DIY Vapor Rub

What You Need

Only a few ingredients are needed to make diy vapor rub. And, you don’t need a large volume so the cost is minimal.

This post may contain affiliate links. Carolina Honeybees earns a tiny commission when you shop from our links. See our privacy policy for terms.

• coconut oil
• cocoa butter
• beeswax
• essential oils (your choice)
• equipment – bowl & heat source/containers

Coconut Oil

Seriously, is there anything coconut oil is not good for? You can cook with it, use it in moisturizers and even make candles with coconut oil and beeswax .

It is a very versatile ingredient. You can order coconut oil from any supply store and even find it in small amounts in the grocery store.

Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is an all around good cream for the skin. It has vitamins that promotes healthy skin and serves as a barrier too. Along with the beeswax, it helps create the perfect thickness of your rub.

If you don’t have cocoa butter on hand – you may substitute shea butter instead. It is a bit different in chemistry but will perform well in this remedy.

Beeswax

This natural wax is special because only honey bees can make beeswax. More valuable per ounce than even honey – we use the wax from many projects. Heck, even your wooden kitchen spoons can benefit from beeswax spoon butter.

Using beeswax in this chest rub recipe is beneficial because it helps hold in skin moisture. It also adds some body to the texture so your homemade vapor rub is not too liquid.

Equipment & Containers

You do not need any special equipment for the project. I have included in the how to card at the bottom a link to my favorite little melting pot that I use for beeswax.

When choosing your containers, keep in mind that you may want to use a finger to get your chest rub out later.

Essential Oils

I listed a few popular essential oils to use in your diy vapor rub. Of course, you can choose others but these are known for being safe to use and effective. 

Feel free to mix and match a bit – but these oils are strong – don’t get too carried away.

I like using peppermint oil for many applications. Peppermint oil does contain some menthol and creates a cooling sensation when inhaled.

It is also antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Other commonly used oils include: lavender, rosemary and tea tree oil.

Eucalyptus oil is used in many products for stuffy noses or colds. The cooling sensation of Eucalyptus helps open my sinuses. Be sure that the essential oils you choose are skin safe – not all of them are – read the manufacturers labels.

How to Make Homemade Vapor Rub

1. Begin by melting your beeswax in a safe manner. (Safest method is a double boiler setup – 2 pans – one with water). Melt beeswax over low/medium heat. This is a slow process – take your time. You do not want to overheat your beeswax.

When the wax is melted, add the coconut oil and the shea butter. The wax may seem to solidify for a minute but soon all will be melted and combined. Stir gently to combine.

2. Remove your mixture from the heat source and let it begin to cool down just a bit. A few minutes is usually fine – we do not want the wax to start to set – just come down a few degrees to avoid harming our essential oils.

3. Add any essential oils that you want to use in your homemade vapor rub. I have suggestions in the instructions card below – but the choice is yours.

4. Stir well. Then, while still warm – pour your vapor rub into your desired containers. Let sit until the beeswax vapor rub mixture has solidified and cooled. Seal with a lid.

Storage

Store your diy vapor rub in a container with a tight fitting lid. If kept in a cool place – it should last for at least 12 months.

Expert Tips

• Always label your jars – you may forget what is in there!
• If pouring hot oils into glass – temper the glass first by warming it up
• If making these for gifts – be sure to include the ingredients on the label

While I do not believe that essential oils are a cure for everything, they do have many beneficial properties. 

And, because there are so many good ones to chose from, you are sure to find something that appeals to you.  I even use some essential oils in my beekeeping.

Safety Note :

Be very cautious when using any product like this on young children. Some folks make a kid version using half of the recommended essential oils in the recipe.

However, I would always check with your doctor or health professional before using on the kids.

How to Use Homemade Vapor Rub

This recipe can be applied to your chest when you are feeling congested or having a stubborn cough.  

Rub a thin coat of homemade vapor rub into the skin. Mom insists on putting a warm piece of cloth over the area – but that’s up to you.

You may also apply a little under your nose if you are feeling stuffy. Beeswax is good for skin care – a natural humectant it helps hold natural moisture in your skin.

It may help that skin feel less irritated, as it works in the way way when we make beeswax lip balm to moisturize and soothe lips.

Some people report good results from rubbing homemade vapor rub on their feet!  But if you do so, be sure to wear socks – or you may slip and fall.

*Remember – anyone can be allergic to anything – test on a small area of skin first.

More Ideas

If you want to pamper your skin even more – consider trying this whipped beeswax body butter – it has a luxurious feel.

For the arms and hands homemade beeswax lotion is a good choice. However, I also love the portability and feel of a good beeswax lotion bar.

If the high cost of face cream is getting you down, perhaps you should try this recipe for face moisturizer.

And, for those minor cuts and scrapes – you can’t beat this homemade Vaseline type product.