What is in Rawleigh's salve? A Breakdown of Ingredients and Uses

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

First introduced in 1889, the W. T. Rawleigh Company's iconic salves have been a staple in North American households for generations. The specific answer to “What is in Rawleigh's salve?” depends on which version you are referring to, as the company produces a yellow-tinned Antiseptic Salve and a blue-tinned Medicated Ointment, each with a distinct formula for different topical applications.

Quick Summary

Rawleigh's features two key salves: the Antiseptic Salve with turpentine and phenol, and the Medicated Ointment containing camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil. Each formula is designed for different topical uses, from cuts and bruises to congestion and muscle aches.

Key Points

Two Distinct Products: Rawleigh's produces two primary salves: the yellow-tinned Antiseptic Salve and the blue-tinned Medicated Ointment.
Antiseptic Salve Ingredients: The Antiseptic formula contains turpentine and liquified phenol in a base of petrolatum, paraffin, and cottonseed oil for cuts and skin irritations.
Medicated Ointment Ingredients: The Medicated Ointment uses camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil in a petroleum-based formula to relieve cold symptoms like chest congestion and muscle soreness.
Traditional Formulations: Both salves have remained largely unchanged for over a century, continuing a long tradition of household remedies.
Topical Use Only: It is crucial to remember that both products are for external use only and should not be ingested or used on deep wounds.
Different Applications: The yellow tin is for cuts and superficial burns, while the blue tin is for respiratory and muscle-related discomfort.
Strong Medicinal Odor: The Antiseptic Salve, in particular, is noted for its strong, distinct odor due to ingredients like turpentine.

For more than a century, Rawleigh's salves have occupied a revered place in household medicine cabinets. The W.T. Rawleigh Company, founded on principles of high-quality products and dependable service, has maintained its traditional formulas, earning the trust of consumers across generations. The iconic yellow and blue tins, each with a distinct list of ingredients, are designed to address a variety of common ailments.

The Two Main Types of Rawleigh's Salve

It is a common misconception that there is only one Rawleigh's salve. In reality, the company offers two primary topical products, which are often confused. Understanding their different formulations is key to using them correctly.

Rawleigh's Antiseptic Salve (Yellow Tin)

Known for its iconic yellow tin, this version is a drawing ointment primarily used for minor skin injuries, such as cuts, bruises, and blisters. The formula is a potent blend of medicated agents in a protective base.

Key Ingredients in Antiseptic Salve:

Turpentine: A resinous liquid distilled from pine trees, turpentine acts as a counterirritant and has traditionally been used to aid in the healing of wounds.
Liquified Phenol: An organic compound known for its antiseptic properties, phenol provides disinfecting action to help prevent infection in minor wounds.
Petrolatum (Petroleum Jelly): A moisturizing agent that forms a protective barrier over the skin to lock in moisture and protect the wound from germs and foreign contaminants.
Paraffin: A wax-like substance that contributes to the salve's thick, stable consistency.
Cottonseed Oil: A common carrier oil used in the salve's base.

Rawleigh's Medicated Ointment (Blue Tin)

This is a topical chest rub, recognizable by its blue tin, intended for ailments associated with colds and minor muscle pain. The therapeutic effects are delivered through soothing vapors.

Key Ingredients in Medicated Ointment:

Camphor: A topical analgesic and cough suppressant that provides a mild, cooling, and numbing sensation.
Menthol: A compound derived from mint oils that acts as both a cough suppressant and a topical analgesic, creating a cooling sensation to soothe minor aches and pains.
Eucalyptus Oil: A natural essential oil that works as a cough suppressant when its vapors are inhaled.
Refined Petrolatum and Mineral Oil: These ingredients form the non-greasy, emollient base that allows for easy application.
Paraffin, Ceresin, and Cocoa Butter: These help stabilize the formula and create a smooth texture.

A Historical Perspective on the Formulations

The Rawleigh Company was founded on the principle of providing dependable, high-quality products to rural areas via door-to-door sales. The company’s original antiseptic and medicated formulas have remained largely unchanged for over a century, cementing their reputation as a time-tested remedy. The inclusion of ingredients like phenol and turpentine reflects historical medical practices, where these were common and effective disinfectants. While modern wound care has evolved, many still rely on these traditional formulas for their perceived efficacy and familiarity.

Rawleigh's Salve vs. Modern Alternatives

To understand the appeal and differences of Rawleigh's salves, a comparison with modern, commercially available alternatives is useful.


Feature	Rawleigh's Antiseptic Salve	Neosporin/Triple Antibiotic Ointment	Rawleigh's Medicated Ointment	Vicks VapoRub
Active Ingredients	Turpentine, Liquified Phenol	Bacitracin, Neomycin, Polymyxin B	Camphor, Menthol, Eucalyptus Oil	Camphor, Menthol, Eucalyptus Oil
Key Uses	Cuts, scrapes, burns, blisters	Preventing infection in minor cuts	Cough, nasal congestion, minor aches	Cough suppression, minor aches
Mechanism	Antiseptic and drawing properties	Inhibits bacterial growth	Soothing vapors and topical analgesia	Soothing vapors and topical analgesia
Key Difference	Contains traditional ingredients like phenol; relies on antiseptic action rather than antibiotics.	Uses modern antibiotics to kill a broad spectrum of bacteria.	Uses a classic, petroleum-based formula with strong, aromatic vapors.	Often formulated with similar ingredients, but sometimes a more refined or newer base.
Base	Petrolatum, Paraffin, Cottonseed oil	Petrolatum base	Petrolatum, Mineral oil, Paraffin, Ceresin, Cocoa Butter	Petrolatum base

Important Considerations and Safety Precautions

While Rawleigh's salves are a popular and long-standing home remedy, they are intended for topical use only and require responsible application. As with any medicated product, it is important to be aware of potential risks.

For external use only: Rawleigh's salves should never be ingested or applied to sensitive internal areas.
Not for deep wounds: The Antiseptic Salve is designed for superficial cuts and irritations. Deep wounds, puncture wounds, or animal bites require professional medical attention.
Avoid heating: Never heat the Medicated Ointment or add it to hot water, as this can cause it to splatter and result in burns.
Test for sensitivity: Some individuals may have a skin reaction or sensitivity to ingredients like phenol or turpentine. Discontinue use if irritation or rash occurs.
Not for all ages: The Medicated Ointment should not be used on children under two years of age.
Strong odor: Users should be aware that the salves, particularly the Antiseptic Salve with turpentine and phenol, have a strong and distinct medicinal odor.

Conclusion

For those asking "What is in Rawleigh's salve?", the answer is a combination of traditional and time-tested ingredients that depend on the specific product. The Antiseptic Salve relies on turpentine and phenol for its antiseptic and drawing properties, while the Medicated Ointment uses camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil to provide soothing relief from colds and muscle aches. The legacy of these products is a testament to their enduring appeal as simple, effective remedies for everyday skin and respiratory discomfort. Choosing the right Rawleigh's salve for your needs is as simple as identifying the tin—yellow for cuts and burns, and blue for congestion and muscle soreness. For serious medical conditions, a healthcare professional should always be consulted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rawleigh's yellow tin is the Antiseptic Salve, formulated with turpentine and liquified phenol for topical use on cuts, scrapes, bruises, blisters, superficial burns, and other minor skin irritations.

Rawleigh's blue tin contains the Medicated Ointment, which features camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil. It is used as a topical chest rub to relieve symptoms of the common cold, such as nasal congestion, cough, and minor muscle aches.

Yes, Rawleigh's Antiseptic Salve (yellow tin) is considered a drawing ointment, traditionally used to aid in removing splinters or drawing infection from minor wounds.

According to the company, the traditional formulas for both the Antiseptic Salve and the Medicated Ointment have remained unchanged for more than a century. Some customer reviews suggest a slight change in odor over the years, but the core ingredients are consistent.

While some users have reported using it on their pets for various skin issues, it is not recommended by the manufacturer. You should always consult a veterinarian before using any human medication, including Rawleigh's salve, on animals, due to potential toxicity or side effects.

No, both Rawleigh's salves are intended for superficial cuts and irritations only. For deep wounds, puncture wounds, or any persistent skin issues, it is essential to seek professional medical assistance.

For congestion, a thick layer of the Medicated Ointment can be rubbed on the chest and throat. The medicated vapors are inhaled to help soothe coughs and clear nasal passages.