cold rub

Common active ingredients include menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil. Some formulations instead highlight botanicals such as chamomile or peppermint oil.

Topical rubs and gels are also used as analgesics to help relieve minor muscle and joint aches, soreness, swelling from injuries, and bruises.

Directions commonly advise gently massaging baby rub onto the chest, neck, and back; some products also list the bottoms of the feet as an application site.

Stick and balm formats provide a no-touch, targeted application that often goes on clear and dries quickly. Traditional ointments are thicker and are rubbed onto the chest or affected area in a layer.

Many medicated rubs include warnings to consult a doctor if pregnant or nursing and advise keeping the product out of reach of children. Products also commonly display age minimums on their labels.

Package sizes range from 0.25 ounces up to 2.6 ounces, with several chest rubs clustered around 1.5–1.76 ounces.