Is QICAOGANGMU Steroid-Free? Lab Test Results, Ingredients and Why It Matters
Steroid testing
Yes. QICAOGANGMU is steroid-free. Its formula contains no corticosteroid, and independent testing of a finished batch by TÜV SÜD PSB, an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory in Singapore, found none of eight common corticosteroids. Its soothing effect comes from five declared herbal and cooling actives in a moisturising base.
- Batch QCGM-202605 was tested on 27 July 2026: all eight corticosteroids were Not Detected at a 50 ppm limit.
- Hidden steroids are a real problem: in one study, 8 of 11 Chinese herbal creams used by patients contained dexamethasone.
- Every QICAOGANGMU active is declared with its concentration.
- Full reports are published on the Purity Assured page.
What did the steroid test find?
Full reports for this and previous batches are on the Purity Assured page.
What is in QICAOGANGMU instead of steroids?
| Ingredient | Amount | Role |
|---|---|---|
| She Chuang Zi (Cnidii Fructus) | 3% | Classic anti-itch herb; osthole blocks the TRPV3 itch channel |
| Bing Pian (borneol) | 2% | Cooling; eases itch and discomfort |
| Ku Shen (Sophorae Flavescentis Radix) | 1.5% | Calms redness and inflammation |
| Bai Bu (Stemonae Radix) | 0.5% | Traditional external herb for itch and parasites |
| Menthol | 0.5% | Fast cooling relief via the TRPM8 cold receptor |
| Water, glycerin, petrolatum | Base | Moisturise and protect the skin barrier |
Instead of suppressing inflammation through steroid receptors, these ingredients act on itch nerves, cold receptors and inflammatory signals. Ku Shen flavonoids lowered inflammatory signals in human skin cells (Lin et al., 2024), osthole from She Chuang Zi reduced scratching through TRPV3 (Sun et al., 2018), and borneol relieved pain in a 122-patient randomised trial (Wang et al., 2017). Full details: QICAOGANGMU ingredients list.
Why are hidden steroids a concern in herbal creams?
When dermatologists at King's College Hospital in London tested 11 Chinese herbal creams that their patients were using, eight contained dexamethasone, a potent steroid, at an average of 456 micrograms per gram. All had been applied to sensitive areas such as the face and skin folds (Keane et al., 1999). People using such creams can develop steroid side effects without knowing they were using a steroid at all.
That is why QICAOGANGMU publishes its laboratory results rather than simply printing "steroid-free" on the box.
Steroid-free, and the lab report is public. QICAOGANGMU found Not Detected for eight corticosteroids in independent TÜV SÜD PSB testing. Rated 4.5 to 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon. See the formula
What are the signs a cream may contain steroids?
- Thick eczema or psoriasis plaques clear almost completely within one or two days.
- The rash returns quickly and worse when you stop (a rebound flare).
- Skin becomes thin, shiny, easily bruised, or develops stretch marks or visible blood vessels.
- No full ingredient list, no concentrations and no batch testing.
Prolonged use of potent steroids can thin the skin, especially on the face and folds (Barnes et al., 2015). If you suspect a cream contains steroids, do not stop suddenly after long use; speak to a doctor about how to reduce it.
How can you check whether any herbal cream is steroid-free?
- Read the full ingredient list. Every active should be named with its concentration.
- Ask for a finished-product test, not just raw-ingredient certificates.
- Check the laboratory is independent and ISO/IEC 17025 accredited.
- Check which steroids were tested and the detection limit.
- Check the batch number and date match recent stock.
More on this: how to check a Chinese eczema cream.
Why does steroid-free matter?
Topical steroids are effective prescription medicines when used at the right strength and for the right time. A steroid-free cream is different: it can be used for daily, long-term comfort, including on areas such as the face, neck and skin folds where people often want to limit steroid use. Read about topical steroid withdrawal and natural alternatives to steroid cream.
Where QICAOGANGMU fits
QICAOGANGMU Steroid-Free Herbal Cream
4.7/5 (243 ratings) and 4.5/5 (666 ratings) on Amazon. Read reviews
QICAOGANGMU declares all five actives with their strengths: She Chuang Zi 3%, Bing Pian (borneol) 2%, Ku Shen 1.5%, Bai Bu 0.5% and menthol 0.5% in a moisturising glycerin and petrolatum base. Finished batches are independently tested by TÜV SÜD PSB for eight corticosteroids, for daily care of dry, itchy and irritated skin.
- Steroid-free: TÜV SÜD PSB found none of 8 corticosteroids (lab reports)
- Fully declared formula: every active ingredient and its percentage on the label
- 100-day money-back guarantee
- US shipping in 2 to 6 business days, free over US$20
Patch test on a small area first, use a thin layer on intact skin and avoid the eyes, lips and genitals. Full ingredient review · Product details
Frequently asked questions
Does QICAOGANGMU contain steroids?
No. QICAOGANGMU contains no corticosteroid. Independent testing of batch QCGM-202605 by TÜV SÜD PSB found Not Detected for eight corticosteroids at a 50 ppm detection limit.
Which steroids was QICAOGANGMU tested for?
Prednisone, prednisolone, betamethasone, dexamethasone, cortisone, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone acetate and triamcinolone acetonide. All eight were Not Detected.
How does QICAOGANGMU work without steroids?
It combines She Chuang Zi and Ku Shen, which act on itch and inflammation pathways, with cooling borneol and menthol, which activate the skin's cold receptors, in a moisturising petrolatum and glycerin base.
Can herbal creams contain hidden steroids?
Yes. In one study, 8 of 11 Chinese herbal creams used by dermatology patients contained dexamethasone. Choose brands that publish independent laboratory test results.
Is QICAOGANGMU safe for long-term use?
Because it is steroid-free, it does not carry steroid-specific risks such as steroid-induced skin thinning. Follow the packaging directions and test a small area first.
Related articles
References
- Keane FM, Munn SE, du Vivier AW, et al. Analysis of Chinese herbal creams prescribed for dermatological conditions. BMJ. 1999;318(7183):563-564. PMID 10037629
- Barnes L, Kaya G, Rollason V. Topical corticosteroid-induced skin atrophy: a comprehensive review. Drug Saf. 2015;38(5):493-509. PMID 25862024
- Lin CF, Lin MH, Hung CF, et al. The anti-inflammatory activity of flavonoids and alkaloids from Sophora flavescens alleviates psoriasiform lesions. Phytother Res. 2024;38(4):1951-1970. PMID 38358770
- Sun XY, Sun LL, Qi H, et al. Antipruritic effect of natural coumarin osthole through selective inhibition of thermosensitive TRPV3 channel in the skin. Mol Pharmacol. 2018;94(4):1164-1173. PMID 30108138
- Wang S, Zhang D, Hu J, et al. A clinical and mechanistic study of topical borneol-induced analgesia. EMBO Mol Med. 2017;9(6):802-815. PMID 28396565
- TÜV SÜD PSB Pte Ltd. Corticosteroid screening report, batch QCGM-202605, 27 July 2026. Purity Assured page.
Product information. This article describes the declared formula and published test results. Persistent or severe skin conditions should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.
