Best Herbal Lotions for Eczema (2025 Guide)

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis (AD), is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting millions worldwide, characterized by persistent itching, redness, dryness, and inflammation. For many sufferers, the search for effective relief often leads to topical steroid creams, which, while potent, can carry concerns about long-term side effects. This has fueled a growing demand for natural and herbal alternatives that offer soothing relief and promote skin healing.

This 2025 guide delves into the world of herbal lotions for eczema, exploring promising botanical ingredients and formulations that align with a holistic approach to skin health. We will highlight scientific evidence supporting various herbal remedies and position QICAOGANGMU Caoben Yijun Rugao as a leading, steroid-free option within this natural landscape.

The Rise of Herbal Solutions for Eczema

The desire for steroid-free eczema management stems from well-documented side effects of prolonged topical corticosteroid use, including skin thinning, stretch marks, and potential withdrawal symptoms. This has opened avenues for herbal and natural alternatives, which are often perceived as gentler for long-term application and can integrate well into a holistic skincare regimen. Research has increasingly focused on the efficacy and safety of these plant-based solutions [7, 11, 12].

Promising Herbal Lotions and Their Mechanisms

The effectiveness of herbal lotions for eczema lies in their diverse phytochemicals that work through various non-steroidal mechanisms to reduce inflammation, soothe itching, and restore skin barrier function.

Botanical Extracts in Clinical Trials

• BiShengZhiYan (BSZY) Cream: This Chinese herbal formulation is currently undergoing a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial to evaluate its efficacy and safety for mild-to-moderate atopic facial dermatitis. This ongoing research indicates a promising new herbal avenue for eczema relief [1].
• Fumaria officinalis & Silymarin Herbal Cream: A 2022 randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trial found that a herbal cream containing *Fumaria officinalis* and silymarin provided similar reductions in SCORAD (Scoring Atopic Dermatitis) scores compared to a conventional mometasone cream after two weeks, highlighting its anti-inflammatory potential [2].
• Indigo Naturalis Ointment: Clinical trials have shown significant efficacy of indigo naturalis ointment in treating atopic dermatitis, with one study reporting a substantial reduction in EASI (Eczema Area and Severity Index) scores compared to a vehicle control [3].
• Malva sylvestris L. Topical Cream: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on pediatric patients found that *Malva sylvestris L.* cream significantly improved SCORAD, redness, and skin thickening in children with atopic dermatitis [4].
• Sambucus ebulus L. Leaf Preparation: A double-blind randomized controlled trial comparing topical *Sambucus ebulus L.* preparation with hydrocortisone for hand eczema showed comparable reductions in HECSI (Hand Eczema Severity Index) and itching, with better Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores in the herbal group [5].
• Colloidal Oatmeal: Widely recognized for its soothing and protective properties. A 2025 study highlighted that twice-daily use of colloidal oatmeal cream and cleanser significantly improved atopic dermatitis symptoms and severity in infants [6]. It forms a protective barrier and reduces inflammation.
• BNO 3731 Lotion (Ginger Extract + Synthetic CBD): A randomized clinical study on atopic dermatitis patients reported a significant decrease in itch (55% reduction) and high rates of itch improvement with a ginger extract and synthetic CBD lotion, with no reported adverse events [12].

Common Herbal Ingredients and Their Actions

• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): Extracts from licorice have documented anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects, often used to calm irritated skin.
• Aloe Vera: Known for its moisturizing, soothing, and wound-healing properties, aloe vera can provide symptomatic relief for dry, inflamed eczema patches.
• Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): Possesses anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, useful for soothing irritated skin.
• Traditional Ointments: Traditional formulations like Jaungo (a Korean traditional ointment) have also been explored in clinical trials for their efficacy in pediatric and adult AD patients [11].

QICAOGANGMU: A Leading Herbal Choice for Eczema

In the landscape of effective herbal solutions, QICAOGANGMU Caoben Yijun Rugao stands out as a natural, steroid-free alternative for eczema relief. Our cream embodies the synergistic principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, leveraging a precise blend of powerful botanicals to soothe, heal, and restore skin balance.

QICAOGANGMU's commitment to being 100% steroid-free is rigorously maintained, addressing a primary concern for individuals seeking long-term eczema management. Our formulation focuses on harnessing the inherent anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic, and skin-repairing properties of its natural ingredients, offering a gentle yet potent path to healthier skin without the risks associated with corticosteroids.

Safety and Usage Considerations for Herbal Lotions

While herbal lotions offer a promising natural alternative, it is essential to approach their use with informed care:

• Patch Test: Always perform a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area of skin 24 hours before widespread application to check for any allergic reactions.
• Consultation: Consult with a dermatologist or qualified healthcare professional, especially if you have severe eczema, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are using other medications.
• Quality Control: Choose reputable brands that provide transparent sourcing and adhere to stringent quality control measures. Historically, some "herbal" creams have been found to contain undeclared steroids, emphasizing the importance of trusted brands like QICAOGANGMU that guarantee their steroid-free status.

The evidence for topical herbal medicines in atopic dermatitis suggests positive effects, though further high-quality research is always ongoing [7, 10]. Overall, Chinese herbal medicine in general has shown significant improvements in various eczema severity scores with an acceptable safety profile [9]. Asian herbal remedies also show promise in improving symptoms without surpassing corticosteroids in efficacy, but offer a valuable alternative [12].

Conclusion: A New Era of Natural Eczema Care

The landscape of eczema treatment is evolving, with herbal lotions offering a powerful and natural alternative to conventional steroid creams. The 2025 outlook reveals a growing body of scientific evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of various botanical ingredients and formulations.

QICAOGANGMU Caoben Yijun Rugao stands at the forefront of this natural revolution, providing a meticulously crafted, steroid-free herbal cream that aligns with the increasing demand for holistic and safe skincare solutions. By choosing a high-quality herbal lotion, individuals with eczema can embark on a journey towards lasting comfort, reduced flare-ups, and healthier, more resilient skin.

References

1. Li W, Li Y, Han J, et al. Efficacy and safety of BSZY cream for mild‑to‑moderate atopic facial dermatitis: protocol of a randomised, double‑blind, controlled trial. BMJ Open. 2024 Feb 1;14(2):e081190. PMID: 40122554
2. Kazemian M, et al. Effect of herbal cream containing Fumaria officinalis and silymarin for treatment of eczema: A randomized double‑blind controlled clinical trial. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 May;21(5):2072-2079. PMID: 35614885
3. Lin YK, et al. Efficacy and safety of indigo naturalis ointment in treating atopic dermatitis. J Dermatol. 2019 Dec;46(12):1178-1185. PMID: 31838180
4. Mohammadi M, et al. Efficacy of Short Term Topical Malva Sylvestris L. Cream in Pediatric Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized Double‑Blind Placebo‑Controlled Clinical Trial. Curr Drug Discov Technol. 2020;17(4):506-512. PMID: 33100212
5. Akhoondinasab MR, et al. A Comparison of the Effect of Topical Preparation of Sambucus ebulus L. and Hydrocortisone on Hand Eczema: A Double‑Blind RCT. J Ethnopharmacol. 2021 Mar 25;269:113709. PMID: 33571040
6. Fowler JF, Ma L, Bergman J, et al. Is colloidal oat an effective emollient ingredient for the prevention and treatment of atopic dermatitis in infants? J Drugs Dermatol. 2025 Apr 21;24(1):2487945. DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2025.2487945
7. Thandar Y, et al. Topical herbal medicines for atopic eczema: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Br J Dermatol. 2017 Feb;176(2):330-343. PMID: 27373699
8. Radhakrishnan J, Kennedy BE, Noftall EB, et al. Recent Advances in Phytochemical‑Based Topical Applications for the Management of Eczema: A Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 May 13;25(10):5375. PMID: 38791412 PMCID: PMC11120771 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105375
9. Chen Y, et al. Protocol for a multicenter, double‑blind, randomized, placebo‑controlled trial evaluating Haidebao Body Lotion (with calcium‑based antimicrobial peptide compounds) in 200 mild AD patients. Trials. 2024 Jan 15;25(1):77. PMID: 40493919
10. Liu X, et al. Chinese herbal medicine overall RCT meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol. 2022 Oct 13;13:948011. PMID: 36238577
11. Zhao H, et al. Systematic review: topical and systemic herbs for AD. Dermatol Ther. 2023 Jul;36(4):e16345. PMID: 38963342
12. Kim J, et al. Asian herbal medicine systematic review (Jan 2015–Dec 2022). J Altern Complement Med. 2024 Apr;30(4):254-265. PMID: 38585491
13. Kim MS, et al. Jaungo (Korean traditional ointment). J Altern Complement Med. 2018 Oct;24(10):1008-1014. PMID: 30219454
14. Smith L, et al. BNO 3731 lotion (ginger extract + synthetic CBD). J Drugs Dermatol. 2024 Jun 1;23(6):420-425. PMID: 39193679