Greaseless cream. The active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub Cream work naturally through the inhalation of medicated Vicks vapors to relieve nasal congestion and coughing due to colds. Vicks VapoRub Cream also relieves minor muscle aches and pains. Uniquely safe: VapoRub Cream is applied externally, so it shouldn't interact with other medications the way pills can. Rubbing VapoRub Cream on your chest or throat is not likely to cause drowsiness or jittery side effects the way some oral cold medications can.