been scratched raw.)
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Deterring Pets: Some people use the strong scent of Vicks to keep cats or dogs away from furniture or houseplants they tend to chew on or scratch. (Though note: camphor and eucalyptus can be toxic to pets if ingested, so use extreme caution if trying this around animals).
Important Safety Rules to Keep in Mind
While Vicks VapoRub is great for its intended purpose, keep these safety boundaries in mind for any “hacks”:
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Never Use Under Your Nose: The classic cartoon image of putting Vicks right under the nostrils is actually discouraged by the manufacturers. If petrolatum gets inhaled into the lungs over time, it can cause a rare condition called exogenous lipoid pneumonia.
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Keep Away from Young Children: Vicks is not recommended for children under the age of two, as it can cause airway inflammation and increased mucus production in toddlers.
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Avoid Broken or Sensitive Skin: Because of the potent essential oils and chemicals, never apply it to broken skin, near the eyes, or on sensitive areas.
Have you heard of using Vicks for skin or muscle hacks before, or are you looking for remedies for a specific issue like dry skin or muscle soreness?
