Many who were kids in the US pre-1950 or so know quite well what Vicks tastes like, as it was common to dab a little on the tongue for a sore throat. We preferred Mentholatum in our household but both were used.
Vicks has camphor as it's basic ingredient, which can "burn" sensitive skin. The menthol in Mentholatum is significantly milder.
Mentholatum has an added use as the best "remover" ubiquitously available around the household for masking tape or duct tape residue that has hardened - at least in my household. Vicks is useless for this purpose.