health-related fact checks

There is no evidence that Vicks VapoRub treats acne

Ailla Dela Cruz

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There is no evidence that Vicks VapoRub treats acne
There are no conclusive findings that eucalyptus oil and camphor treat acne. Vicks also contains petroleum jelly, an occlusive emollient that can cause further clogging of pores.

Claim: Vicks VapoRub is an effective treatment to get rid of acne and pimples as it contains eucalyptus oil and camphor.

Rating: FALSE

Why we fact-checked this: One post containing the claim has 92 shares, 135 reactions, and 4 comments, as of writing. The same photo in the post is being posted on a number of pages as well. 

No conclusive findings: In an interview on October 18 with Dr. Hazel Hao-Dy, a board-certified dermatologist in the Philippines, she said that while camphor and eucalyptus oil may have some antibacterial properties, there is no conclusive evidence for its use in treating acne. 

“Both can actually cause more issues on sensitive or acne-prone skin,” Hao-Dy said, pertaining to eucalyptus oil and camphor.

Only relieves cold symptoms: While Vicks VapoRub does contain eucalyptus oil, menthol, and camphor, they only claim to relieve symptoms of colds, which are: blocked nose, cough, difficulty in breathing, headache, muscle stiffness, and body aches. 

Risk of clogging of pores: Hao-Dy also noted that Vicks contains petroleum jelly, which is an occlusive emollient that can cause more clogging of pores. 

Stick to proven ingredients: She advised that it is better to stick with proven ingredients for treatments of acne, such as retinols, benzoyl peroxide, and the like. – Ailla Dela Cruz/Rappler.com

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