Common active ingredients include camphor, menthol and eucalyptus oil. Many formulas also use essential oils such as peppermint, chamomile, lavender and rosemary. Typical carriers and base ingredients are petrolatum, beeswax and shea butter.

Chest rubs are available as medicated ointments (often marketed as topical cough suppressants) and non‑medicated balms or sticks. Common formats include traditional ointment/rub jars, solid stick applicators, balms and gels; medicated products typically list active ingredients like camphor or menthol, while non‑medicated versions rely on oils and carrier bases.

Product labels commonly recommend applying medicated chest rubs up to three times daily for cough relief. For topical-analgesic use (muscle or joint aches), some directions state not more than three to four times per day. Always follow the specific product label.

Chest rubs are offered in menthol/camphor‑type vapors and blends featuring eucalyptus, rosemary or lavender. Some products emphasize a single scent (for example lavender) while others offer non‑vapor fragrance variations such as coconut milk and shea.

Age labeling varies by product. Examples found include labels saying "Newborn and Up" or "3 Months and Up" for infant use, other products marked "2 Years and Up" or "4 Years and Up" for children, and some labeled for adults (for example "18 Years and Up"). Check the specific product label before use.

Labels commonly direct applying or rubbing the product on the chest and throat. Many also recommend massaging it onto the neck and back, and some mention applying to the bottoms of the feet. Stick balms are described as swipe‑on applications; medicated rubs may advise applying a thicker layer to muscles or joints for temporary relief. Labels often advise keeping clothing loose around the throat and chest so vapors can reach the nose and mouth—follow the specific product directions.

Beyond cough relief, product information commonly lists topical analgesic use to temporarily relieve minor muscle and joint aches, gentle soothing or massage for babies, and moisturizing or protective uses (for example petroleum‑jelly formulations used to soothe skin and help protect minor cuts or burns).