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The 8 Best rubs and ointments of 2024

Are you trying to find rubs and ointments among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!

We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling rubs and ointments on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 27 hours of research and did 36 rubs and ointments tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!

An overview of our top picks

Table of contents

The best rubs and ointments you can buy today

No. 1
Vicks VapoRub, Lavender Scent, Cough Suppressant, Topical Chest Rub & Analgesic Ointment, Medicated Vicks Vapors, Relief from Cough Due to Cold, Aches & Pains, 1.76oz
  • TOPICAL COUGH SUPPRESSANT. Clinically proven to reduce cough. Rub a thick layer of VapoRub ointment on your chest and throat for cough relief so you can breathe easier
  • POWER & EFFECTIVE MEDICATED VICKS VAPORS WITH A CALM, SOOTHING LAVENDER SCENT. Experience Vicks medicated vapors in a calm and soothing lavender scent for relief that goes straight to the source of your cough
  • RELIEVE MINOR ACHES AND PAINS. Apply a thick layer of the VapoRub ointment to relieve minor aches and pains in your muscles and joints
  • SOOTHES & COMFORTS ON CONTACT. 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 & COLD BRAND*
SaleNo. 2
Vicks VapoRub Ointment, 1.76 Ounces
  • Vicks Vaporub Ointment temporarily relieves on chest and throat.
  • The Vicks VapoRub medicated vapors begin to work immediately to relieve your cough.
  • VapoRub is applied externally, so it doesn't interact with other medication the way pills can.
  • VapoRub is a topical cough medicine, it may be an alternative for diabetics looking for an alternative to oral cough medicines that may contain sugar.
No. 3
Amazon Basics Chest Rub Cough Suppressant and Topical Analgesic Ointment, 3.53 Ounce
  • One 3.53-ounce jar of chest rub cough suppressant and topical analgesic
  • If you like Vicks VapoRub, we invite you to try Amazon Basics Chest Rub Cough Suppressant
  • Rub gently onto chest and throat for temporary cough relief due to the common cold
  • Rub on muscles and joints to temporarily relieve minor aches and pains
  • Not tested on animals. Made in the U.S.A. with U.S. and foreign components
  • An Amazon brand
No. 4
Rawleigh Medicated Ointment 4.5 Oz (Pack of 1) Chest rub, Menthol Salve Ointment, Chest Congestion Relief, Cold and flu Relief, Easy Breathing, flu Relief, Headache Massage Balm, Minor Aches
  • Rawleigh Medicated Ointment Tin: 4.5 oz is one-of-a-kind formula that has been used for generations in North America. It helps manage nasal irritation, cold congestion. It is soothing to stuffy noses and the nasal passages. Apply topically to the chest, neck or back for fast, penetrating relief
  • Apply Rawleigh Medicated Ointment Tin: 4.5 oz on sore muscles or joints and feel soothing relief. Great for temporary relief from backache, muscle strains and sprains.
  • Provides soothing relief to discomfort associated with haemorrhoids, superficial burns, scratches, cuts and other minor skin injuries including cracked heels and moisturises the skin
  • What it contains: Camphor, Menthol, and Oil of Eucalyptus, combined in a base of refined Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Paraffin, Suppository Base, Ceresin, and Cocoa Butter.
  • Manufactured in accordance with the best manufacturing processes. Air-tight sealed to ensure product is tamper resistant and content is protected to ensure integrity, purity and effectiveness of the product. Our product is non-GMO, made in USA, and is not tested on animals.
SaleNo. 5
Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Ultra Strength, 10g – Soothing & Ultra Strength Muscle Rub Ointment – Non-Staining Sports Muscle Rub
  • ULTRA RELIEF. TIGER BALM Pain Relieving Ultra Strength is formulated to provide temporary relief from minor aches in the muscles and joints.
  • SOOTHES SORENESS. For over 100 years, TIGER BALM Pain Relieving ointments have been used to soothe discomfort associated with overexertion, backaches, strains, and sprains.
  • INGREDIENTS. This non-staining, concentrated sports rub is made with camphor (11%), menthol (11%), cajuput oil, cassia oil, clove oil, dementholized mint oil, and paraffin petrolatum.
  • FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Do not apply to open wounds or damaged skin. Do not bandage or use a heating pad with this ointment.
  • HOW TO USE. TIGER BALM Pain Relieving Ultra Strength should be rubbed onto the affected area 3–4 times per day.
SaleNo. 6
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
  • MESS-FREE ROLL ON APPLICATOR – Provides all of the benefits of a chest rub without the greasy mess of traditional ointments, leaving fingers and hands clean and odor-free. Convenient and effective, Mentholatum No Mess Vaporizing Rub cough suppressant and topical analgesic is sure to become your favorite go-to chest rub and topical pain reliever.
  • 100% NATURAL ACTIVE INGREDIENTS – Mentholatum No Mess Vaporizing Rub delivers natural camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol in a one-of-a-kind ointment-based formula that provides maximum strength cough relief when applied to the throat and chest. Inhalation of the medicated vapors temporarily relieves cough and is soothing to the nasal passages. Its penetrating formula also helps to relief minor aches and pains of muscle and joints.
  • MAXIMUM STRENGTH COUGH RELIEF – Formulated to provide maximum strength cough relief, Mentholatum No Mess Vaporizing Rub when applied to the throat and chest works fast to temporarily relieve cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation associated with a cold. For topical application only – Safe for children ages 2 and over.
  • RELIEVES MUSCLE ACHES AND PAINS – Mentholatum No Mess Vaporizing Rub’s penetrating formula, plus massaging action of the roll on applicator, helps to relieve minor aches and pains of muscles and joints due to simple backache, arthritis, strains and sprains.
  • RELIEVES COUGH TO HELP YOU SLEEP – Cough due to a cold keeping you up at night? Mentholatum No Mess Vaporizing Rub has medicated vapors that temporarily relieves cough to help you or your child sleep – so you can both get the rest you need. Apply to the throat and chest and breathe in the soothing vapors of natural camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol – a safe and effective alternative to oral cough medicines.
No. 7
JR Watkins Original Menthol Camphor Cough Ointment/Rub 4.1 oz
  • temporary relief from muscular soreness and coughs
  • Time-tested: Since 1915!
  • Versitile
SaleNo. 8
Vick's VapoRub Ointment 3.53 Oz Per Jar (1 Jars)
  • TOPICAL COUGH SUPPRESSANT: Clinically proven to reduce cough; Rub a thick layer of VapoRub ointment on your chest and throat for cough relief so you can breathe easier
  • POWERFUL AND EFFECTIVE VICKS SCENT: Medicated Vicks Vapors contains a proprietary blend of fragrance ingredients including menthol & camphor that go straight to the source of your cough
  • RELIEVE MINOR ACHES AND PAINS: Apply a thick layer of the VapoRub ointment to relieve minor aches and pains in your muscles and joints
  • SOOTHES AND COMFORTS ON CONTACT: 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 & COLD BRAND
No. 9
J.R. Watkins Ointment, 4.13 oz, Menthol Camphor, Single
2,448 Consomer Reviews
J.R. Watkins Ointment, 4.13 oz, Menthol Camphor, Single
  • J.R. Watkins menthol camphor cough suppressant rub helps relieve the congested feeling of a chest cold and suppresses the accompanying cough
  • Apply thinly and evenly to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily. Rub or massage into skin until solution vanishes
  • Wellness Remedy: Make sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep when sick so your body can rest and recover
  • Leaping Bunny Certified (Animal Cruelty Free), No Parabens
  • Proudly Made In the USA Since 1868
SaleNo. 10
Badger - Aromatic Chest Rub, Eucalyptus & Mint, Certified Organic, Soothing Vapor Rub with Eucalyptus Essential Oils, Baby Chest Rub, Vapor Rub Ointment, 2 oz - 2-Pack
  • ORGANIC CHEST RUB - Calms and soothes to promote deeper breathing and relaxation. A must-have during winter but works great all year round!
  • EUCALYPTUS & MINT - Badger Aromatic Chest Rub is a naturally cooling and soothing herbal balm with essential oils of eucalyptus, rosemary, ravintsara, and tea tree.
  • SAFE & EFFECTIVE - Safe and effective for use by the whole family. Badger Chest Balm is great as a soothing chest rub, or as a steam inhalant when added to a humidifier or pot of hot water.
  • BOTANICAL INGREDIENTS - Free-of artificial ingredients, fragrances, dyes, parabens, GMOs, synthetic chemicals, or harsh ingredients. Our philosophy flows from the ground up. We believe in using botanical ingredients that are filled with life force. They make for better products, for healthier people, and for a healthier planet. Certified Gluten Free and never tested on animals.
  • CERTIFIED ORGANIC - Badger Aromatic Chest Rub is USDA Certified Organic and petrolatum-free. The organic certification ensures that ingredients are not genetically modified, and are grown and processed without the use of chemical pesticides, fertilizers, or chemical processing agents. We prioritize using USDA certified organic ingredients, which we believe to be the gold standard for personal care ingredients.
No. 11
Sen Sei Menthol Rub Ointment 2 ounce
  • Dietary supplement, use only as directed.
  • Orders over $100 receive FREE SHIPPING
  • We combine S&H for multiple orders.
  • All new, sealed, original products
No. 12
Vicks VapoRub Ointment,1.76 Ounce (Pack of 1)
  • Cough Suppressant
  • Topical Analgesic
  • Vicks VapoRub Cough Suppressant / Topical Analgesic, Ointment 1.76 oz
  • Vicks VapoRub Cough Suppressant
No. 13
J.R. Watkins Menthol Camphor Cough Suppressant – Vapor Rub Relieves Congestion – Medicated Vapors for Soothing Relief – Topical Chest Rub, 4.12 oz, Single
760 Consomer Reviews
J.R. Watkins Menthol Camphor Cough Suppressant – Vapor Rub Relieves Congestion – Medicated Vapors for Soothing Relief – Topical Chest Rub, 4.12 oz, Single
  • J.R. WATKINS COUGH SUPPRESSANT: J.R. Watkins menthol camphor cough suppressant rub helps relieve the congested feeling of a chest cold and suppresses the accompanying cough. This vapor rub is Leaping Bunny Certified, we never test our products on animals.
  • RELIEVES CHEST CONGESTION: Massage this ointment onto your chest, neck, and bottom of your feet to help relieve a congested chest and breathe easier. The natural ingredients relieve congestion and suppress your cough from the common cold allowing you to get a full night of sleep.
  • NATURAL INGREDIENTS: J.R. Watkins uses all-natural ingredients. This soothing chest ointment is formulated with camphor and menthol which helps to relieve chest and nasal congestion. You will breathe easier and cough less when using this rub.
  • HOW TO USE: Apply thinly and evenly to affected area, not more than 3 to 4 times daily. Rub or massage into skin until solution vanishes. Make sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep when sick so your body can rest and recover.
  • J.R. WATKINS PROMISE: At J.R. Watkins, we avoid using harmful ingredients in our formulas, like parabens, dyes, phthalates, and formaldehyde. J.R Watkins is proudly certified and recognized by Leaping Bunny as a brand that doesn’t test on animals.
No. 14
Vicks VapoRub, Chest Rub Ointment, Relief from Cough, Cold, Aches, & Pains with Original Medicated Vicks Vapors, Topical Cough Suppressant, 1.76 Ounce (Pack of 3)
  • TOPICAL COUGH SUPPRESSANT: Clinically proven to reduce cough. Rub a thick layer of VapoRub ointment on your chest and throat for cough relief so you can breathe easier.
  • POWERFUL & EFFECTIVE VICKS SCENT. Medicated Vicks Vapors contains a proprietary blend of fragrance ingredients including menthol & camphor that go straight to the source of your cough.
  • RELIEVE MINOR ACHES AND PAINS. Apply a thick layer of the VapoRub ointment to relieve minor aches and pains in your muscles and joints.
  • SOOTHES & COMFORTS ON CONTACT. 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 & COLD BRAND*
SaleNo. 15
Vicks cough Vaporub Ointment, 1.76 Oz by Vicks (Pack of 2)
  • TOPICAL COUGH SUPPRESSANT: Rub a thick layer of VapoRub ointment on your chest and throat to relieve coughing so you can breathe easier
  • POWERFUL AND EFFECTIVE AROMA: Proprietary blend of fragrance ingredients, including menthol and camphor that go directly to the source of your cough
  • CLINICALLLY PROVEN: To relieve minor aches and pains
  • CALMS AND COMFORTS: On contact; Fast-acting for proven cough relief day or night
  • WORLDS'S #1 SELLING BRAND: For OTC cough and cold relief
No. 16
Vicks BabyRub Chest Rub Ointment with Soothing Aloe, Eucalyptus, Lavender, and Rosemary, from the makers of VapoRub, 1.76 oz
  • GENTLE FORMULA. Vicks BabyRub contains petrolatum and aloe to leave your baby’s skin feeling soft
  • SOOTHING COMFORT. Perfect to calm, soothe, and relax your baby
  • AROMATIC FRAGRANCES. Contains eucalyptus, rosemary, and lavender oils
  • FOR BABIES 3 MONTHS & OLDER
  • FROM THE MAKERS OF VICKS VAPORUB
SaleNo. 17
Herbion Naturals Chest Rub, Natural Soothing Ointment, Relieves Chest Congestion, Reduces Muscle Aches, Adults and Children 2 Years and above, 3.53 Oz
  • SOOTHING OINTMENT:  Packed with potent essential oils, Herbion Chest Rub naturally soothes cough and cold symptoms to provide comfort for the whole family, including kids 2 years and above.
  • CONGESTION RELIEF: This non-medicated ointment eases nasal and chest congestion so you and your little ones can breathe with ease.
  • EASE JOINT ACHE: The non-greasy and quick-absorbing formula penetrates deep into the skin to provide comfort from strains, sprains, joint and muscle aches. 
  • GENTLE FORMULA: Our one-of-a-kind all-natural ointment is camphor-free, paraben-free, petroleum-free, free from artificial fragrances and hydrogenated oils.
  • WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS:  Our soothing balm contains Olive oil, Eucalyptus oil/Blue gum oil, Clove oil, Wintergreen oil, Beeswax, and Vitamin E (Vegetable oil). 
No. 18
Rawleigh Medicated Ointment Stick 0.5 oz (Pack of 1) Chest rub, Menthol Ointment,Chest Congestion Relief, Cold and flu Relief, Easy Breathing, flu Relief, Headache Massage Balm, Minor Aches
  • Rawleigh Medicated Ointment Stick: 0.5 oz is one-of-a-kind formula that has been used for generations in North America. It helps manage nasal irritation, cold congestion. It is soothing to stuffy noses and the nasal passages. Apply topically to the chest, neck or back for fast, penetrating relief
  • Apply Rawleigh Medicated Ointment Stick: 0.5 oz on sore muscles or joints and feel soothing relief. Great for temporary relief from backache, muscle strains and sprains.
  • Provides soothing relief to discomfort associated with haemorrhoids, superficial burns, scratches, cuts and other minor skin injuries including cracked heels and moisturises the skin
  • What it contains: Camphor, Menthol, and Oil of Eucalyptus, combined in a base of refined Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Paraffin, Suppository Base, Ceresin, and Cocoa Butter.
  • Manufactured in accordance with the best manufacturing processes. Air-tight sealed to ensure product is tamper resistant and content is protected to ensure integrity, purity and effectiveness of the product. Our product is non-GMO, made in USA, and is not tested on animals.
SaleNo. 19
Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Ointment, Extra Strength, 0.63 Ounce
  • Tiger Balm Extra Strength Ointment provides fast-acting and long-lasting relief for joint and arthritis pain
  • Effective relief for most symptoms of bodily aches and pains including , rheumatism, arthritic pains, and muscle strains and sprains
  • The cassia oil (cinnamon) in Tiger Balm Extra provides a soothing aroma
  • The herbal blend helps to relieve joint and muscle pain and soothe tired muscles
No. 20
Vicks Vaporub Ointment 3.53 Oz (Pack of 2)
  • Temporarily relieves cough due to common cold, as well as minor aches and pains in muscles and joints
  • See important warnings under "When Using This Product"
  • Adults and children 2+ years rub a thick layer on throat and chest
  • Cover with a warm, dry cloth if desired
  • Keep clothing loose about throat and chest to help vapors reach the nose and mouth

How to choose a good rubs and ointments

Does the idea of finding a fantastic rubs and ointments make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!

Your presence here indicates that you are interested in rubs and ointments. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top rubs and ointments products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?

First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top rubs and ointments on the market right now!

The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:

Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top rubs and ointments brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.

Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top rubs and ointments based on those.

Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.

Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.

Customer ratings:  Would it be accurate to suggest that the rubs and ointments were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.

Customer Reviews: Like ratings,  provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.

Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good rubs and ointments, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.

Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your rubs and ointments.

Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting rubs and ointments for months and years to come.

Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.

Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.

These are the standards by which we selected our rubs and ointments. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.

Why should you believe us?

There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what rubs and ointments should you purchase in 2022?

This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on rubs and ointments.