QICAOGANGMU Side Effects: What Is Normal, What Is Not and How to Use It Safely
Product safety guide
QICAOGANGMU is a steroid-free Chinese herbal cream, and most people feel only a pleasant cooling or light tingling sensation from its menthol and borneol. That feeling is expected and settles within minutes. As with any skin product, a small number of people may notice stinging on broken skin or, rarely, an allergic reaction, so a quick test patch is the simplest way to start.
- Normal: a cool or mild tingling feeling that fades within minutes.
- Not normal: burning that builds, spreading redness, swelling or a new itchy rash. Stop and wash off.
- Steroid-free: TÜV SÜD PSB found none of eight corticosteroids in batch QCGM-202605.
- Not recommended for children under 2, and keep away from the eyes and inside the diaper area.
Is the cooling or tingling feeling normal?
Yes. QICAOGANGMU contains menthol (0.5%) and borneol (Bing Pian, 2%). Both activate TRPM8, the skin's cold receptor, which is why the cream feels cool and why cooling ingredients are widely used to soothe itch. In a randomised trial, topical borneol relieved pain better than placebo through this same receptor (Wang et al., 2017). The sensation usually peaks soon after applying and fades within a few minutes.
The simple rule: cooling settles, irritation builds. If the feeling grows stronger, turns into burning or comes with increasing redness, wash the area with cool water and stop using it.
What is in QICAOGANGMU?
Every ingredient and its concentration is declared, so you can check the formula against your own skin history.
| Ingredient | Amount | Role | Safety note |
|---|---|---|---|
| She Chuang Zi (Cnidium fruit) | 3% | Classic TCM herb for itchy skin; source of osthole | Long history of external use |
| Bing Pian (borneol) | 2% | Cooling, soothing | Causes the expected cool feeling |
| Ku Shen (Sophora root) | 1.5% | Calming TCM skin herb | Used at a low topical level |
| Bai Bu (Stemona root) | 0.5% | Traditional external skin herb | Lowest-concentration herb |
| Menthol | 0.5% | Cooling itch relief | Within the 0.1% to 1% range the US FDA allows in over-the-counter anti-itch products |
| Water, glycerin, petrolatum | Base | Moisturising and barrier support | Very low allergy potential |
For the research behind each herb, see the full ingredient list and safety review, the Ku Shen guide and the Bai Bu guide.
What reactions are possible?
| What you notice | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Cool or light tingling that fades | Expected effect of menthol and borneol | Continue as directed |
| Stronger sting on cracked or scratched skin | Broken skin is more reactive | Apply around, not into, open areas |
| Burning that persists or redness that spreads | Possible irritation | Wash off and stop |
| New itchy rash where you applied it | Possible allergic contact dermatitis | Stop and see a doctor if it persists |
| Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or breathing difficulty | Possible serious allergic reaction | Seek emergency care |
Allergy to menthol is uncommon but has been reported in case reports, for example from toothpaste and throat products (Bourgeois and Goossens, 2016). If you already react to mint, menthol or camphor-type products, patch test with extra care. See also our guide to contact dermatitis.
How do you patch test QICAOGANGMU?
- Apply a small amount to the inside of the elbow or behind the ear.
- Repeat twice a day for 7 to 10 days, as the American Academy of Dermatology suggests for new skin products.
- If there is no redness, itch or swelling, it is likely suitable for wider use.
Patch testing matters for any plant-based product. In an Italian study of 2,661 patients, 11% of people using botanical skin products reported a skin reaction (Corazza et al., 2013).
Steroid-free, fully declared, independently tested. QICAOGANGMU has published TÜV SÜD PSB lab reports and a 100-day money-back guarantee. Rated 4.5 to 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon. See the formula
Does QICAOGANGMU contain steroids?
No. The formula contains no corticosteroid, and finished batches are independently tested. This matters because some herbal creams have been found to contain hidden steroids: in one UK analysis, 8 of 11 Chinese herbal creams contained dexamethasone (Keane et al., 1999).
| Test detail | Result |
|---|---|
| Batch and date | QCGM-202605, tested 27 July 2026 |
| Laboratory | TÜV SÜD PSB, Singapore (ISO/IEC 17025 accredited) |
| Method | HPLC, ASEAN cosmetic method ACM 007 (modified) |
| Steroids screened | Prednisone, prednisolone, betamethasone, dexamethasone, cortisone, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone acetate, triamcinolone acetonide |
| Result | All Not Detected at a 50 ppm (0.005%) limit |
Because it contains no steroid, QICAOGANGMU does not carry the steroid-specific risk of skin thinning linked to long-term steroid use (Barnes et al., 2015). Read the full steroid test explanation or the QICAOGANGMU vs steroid creams comparison.
Who should take extra care?
Broken, weeping or infected-looking skin
Cooling ingredients sting more on raw skin. Apply to intact skin only, and have crusting, pus, spreading warmth or rapidly worsening rashes checked by a doctor.
Face, eyes and skin folds
Keep it away from the eyes, inside the nose and mouth, and mucous membranes. On the face, groin and skin folds, use a thin layer on a small area first. For folds, see our skin-fold guide.
Babies and young children
QICAOGANGMU contains menthol and borneol, which are not generally recommended for children under 2. For babies, plain fragrance-free emollients and barrier creams are the better choice; see our baby eczema and diaper rash guide. For older children, follow the pack directions and ask a doctor about widespread rashes.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before regular or large-area use. If breastfeeding, do not apply to the nipple area.
People using prescription creams
If you use a prescribed steroid, calcineurin inhibitor or antifungal on the same area, ask your pharmacist how to space the products, and do not stop a prescribed treatment without advice.
How do you use QICAOGANGMU safely?
- Patch test first.
- Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin, 2 to 3 times a day or as the pack directs.
- Wash your hands afterwards so menthol does not reach your eyes.
- Review after 2 weeks. See a doctor if the skin is not improving or the diagnosis is unclear.
For layering with moisturisers and routines by body area, read how to use QICAOGANGMU.
Where QICAOGANGMU fits
QICAOGANGMU Steroid-Free Herbal Cream
4.7/5 (243 ratings) and 4.5/5 (666 ratings) on Amazon. Read reviews
QICAOGANGMU is steroid-free, fully declared and independently tested: 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, 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. How to use it · Product details
Frequently asked questions
Does QICAOGANGMU have side effects?
Most people feel only a cool, light tingling from menthol and borneol that fades within minutes. Stinging on broken skin and, rarely, allergic reactions are possible, as with any skin product.
Why does QICAOGANGMU feel cold?
Menthol and borneol activate TRPM8, the skin's cold receptor. The cool feeling is expected and is part of how the cream soothes itch.
Does QICAOGANGMU contain steroids?
No. Independent TÜV SÜD PSB testing of batch QCGM-202605 found none of eight corticosteroids at a 50 ppm detection limit.
Can I use QICAOGANGMU on my face?
Yes, as a thin layer on a small area first. Keep it away from the eyes, inside the nose and mouth, and wash your hands after applying.
Can babies use QICAOGANGMU?
It is not recommended for children under 2 because it contains menthol and borneol. Use plain emollients and barrier creams for babies and ask a doctor about rashes.
Related articles
References
- 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
- Bourgeois P, Goossens A. Allergic contact cheilitis caused by menthol in toothpaste and throat medication: a case report. Contact Dermatitis. 2016;75(2):113-115. PMID 27385520
- 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
- US Food and Drug Administration. OTC Monograph M017: External analgesic drug products for over-the-counter human use.
- Corazza M, Borghi A, Gallo R, et al. Topical botanically derived products: use, skin reactions, and usefulness of patch tests. A multicentre Italian study. Contact Dermatitis. 2013;70(2):90-97. PMID 23909860
Product information. QICAOGANGMU is a topical herbal skin-care cream. Follow the directions on the pack. Severe, spreading or persistent skin problems should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.
