Is Vicks VapoRub with Lavender Scent Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated September 9, 2026
Vicks VapoRub with Lavender Scent
Vicks
Vicks VapoRub with Lavender Scent receives a C grade: use caution during pregnancy because of camphor and fragrance. Directed topical use is considered unlikely to harm your baby, but pregnancy evidence is limited; swallowing camphor or using concentrated oils is a different, potentially dangerous exposure. BUMPS
You can use this, but maybe don't make it your everyday go to. Not the end of the world if you've used it. Consult your OBGYN or midwife if you have concerns.
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What Ingredients Are in Vicks VapoRub with Lavender Scent?
Vicks VapoRub with Lavender Scent has 9 ingredients. We flagged 2 ingredients to use with caution.
camphor
CAUTION
Camphor is a crystalline substance with a strong, aromatic odor commonly used in medicinal ointments, incense, and as a flavoring agent. Camphor warrants caution because pregnancy data are limited, although directed topical use is low concern compared with ingestion or concentrated oil exposure.
fragrance
CAUTION
A fragrant substance used to add a pleasant aroma to products or environments. Fragrance warrants caution because the scent mixture is unspecified and may irritate skin or airways, while pregnancy exposure associations do not prove harm from occasional topical use.
cedarleaf oil
SAFE
Cedarleaf oil is unflagged in this topical ointment assessment, but that does not establish its safety during pregnancy.
eucalyptus oil
SAFE
Eucalyptus oil is a fragrant essential oil derived from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree, known for its refreshing aroma and respiratory health benefits. Eucalyptus oil is unflagged in this topical ointment assessment, which should not be interpreted as pregnancy clearance for swallowed or concentrated eucalyptus oil.
menthol
SAFE
Menthol is a natural compound known for its cooling sensation and refreshing aroma, commonly used in medicinal and cosmetic products. Menthol is unflagged in this topical ointment assessment, but its cooling effect does not establish pregnancy safety.
nutmeg oil
SAFE
Nutmeg oil is a fragrant essential oil derived from the seeds of the nutmeg tree, known for its warm, spicy aroma and culinary and aromatic uses. Nutmeg oil is unflagged in this topical ointment assessment, but its culinary uses do not establish pregnancy safety for this exposure.
petrolatum
SAFE
Petrolatum is a semi solid, occlusive substance derived from petroleum that is commonly used to moisturize and protect the skin. Petrolatum is an unflagged skin protective ingredient in this topical ointment, not an independently confirmed pregnancy safe ingredient in this assessment.
thymol
SAFE
Thymol is a natural compound found in thyme essential oil, known for its antiseptic, antifungal, and aromatic properties. Thymol is unflagged in this topical ointment assessment, but its antiseptic properties do not establish safety during pregnancy.
turpentine oil
SAFE
Turpentine oil is a volatile, aromatic essential oil derived from pine resin, commonly used as a solvent and in traditional medicinal applications. Turpentine oil is unflagged in this topical ointment assessment, but traditional medicinal use does not establish pregnancy safety.
Answering Your Questions
How much Vicks VapoRub with Lavender Scent is safe during pregnancy?
Follow the package directions for the amount and application area rather than spreading it over large areas of your body. Use only on intact skin, never swallow it, and ask your pharmacist or maternity clinician before using it during pregnancy.
Can you use Vicks VapoRub with Lavender Scent daily while pregnant?
Use only when needed and stay within the package frequency for the symptom you are treating. If you need repeated or ongoing use, ask your clinician about your symptoms rather than increasing the amount or frequency.
Why does Vicks VapoRub with Lavender Scent receive a C grade?
The C grade comes from ingredient based scoring that flags camphor and fragrance for caution. Camphor has limited pregnancy evidence and route dependent toxicity concerns, while fragrance adds uncertainty about the scent mixture and possible irritation. This is not evidence that ordinary directed topical use harms your baby, and the other ingredients being unflagged does not mean each has been proven pregnancy safe.
Can I use it while breastfeeding?
Ask your pharmacist or clinician before use, and never apply it to your nipple or anywhere your baby could lick. Prevent your baby's skin and mouth from contacting treated areas; chest application needs particular care because of close contact during feeding.
What alternatives should I consider during pregnancy?
Ask your pharmacist about options matched to your symptom, preferably without added fragrance if scents bother you. A fragrance free product may reduce scent related exposure, but it still needs its own ingredient review; another vapor rub or an essential oil salve is not automatically a safer substitute.
Is smelling Vicks different from swallowing it?
Yes. Breathing the vapors during directed use is a different exposure from swallowing the ointment or concentrated essential oils, and directed use of commercial rubs is considered unlikely to harm during pregnancy. Never eat Vicks; if you swallow it, contact poison control or seek urgent medical advice. BUMPS
Can I apply Vicks to my nose or feet for a cough?
For cough relief, the manufacturer's directions specify application to your chest and throat, not your nose or feet. Stick to those application sites rather than assuming a different location is safer or more effective during pregnancy. Vicks directions
Does its pregnancy safety change by trimester?
There is not enough product specific pregnancy evidence to identify one trimester as safer than another. The same precautions apply throughout pregnancy: follow topical directions, avoid ingestion and concentrated oils, and check with your maternity clinician if you need ongoing treatment.
Does the lavender scent make this version safer?
The lavender scent does not establish greater pregnancy safety. This formula includes fragrance, an unspecified scent mixture flagged for caution; that does not prove it contains phthalates or that occasional topical use is harmful.
What Are Pregnancy Safe Alternatives to Vicks VapoRub with Lavender Scent?
Here are some solid alternatives. Everything below has an A or B grade, meaning no flagged ingredients in our database.
| Grade | Product | Brand | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Aquaphor Healing Ointment For Dry, Cracked Or Irritated Skin | Aquaphor | ointment |
| A | Aquaphor Healing Ointment | Aquaphor | ointment |
| A | Aquaphor Healing Ointment Skin Protectant And Moisturizer For Dry And Cracked Skin Unscented | Aquaphor | ointment |
| A | Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy For Dry And Cracked Skin - 1.75Oz | Aquaphor | ointment |
Are Other Vicks Products Safe During Pregnancy?
We looked at 10 other Vicks products. 1 are pregnancy safe (A or B grade), while 9 need a closer look.
| Grade | Product | Type |
|---|---|---|
| A | Vicks 4-In-1 Fiber Lemonade Flavor 14.7 Oz | fiber supplement |
| C | Dayquil Severe Cold & Flu Liquicaps | cold medicine |
| C | Nyquil Vapocool | cold medicine |
| C | Super C | cold medicine |
How Does Vicks VapoRub with Lavender Scent Compare to Other Ointments?
We graded 144 Ointments for pregnancy safety. Here's how they stack up:
Vicks VapoRub with Lavender Scent earns a C grade, placing it among the top of Ointments. About 55% of products in this category get an A or B grade.
How Do We Score Products for Pregnancy Safety?
We analyze each product's ingredients and category to flag known risks and provide cautionary notices for general category safety concerns.
A - Safe
Excellent choice! All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy.
What to do: Use with confidence.
B - Likely Safe
Pretty much safe with very minimal risk. Some ingredients may have limited pregnancy studies, but no significant safety concerns have been identified.
What to do: Use with confidence.
C - Limit
Contains ingredients with some pregnancy considerations. Research shows these ingredients may have limited safety data, potential for minor hormonal effects, or require caution based on animal studies.
What to do: Use sparingly and consider safer alternatives when available.
D - Caution
Similar to C grade but contains multiple cautionary ingredients. The combination increases overall concern.
What to do: Try to avoid if that makes you feel better. If you've already used it, no need to panic.
F - Avoid
Contains an ingredient Pregnancy Safe recommends avoiding during pregnancy. This may reflect an established risk or a precaution based on limited evidence; check the ingredient guidance and exposure context.
What to do: Do not use during pregnancy. If you've already used it, don't worry - contact your OBGYN if concerned.
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References
- https://www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/leaflets-a-z/camphor-oil/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4356057/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16809137/
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- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=0a3086b7-a670-474e-81cf-8f989af425c2
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/omuf/monographs/OTC%20Monograph_M017-External%20Analgesic%20Drug%20Products%20for%20OTC%20Human%20Use%2005.02.2023.pdf
- https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/your-health/lifestyles/safe-use-health-products-containing-camphor-eucalyptus-oils.html
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- https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/fragrances-cosmetics
- https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/phthalates-cosmetics
- https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/allergens-cosmetics
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3110684/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4016195/
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- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10999525/
- https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality