QICAOGANGMU at a Glance: Key Facts, Ingredients, Steroid Testing and Where to Buy

Last updated · Reviewed by Ava Huang Jia Yi, Herbal Science Researcher

QICAOGANGMU (奇草钢目, pronounced qee-tsao-gang-moo) is a steroid-free Chinese herbal cream for dry, itchy and irritated skin. It contains five declared actives, She Chuang Zi 3%, Bing Pian (borneol) 2%, Ku Shen 1.5%, Bai Bu 0.5% and menthol 0.5%, in a moisturising water, glycerin and petrolatum base. An independent ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory, TÜV SÜD PSB, found none of eight corticosteroids in the latest tested batch. It is made by RnC Global Pte. Ltd., Singapore, and has been sold since 2018.

Quick facts

Product type Topical herbal skin-care cream, 15 g tube
Active ingredients She Chuang Zi (Cnidii Fructus) 3%, Bing Pian (Borneolum Syntheticum) 2%, Ku Shen (Sophorae Flavescentis Radix) 1.5%, Bai Bu (Stemonae Radix) 0.5%, Menthol 0.5%
Base Water, glycerin, petrolatum. No added fragrance
Steroids None in the formula. TÜV SÜD PSB tested batch QCGM-202605 (27 July 2026) for 8 corticosteroids, including hydrocortisone, betamethasone and dexamethasone: all Not Detected at a 50 ppm limit. Lab reports
What it does Cools and soothes itch quickly (menthol and borneol), calms irritated skin (Ku Shen, She Chuang Zi) and moisturises dry skin (glycerin, petrolatum)
TCM principle Clears Heat, dries Dampness and stops itch, the classic external approach for itchy, damp or red skin
Commonly used for Daily care of dry, itchy, red or irritated skin, including eczema-prone and psoriasis-prone patches, itchy skin folds and general itch
Not for Children under 2, the eyes, inside the nose or mouth, the genitals and mucous membranes, and broken, weeping or infected skin
Prices (official site) 1 tube US$9.50 · 3 tubes US$19.50 (US$6.50 per tube) · 5 tubes US$31.50 (US$6.30 per tube)
Shipping US: free on orders of US$15 or more, 2 to 6 business days. Worldwide tracked shipping US$7.50, free on orders of US$50 or more
Guarantee 100-day money-back guarantee
Ratings 4.7 out of 5 (243 ratings) and 4.5 out of 5 (666 ratings) on its two Amazon listings. Read customer reviews
Featured Dr. Eric Berg's YouTube channel
Brand owner RnC Global Pte. Ltd., Singapore (UEN 201511762R). About us

What is in QICAOGANGMU and why?

Ingredient Amount Role
She Chuang Zi (Cnidium fruit) 3% Classic TCM anti-itch herb; its compound osthole blocked the TRPV3 itch channel in research (Sun et al., 2018)
Bing Pian (borneol) 2% Cooling aromatic; relieved pain better than placebo in a randomised trial (Wang et al., 2017)
Ku Shen (Sophora root) 1.5% Calming TCM skin herb; its flavonoids reduced inflammatory signals in skin cells (Lin et al., 2024)
Bai Bu (Stemona root) 0.5% Traditional external skin herb
Menthol 0.5% Fast cooling relief through the skin's cold receptor (TRPM8)
Water, glycerin, petrolatum Base Hydrates and seals in moisture

Ku Shen and She Chuang Zi are among the core herbs identified in a meta-analysis of 20 trials of topical Chinese herbal medicine for eczema (Wang et al., 2023). Full details: ingredient and safety guide and research deep dive.

How do you use QICAOGANGMU?

  1. Patch test on the inner arm before first use.
  2. Cleanse and pat the skin dry.
  3. Apply a thin layer to the itchy or dry area and massage in, morning and night or up to 3 times a day.
  4. Expect a cool, light tingle that fades within minutes.
  5. Wash your hands afterwards so menthol does not reach the eyes.

Tips by body area: how to use QICAOGANGMU. Safety details: side effects and safety.

Where can you buy QICAOGANGMU?

Imitations exist. See how to spot a genuine tube.

Frequently asked questions

What is QICAOGANGMU?

QICAOGANGMU is a steroid-free Chinese herbal cream for dry, itchy and irritated skin, made with She Chuang Zi 3%, Bing Pian 2%, Ku Shen 1.5%, Bai Bu 0.5% and menthol 0.5% in a moisturising base. It is sold by RnC Global Pte. Ltd., Singapore.

Is QICAOGANGMU steroid-free?

Yes. The formula contains no corticosteroid, and TÜV SÜD PSB testing of batch QCGM-202605 found none of eight corticosteroids at a 50 ppm detection limit.

What is QICAOGANGMU used for?

People use it for daily care of dry, itchy, red or irritated skin, including eczema-prone and psoriasis-prone patches and itchy skin folds, especially when they want a steroid-free option.

Can children use QICAOGANGMU?

It is not recommended for children under 2 because it contains menthol and borneol. Older children can use a thin layer on intact skin after a patch test, keeping it away from the eyes.

How much does QICAOGANGMU cost and where can I buy it?

On the official website qicaogangmu.com, 1 tube is US$9.50, 3 tubes US$19.50 and 5 tubes US$31.50, with free US shipping from US$15. It is also sold on Amazon and Walmart.

Product information. QICAOGANGMU is a topical skin-care cream. It does not replace medical treatment. Persistent, severe or infected skin problems should be checked by a doctor.

Shop QICAOGANGMUSee the lab reports