When Did Vicks Vaporub Change Its Formula

So, you know how sometimes you're just chillin', minding your own business, when suddenly you realize your grandma's been using Vicks Vaporub since the dawn of time, and it's never changed? Well, buckle up, buttercup, 'cause we're about to take a little journey through time to find out when the heck Vicks decided to mess with perfection.

Back in the Day

Picture this: It's the late 19th century. The world's a buzz with inventions like the lightbulb and the telephone. Meanwhile, in a small pharmacy in Philadelphia, a guy named Lunsford Richardson is mixing up something magical. He's trying to create a topical pain reliever, but whoops! He accidentally makes a mentholated ointment that's great for congestion. Oops, I mean, YAAAS, KWEEN!

Thus, in 1905, Vicks Vaporub is born. It's a simple concoction of menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil. People love it. It's like Richardson's given the world a big ol' hug in a jar. And for decades, it stays just the way it is. It's like the boy band that never broke up. I'm looking at you, NSYNC.

Enter the 21st Century

Now, fast forward to the early 2000s. Vicks is still going strong, but the world's changing. People are getting all health-conscious, and some folks start raising eyebrows at ingredients like camphor. It's like when your mom finds out you've been eating ice cream for dinner. Suddenly, Vicks is like, "Uh-oh, better update our formula or risk becoming the next avocado toast."

So, in 2007, Vicks does a little dance and changes its formula. They replace the camphor with a synthetic ingredient called levomenthol. It's like they're saying, "We're still menthol, just... different." But don't worry, the new formula still packs that familiar Vicks punch. It's like when your favorite band changes their lead singer, but they still sound... kinda like the old guy.

North Carolina Inventions – Kernersville Magazine

But Wait, There's More!

Now, you might be thinking, "But I've heard there's another change!" And you'd be right, you little detective, you. In 2018, Vicks makes another tweak. They add a new ingredient called dipropylene glycol. It's a fancy way of saying they've made their ointment a little less oily. It's like they've traded in their old leather jacket for a new, less greasy one. Still rock 'n' roll, just a bit more... presentable.

And there you have it, folks! The tale of Vicks Vaporub's formula changes. It's like watching your favorite TV show evolve over the years. Sure, it's not the same as it was in the '90s, but hey, neither are we. And that's okay. After all, change is the only constant. Except for maybe grandma's Vicks Vaporub habit. That's forever.