Best Cough & Cold Chest Rubs of 2025

Bonnie Salem Avatar
Bonnie Salem
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2025

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Cough and cold chest rubs are products that are designed to help relieve symptoms of the common cold, such as coughing and congestion. These rubs are typically made with natural ingredients like eucalyptus and menthol, which provide a cooling and soothing sensation when applied to the chest. They are easy to use and can be applied directly to the skin, allowing for quick and effective relief. Cough and cold chest rubs are a popular choice for those looking for a natural and non-invasive way to alleviate the discomfort that comes with a cold.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Vicks VapoRub Cough Suppressant Ointment Cover #TOP 1
Vicks VapoRub Cough Suppressant Ointment
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Solimo Chest Rub Cover #TOP 2
Solimo Chest Rub
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Vicks VapoRub Lavender Scent Cough Suppressant Cover #TOP 3
Vicks VapoRub Lavender Scent Cough Suppressant
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Cough & Cold Chest Rubs

#TOP 1

Vicks VapoRub Cough Suppressant Ointment

Vicks VapoRub Cough Suppressant Ointment Cover
Vicks VapoRub, Original, Cough Suppressant, Topical Chest Rub & Analgesic Ointment, Medicated Vicks Vapors, Relief from Cough Due to Cold, Aches & Pains, 1.76oz

Vicks VapoRub is a topical cough suppressant designed to provide relief when you need it most. By applying a generous layer onto your chest and throat, you can experience effective cough relief, allowing you to breathe easier. The powerful Vicks scent, made up of menthol and camphor, helps target the source of your cough quickly. Additionally, this ointment soothes minor aches and pains in your muscles and joints, making it a versatile remedy. With its fast-acting formula, Vicks VapoRub offers comfort and relief day or night, so you can feel your best.

What We Like
Effective for congestion relief
Helps with joint pain
Long-standing trusted product
Great for bedtime use
Strong scent masks odors
What We Don't Like
Package size smaller than before
#TOP 2

Solimo Chest Rub

Amazon Basics
Solimo Chest Rub Cover
Amazon Basics Chest Rub Cough Suppressant and Topical Analgesic Ointment, 3.53 Ounce

Solimo Chest Rub is a 3.53-ounce jar of cough suppressant and topical analgesic ointment. It is a great alternative to Vicks VapoRub. This chest rub can be gently rubbed onto the chest and throat to provide temporary relief from cough caused by the common cold. Additionally, it can also be applied to muscles and joints to temporarily alleviate minor aches and pains. Solimo Chest Rub is not tested on animals and is made in the U.S.A. with U.S. and foreign components. What's more, if you are not satisfied with the product, you can get a refund within a year of purchase. With its dual functionality and high-quality, Solimo Chest Rub is a reliable choice for cough relief and pain management.

What We Like
Effective alternative to Vicks
Great price point
Pleasant scent
Helps with breathing
Good for everyday use
What We Don't Like
Not as strong as name brand
Weaker scent and heat
#TOP 3

Vicks VapoRub Lavender Scent Cough Suppressant

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Vicks VapoRub Lavender Scent Cough Suppressant Cover
Vicks VapoRub, Lavender Scent, Cough Suppressant, Topical Chest Rub & Analgesic Ointment, Medicated Vicks Vapors, Relief from Cough Due to Cold, Aches & Pains, 1.76oz

Vicks VapoRub Lavender Scent Cough Suppressant is a powerful and effective topical chest rub and analgesic ointment that provides relief from cough due to cold, aches, and pains. Clinically proven to reduce cough, VapoRub ointment can be applied to your chest and throat for cough relief. With a calm and soothing lavender scent, it soothes and comforts on contact, while its medicated vapors start working fast for proven cough relief day or night.

What We Like
Pleasant lavender scent
Drug-free and easy to use
Effective for cold symptoms
Long-lasting value
Soothing and calming effects
What We Don't Like
Greasy application
Not strong lavender scent
#TOP 4

Mentholatum Nighttime Vaporizing Rub, 1.76 oz.

5326
Pack of 1\n
Mentholatum Nighttime Vaporizing Rub, 1.76 oz. Cover
Mentholatum Nighttime Vaporizing Rub, Lavender Scent, Maximum Strength Cough Suppressant, Topical Chest Rub & Analgesic Ointment, Soothing Vapors Relieve Aches & Pains Due to Cold & Cough, 1.76 oz

Mentholatum Nighttime Vaporizing Rub with soothing Lavender essence is a topical formula consisting of 100% natural active ingredients, including camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol. It provides maximum strength cough relief when applied to the throat and chest, temporarily relieves cough and soothes nasal passages, and relieves chest and muscle aches associated with a cold. Safe for children ages 2 and over, it's perfect for bedtime and helps you sleep better.

What We Like
Soothing lavender scent
Effective for relaxation
Long-lasting relief
Convenient application
Non-irritating formula
What We Don't Like
Limited effectiveness for some
Greasy texture
#TOP 5

Vicks VapoRub, Chest Rub Ointment

PG-324
Multicolor
6 Ounce (Pack of 2)
Vicks VapoRub, Chest Rub Ointment Cover
Vicks VapoRub, Original, Cough Suppressant, Topical Chest Rub & Analgesic Ointment, Medicated Vicks Vapors, Relief from Cough Due to Cold, Aches & Pains, 6oz (2 Count)

Vicks VapoRub is a topical cough suppressant that relieves cough, minor aches, and pains. Its powerful and effective scent contains a proprietary blend of fragrance ingredients that go straight to the source of your cough. Soothing medicated Vicks vapors start working fast for proven cough relief day or night. Trusted Vicks relief from the world's #1 selling OTC cough and cold brand.

What We Like
Effective for colds and congestion
Large economical size
Multiple home uses
Good value for brand
Trusted by family generations
What We Don't Like
Sticky and greasy application
#TOP 6

Vicks VapoRub Chest Rub Ointment

B07P1DJXSP
Vicks VapoRub Chest Rub Ointment Cover
Vicks VapoRub, Original, Cough Suppressant, Topical Chest Rub & Analgesic Ointment, Medicated Vicks Vapors, Relief from Cough Due to Cold, Aches & Pains, 1.76oz each (pack of 3)

Vicks VapoRub Chest Rub Ointment is a powerful and effective topical cough suppressant that helps you breathe easier. It contains a blend of menthol and camphor that go straight to the source of your cough, and relieve minor aches and pains in your muscles and joints. The soothing medicated Vicks vapors start working fast for cough relief day or night. It is a clinically proven and trusted solution from the world's #1 selling OTC cough & cold brand.

What We Like
Effective pain relief
Long-term customer satisfaction
Natural mosquito repellent
Multi-purpose use
What We Don't Like
Hard to find
#TOP 7

Matys Vapor Rub for Adults & Kids

Matys Vapor Rub for Adults & Kids Cover
Matys Vapor Rub for Adults & Kids 2 Years Old +, Non-GMO Herbal Chest Rub to Clear Stuffy Noses, Relieve Cough & Congestion, Petroleum Free, Gluten Free with Eucalyptus & Peppermint, New 4.5 oz tub

The Matys Herbal Chest Rub offers soothing relief for congestion, helping you and your family breathe easier. With its special blend of peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oils, applying it to your chest, neck, back, or feet brings instant comfort. This new 4.5 oz size ensures you have plenty of this effective remedy on hand. Plus, it’s a clean option, as it is petroleum-free, gluten-free, and verified non-GMO. You can trust that the ingredients are natural and easy to recognize, making it a safe choice for both adults and kids.

What We Like
Natural ingredients
Soothing scent
Non-greasy texture
Effective for breathing
Great value for size
What We Don't Like
Possible allergy to castor oil
#TOP 8

Mentholatum No Mess Vaporizing Rub

Mentholatum No Mess Vaporizing Rub Cover
Mentholatum No Mess Vaporizing Rub with Easy-to-use Roll On Applicator, 1.76 Ounce (50g) - 100% Natural Active Ingredients for Maximum Strength Cough Relief

Mentholatum Vapor Rub is a cough suppressant and pain reliever featuring a mess-free roll-on applicator, natural active ingredients like camphor and menthol, maximum strength cough relief, and muscle pain relief. The roll-on applicator ensures clean and odor-free application, making it convenient for you. Its natural ingredients provide relief for coughs and nasal passages, while also soothing minor muscle and joint aches. This product is perfect for quick, effective relief without the greasy feel of traditional ointments.

What We Like
Easy to use
Mess-free application
Convenient roll-on design
Effective for congestion relief
Portable for travel
What We Don't Like
Price relative to quantity
Short product lifespan
#TOP 9

Vicks VapoRub Advanced Plus Cough Relief

Vicks VapoRub Advanced Plus Cough Relief Cover
Vicks VapoRub Advanced Plus, Powerful Cough Suppressant, Topical Chest Rub & Analgesic Ointment, Medicated Vicks Vapors, Fast Cough Relief, 2.82oz x 2

Vicks VapoRub Advanced Plus offers powerful cough relief for those suffering from the common cold. Its long-lasting formula provides soothing vapors that can last up to eight hours, helping you feel comfortable throughout the day or night. You’ll appreciate how quickly it starts working—just apply a thick layer on your chest and throat, and you’ll feel the relief in minutes. The active release of Vicks vapors goes directly to the source of your cough, delivering effective relief you can truly feel.

What We Like
Strong effectiveness
High-quality product
Great with steam humidifier
Reliable and consistent
Generous size for value
What We Don't Like
Stronger version unexpected
#TOP 10

Vicks BabyRub Chest Rub Ointment

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Vicks BabyRub Chest Rub Ointment Cover
Vicks BabyRub Chest Rub Ointment with Soothing Aloe, Eucalyptus, Lavender, and Rosemary, from the makers of VapoRub, 1.76 oz

Vicks BabyRub Ointment is a gentle chest rub ointment designed specifically for babies. Formulated with petrolatum and aloe, it leaves your baby's skin feeling soft and moisturized. This ointment provides soothing comfort to calm, soothe, and relax your baby. It is infused with aromatic fragrances of eucalyptus, rosemary, and lavender oils, which not only create a pleasant scent but also help to promote relaxation and ease discomfort. Suitable for babies 3 months and older, Vicks BabyRub Ointment is a trusted product from the makers of Vicks VapoRub. It is the perfect solution to help your little one find relief from cough and cold symptoms.

What We Like
Gentle and safe for babies
Calming lavender and eucalyptus scent
Moisturizing aloe for soft skin
Helps soothe fussy babies
Effective for nighttime comfort
What We Don't Like
Not for congestion relief
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What do you rub on your chest for a cold?

For a cold, you can rub chest rubs that typically consist of a petroleum jelly-based ointment. These rubs often contain menthol as the main active ingredient, along with camphor and eucalyptus oil. They may also have fragrance compounds to complement the menthol scent.

2. Can you put VapoRub on your chest for a cough?

Yes, you can apply VapoRub on your chest for a cough. It acts as a cough suppressant for minor throat and bronchial irritation associated with the common cold. Apply a thick layer on your chest and throat, cover them with a warm, dry cloth, and keep your clothing loose around those areas to allow the vapors to reach your nose and mouth.

3. What does rubbing VapoRub on chest do?

Rubbing VapoRub on the chest can help ease coughing. It may also provide relief for mild muscle or joint pain when applied to the skin. Some studies suggest that Vicks VapoRub can even help with nerve-related foot pain, cracked heels, and toenail fungus.

4. What is the fastest way to break up mucus in your chest?

To break up mucus in your chest, try keeping the air around you moist. You can take a warm shower or bath to help loosen the mucus. Steam inhalation can also provide relief from sinus pressure or pain. Breathing in the steam and vapors from a bowl of hot water, with or without added eucalyptus oil, can help loosen phlegm.

5. What breaks up chest congestion?

To break up chest congestion, you can try inhaling steam by pouring hot water into a bowl and bending over it with a towel over your head. This helps in loosening phlegm. Increasing your fluid intake can also prevent mucus from thickening. Additionally, adding drops of eucalyptus oil to the steam can be beneficial.

6. How do I stop coughing at night?

To stop coughing at night, you can try using a humidifier to make the air moist or breathe steam from a hot shower or teakettle before bed. Raising your head with an extra pillow, using a saline or saltwater nose spray, and swallowing a teaspoon of honey can also help. Sipping warm tea or soup, and sucking on menthol or honey lozenges before bedtime are other remedies to consider.

7. What can I rub on my chest to breathe better?

To breathe better, you can try rubbing eucalyptus essential oil mixed with a carrier oil onto your chest and throat. This can help calm a cough and provide relief.

8. Does rubbing Vicks on your chest help with mucus?

Yes, rubbing Vicks on your chest can help with mucus. Vicks contains eucalyptus oil, which is known to provide relief from chest congestion and help break up mucus.

9. Can I rub Vicks on my chest with COVID?

If you have COVID, it is advised to follow specific guidelines and recommendations from healthcare professionals. However, chest rubs containing camphor, eucalyptus oil, levomenthol, and turpentine oil, such as Vick's Vapor Rub, can be applied to the chest, throat, or back as desired.

Editor's Notes

During our cough & cold chest rub research, we found 24 cough & cold chest rub products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 253,407 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cough & cold chest rubs list. We found that most customers choose cough & cold chest rubs with an average price of $6.28.

The cough & cold chest rubs are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cough & cold chest rubs, including Vicks, Mentholatum, Matys. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Bonnie Salem Avatar

Bonnie Salem is a stay-at-home mother with two-year-old twins and has spent almost half of her life surrounded by baby products. As a mother and a professional copywriter, she has an insightful and unique eye for researching products suitable for infants. Bonnie Salem is an expert in health and nutrition who lives with her family in New Jersey. She has over 15 years of working experience in an institute of medicine after graduating from the University of Toronto. She is highly interested in personal health and wellness.

Cough & Cold Chest Rubs Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Vicks Amazon Basics Vicks Mentholatum Vicks Vicks Matys Mentholatum Vicks Vicks
Product Benefits Cough Relief Cough Relief - Cough Relief Cough,Cough Relief Relief from Cough, Cold, Aches & Pains, Topical Cough Suppressant All natural vapor rub relieves congestion, breathe easier Cough Relief Cough Relief Soothing
Special Feature Clinically Proven - Clinically Proven Fast-Acting, Long Lasting, No Animal Testing, Non-Drowsy Clinically Proven Clinically Proven No Animal Testing Fast-Acting, long-lasting Clinically Proven -
Item Weight 0.02 Pounds 0.1 Pounds 0.01 Ounces 0.11 Pounds 0.01 Ounces 5.28 Ounces - 1.76 ounces - 0.11 Pounds
Item dimensions L x W x H 2.3 x 2.3 x 2.25 inches 2.07 x 2.07 x 3 inches 2.22 x 2.17 x 2.22 inches 2.5 x 2.5 x 2.37 inches 2.8 x 2.8 x 3.2 inches 2.21 x 2.17 x 6.61 inches - 1.75 x 2 x 5 inches - -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
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