# TLDR Review: J.R. Watkins Petro Carbo Salve

*Published: 2025-05-15 | Updated: 2025-05-15 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/j.r.-watkins-petro-carbo-salve*

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## Product: J.R. Watkins Petro Carbo Salve
**Brand:** Watkins

## Pros
- Highly effective for treating knee pain, aches, and various ailments.
- Satisfied customers appreciate availability through Amazon.
- Long-time users support its claims of efficacy in treating burns, scratches, bug bites, and even cysts.
- The formula is long-lasting; only a small amount is needed for application.

## Cons
- The product formula has changed significantly and may have lost some effectiveness for treating cuts, scrapes, burns, and other skin issues.
- Some users describe the new formulation as 'glorified grease,' lacking beneficial qualities.
- Applying it to broken skin may cause adverse reactions, such as rashes.
- A few users express disappointment and repurpose the product for non-medicinal uses.

## Bottom Line

J.R. Watkins Petro Carbo First Aid Salve has a storied history of being effective for a variety of ailments, with many users praising its long-lasting and versatile nature. However, beware that recent changes in its formula may reduce its efficacy, especially on broken skin, leading to some buyer dissatisfaction. If you're looking for a tried-and-true remedy, give it a shot; just proceed with caution on sensitive skin areas.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Highly effective for treating knee pain, aches, and various ailments. | The product formula has changed significantly and may have lost some effectiveness for treating cuts, scrapes, burns, and other skin issues. |
| Satisfied customers appreciate availability through Amazon. | Some users describe the new formulation as 'glorified grease,' lacking beneficial qualities. |
| Long-time users support its claims of efficacy in treating burns, scratches, bug bites, and even cysts. | Applying it to broken skin may cause adverse reactions, such as rashes. |
| The formula is long-lasting; only a small amount is needed for application. | A few users express disappointment and repurpose the product for non-medicinal uses. |

## Current Prices

| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| Walgreens | $6.99  | Check |
| Family OTC | $9.77  | Check |
| The Online Drugstore | $11.74  | Check |
| Health Central USA | $12.00  | Check |
| Max Warehouse | $12.60  | Check |
| Myotcstore | $13.95  | Check |
| Ace Hardware | $15.99  | Check |
| Market America Brands / Shop.com | $16.88  | Check |
| Easy Comforts | $16.99  | Check |
| J.R. Watkins | $16.99  | Check |
| DK Hardware | $17.80  | Check |
| Medicaleshop | $18.54  | Check |
| Walmart | $19.95  | Check |
| comfortmarket.com | $20.63  | Check |
| UnbeatableSale | $20.63  | Check |
| Medical Mega | $21.42  | Check |
| GoSupps.com | $21.50  | Check |
| Factory Hardware Store | $30.75  | Check |
| Sears | $32.60  | Check |
| Comet Warehouse | $42.55  | Check |

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*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*