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Dear Colleagues,

In recent decades, the interest in natural products has grown significantly, particularly in the fields of dermatology and cosmetology. Medicinal plants and their extracted bioactive compounds are increasingly incorporated into skincare formulations due to their therapeutic potential, biocompatibility, and lower risk of adverse effects compared to synthetic alternatives.

Numerous plant-derived compounds—such as those from Matricaria recutita, Calendula officinalis, or Melaleuca alternifolia—have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and photoprotective properties, making them suitable for various dermatological applications. These include anti-acne and anti-aging treatments, care for sensitive skin, sun protection, and even adjunctive use in skin cancer therapies. Examples range from green tea and witch hazel in acne care to pomegranate extract and Coenzyme Q10 in anti-aging formulations and raspberry seed and carrot oils in natural sun protection.

However, challenges remain, such as the instability of certain natural compounds, risk of allergic reactions, and the need for standardization of extract purity and dosage. Addressing these limitations requires continued scientific validation, particularly through well-designed in vitro and in vivo studies.

This Special Issue invites original research articles and reviews focused on the characterization, biological activity, and dermatological application of natural bioactive compounds. Emphasis will be placed on mechanistic studies, innovative formulation strategies, and preclinical models supporting the safe and effective integration of natural compounds into modern dermatocosmetic products.

Dr. Octavia Gligor
Dr. Ana-Maria Vlase
Guest Editors

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Keywords

bioactive compounds
plant extracts
topic preparations
skincare
cutaneous applications
skin cancer
medicinal plants
modern extraction techniques
optimized/standardized extracts
phytochemical analysis
health outcomes of plant extracts
bioaccessability of compounds from various vegetal matrices
drug–vegetal extract interactions at metabolic level

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23 pages, 2247 KB

Open AccessReview

Comparison of the Effectiveness Differences between Western and Chinese Medicinal Ointments against Eczema

by Siu Kan Law, Yanping Wang and Xiao Xiao Wu

Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(9), 1248; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18091248 - 22 Aug 2025

Viewed by 458

Abstract

Eczema is the most common skin disease among Hong Kong’s adults and children, affecting an estimated 30% of the total population. Western and Chinese medicinal ointments are the usual treatment for eczema. Conventional Western medicinal ointments are topical corticosteroids and non-steroidal agents. Eczema skin products include “Aveeno Parabens Lotion”, “Cerave Moisturizing Cream”, and “Cetaphil Lotion”. However, these are not a long-term solution for managing significant erythema. Chinese medicinal ointments are based on adjusting the formula, including the ingredients and amount, to address an individual’s skin condition and other factors that may be worsening symptoms. This approach aims to regulate the immune system and make it less reactive to environmental and food allergies. This approach is mainly for local topical use. The ingredients of eczema skin products should include Coptis chinensis Franch, Phellodendron chinense Schneid, Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch, Curcuma longa L., and sesame oil. Chinese medicinal ointments are natural ingredients, personalized formulas, and concerned with holistic healing, while Western medicinal ointments provide fast-acting relief, targeted action, and a standardized dosage. Methods: Nine electronic databases, such as WanFang Data, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Springer Link, SciFinder, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), were searched mainly within the past twenty years and without any language restrictions. The inclusion criteria were the keywords “Western medicine and ointment”, “Chinese medicine and ointment”, and “Western and Chinese medicines and ointment”. Differences in effectiveness between Western and Chinese ointments were evaluated to determine if they had functions against eczema. This review included an analysis and summary of all relevant papers. Results: Western medicinal ointments are topical corticosteroids, and they exert their pharmacological activities via many mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, antiproliferative, and vasoconstrictive effects on eczema. Similarly, Chinese medicinal ointments have the same pharmacological functions, but they may focus on the immune system for the treatment of inflammatory and skin conditions, including erythema, edema, dryness, desquamation, and callus exfoliation. Conclusion: Based on the clinical research, the effectiveness rate of integrated Chinese and Western medicines was 88%, which was greater than the 70% rate for using Western medicine alone to treat eczema. Western and Chinese medicinal ointments have different active ingredients with advantages and disadvantages for eczema or when acting as skin care products. The most important thing is knowing “How” to use Western and Chinese medicinal ointments properly, especially for some formulations of Chinese ointments. It may be beneficial to consider the pharmacokinetic studies of herbal ingredients, which offer personalized formulas tailored to individual body constitutions and conditions, as well as to emphasize holistic healing, addressing both symptoms and underlying imbalances in the body. Much more work needs to be carried out, such as safety assessments of these ointments for use as skin care products for eczema. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products for Skin Applications)

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