10 Best Herbal Creams For Dry Skin

Herbal creams for dry skin are topical products infused with plant-based extracts to moisturize and soothe dry, irritated skin.

These creams help by locking in moisture, reducing inflammation, and promoting skin elasticity. Examples include aloe vera, chamomile, and coconut oil-based creams.

They can improve lives by providing relief from dry skin conditions, allowing individuals to enjoy everyday activities without discomfort, and promoting a sense of well-being and self-care.

The following article describes in detail the most important creams for dry skin, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Aloe vera

Aloe vera, also known as aloe, creams helps with dry skin because of its rich moisturizing properties.

The gel extracted from the aloe plant contains vitamins A, C, and E, as well as beta-carotene and other essential nutrients that help to hydrate and soothe dry skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties that calm irritation and redness, while its natural humectants retain moisture and prevent water loss, leaving skin feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed.

Regular use can provide long-lasting relief from dry skin.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera creams that help with dry skin.

• Champhene: This terpene helps to reduce inflammation and promote skin hydration, which can help alleviate dry skin symptoms.
• Aloe-emodin: This anthraquinone derivative has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help soothe and protect dry skin from further damage.
• Glucomannan: This polysaccharide has moisturizing and soothing properties, which can help to lock in moisture and reduce dryness and irritation.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make creams for dry skin.

• Leaves: They contain the highest concentration of aloe vera's active compounds, such as glycoproteins and vitamins, that provide moisturizing and soothing properties.
• Gel (from leaves): The clear, jelly-like substance inside the leaves is extracted and used in creams to provide intense hydration and skin repair.
• Aloe vera extract (from leaves): This is a concentrated form of the gel that is often used in creams to provide long-lasting moisturization and skin protection.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for dry skin.

1. Gather 1 cup of aloe vera gel from the leaves of the aloe vera plant and let it sit for 30 minutes.
2. Melt 1/4 cup of beeswax in a double boiler over low heat for 10 minutes.
3. Combine 1/2 cup of coconut oil and 1/4 cup of shea butter in a separate bowl and whisk until smooth.
4. Add the aloe vera gel and the melted beeswax mixture to the coconut oil mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Pour the mixture into a clean container and let it cool and thicken for 30 minutes before use.

2. Calendula officinalis

Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, creams helps with dry skin because of its exceptional anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.

The cream's ability to soothe and calm irritated skin makes it an effective treatment for dry, chapped skin. The antioxidants present in calendula help to protect the skin from environmental stressors, promoting healthy skin cell regeneration and reducing inflammation, ultimately leaving skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated.

This natural remedy provides long-lasting relief for dry skin, restoring its natural moisture balance.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis creams that help with dry skin.

• Nascent isopentenyl pyrophosphate: These compounds, derived from the sesquiterpene farnesol, help with dry skin by promoting the synthesis of ceramides, essential lipids that maintain the skin's barrier function and prevent moisture loss.
• Alkanes and triterpenoids: These lipophilic compounds in Calendula oil help to repair and restore the skin's lipid layer, thereby reducing moisture loss and alleviating dry skin symptoms.
• Saponins, specifically triterpene saponins like oleanolic acid and ursolic acid: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help to calm dry, irritated skin, while also improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make creams for dry skin.

• Flowers: They are rich in anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, making them effective in soothing and moisturizing dry skin.
• Leaves: They contain antioxidants and vitamins that help to nourish and protect dry skin, while also promoting skin elasticity and firmness.
• Seeds: They are a rich source of fatty acids and other nutrients that help to lock in moisture and provide long-lasting hydration to dry skin.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for dry skin.

1. Harvest 2 cups of dried calendula officinalis flowers at peak bloom for optimal potency.
2. Steep the flowers in 2 cups of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil at 100°f for 2 hours.
3. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth into a clean container to remove solids after 2 hours.
4. Add 2 tablespoons of beeswax and 2 tablespoons of distilled water to the oil mixture and heat until melted.
5. Pour the mixture into small containers and let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.

3. Matricaria chamomilla

Matricaria chamomilla, also known as chamomile, creams helps with dry skin because of its soothing and moisturizing properties.

The anti-inflammatory compounds in chamomile, such as apigenin and luteolin, calm and comfort dry, irritated skin, reducing redness and itchiness. The cream's emollient and humectant properties also help lock in moisture, leaving skin feeling smooth and supple.

Regular use of chamomile creams can provide long-lasting relief and hydration to dry skin, promoting overall skin health and well-being.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla creams that help with dry skin.

• Apigenin: An apigenin is a flavonoid that helps with dry skin by reducing inflammation and promoting skin hydration, thus soothing and calming irritated skin.
• Alpha-bisabolol: Alpha-bisabolol is a sesquiterpene alcohol that helps with dry skin by reducing inflammation and promoting skin regeneration, while also providing antioxidant properties that protect the skin from damage.
• Luteolin: Luteolin is a flavonoid that helps with dry skin by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to dryness and irritation, and also promoting skin hydration and elasticity.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make creams for dry skin.

• Flowers: They are used due to their high content of chamazulene and bisabolol, which have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help calm and moisturize dry skin.
• Leaves: They are used for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect and soothe dry, irritated skin.
• Seeds: They are used due to their high content of essential fatty acids, which can help lock in moisture and provide hydration to dry skin.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile for dry skin.

1. Harvest 20-30 matricaria chamomilla flowers on a dry sunny day for optimal potency.
2. Dry the flowers in a single layer at 105 to 115 degrees fahrenheit for 2 hours.
3. Steep 2 tablespoons of dried flowers in 1 cup of warm carrier oil such as sweet almond oil for 4 hours.
4. Strain the infused oil and mix it with 1 tablespoon of beeswax and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a double boiler.
5. Heat the mixture gently until the beeswax melts and the cream thickens then let it cool completely.

4. Lavandula angustifolia

Lavandula angustifolia, also known as English lavender, creams helps with dry skin because of its soothing and moisturizing properties.

The anti-inflammatory compounds present in lavender oil help to calm and reduce irritation, allowing dry skin to heal faster. The cream's emollient properties also help to lock in moisture, keeping skin hydrated and soft. Furthermore, the antioxidant properties in lavender oil help to protect the skin from environmental stressors, promoting overall skin health and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

This makes Lavandula angustifolia creams an excellent solution for dry skin.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia creams that help with dry skin.

• Linalool: A terpene compound that helps to soothe and calm dry skin, reducing inflammation and irritation.
• Lavandulol: A terpene compound with antioxidant properties, which helps to protect the skin from environmental stressors and promote skin hydration.
• Luteolin: A phenolic compound with anti-inflammatory properties, which helps to reduce redness and itching associated with dry skin, promoting a healthy skin barrier.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of english lavender used to make creams for dry skin.

• Flowers: Lavender flowers are widely used due to their calming and soothing properties, which help to reduce inflammation and promote skin health.
• Leaves: Lavender leaves contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to protect and nourish dry skin.
• Seeds: Lavender seeds are rich in essential fatty acids and other nutrients that can help to moisturize and soften dry skin.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic english lavender for dry skin.

1. Harvest 1 liter of fresh lavandula angustifolia flowers in the morning after the dew has evaporated.
2. Dry the harvested flowers in a single layer at 35°c for 2 hours to preserve their potency.
3. Steep 200 grams of dried lavandula angustifolia flowers in 1 liter of carrier oil at 60°c for 2 hours.
4. Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth into a clean container and discard the solids immediately.
5. Mix 100 grams of the infused oil with 50 grams of beeswax and 50 grams of shea butter in a double boiler.

5. Althaea officinalis

Althaea officinalis, also known as marshmallow, creams helps with dry skin because of its exceptional moisturizing properties.

The root of the plant is rich in mucilages, which are complex carbohydrates that form a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This barrier locks in moisture, soothing and calming dry, irritated skin. As a result, Althaea officinalis creams can provide long-lasting hydration, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and leaving skin feeling soft, smooth, and supple.

Its natural ingredients also help to regulate skin pH.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Althaea officinalis creams that help with dry skin.

• Muco-polysaccharides: These complex carbohydrates help to retain moisture in the skin, reducing dryness and discomfort.
• Althaea polysaccharide-iodide complexes: These complexes have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can help to calm and protect dry, irritated skin.
• Alkaloids: These compounds have been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help to reduce oxidative stress and promote healthy skin, reducing the appearance of dryness and fine lines.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of marshmallow used to make creams for dry skin.

• Roots: They are the primary source of mucilage, a thick and protective substance that helps to lock in moisture and soothe dry skin.
• Leaves: They contain a high concentration of mucilage, which is used to create a protective barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and promoting hydration.
• Barks: They also contain mucilage, which, when extracted, can be used to create a rich and nourishing cream that helps to repair and protect dry skin.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marshmallow for dry skin.

1. Harvest althaea officinalis roots in late summer or early fall when the plant is in full bloom.
2. Dry the roots in a warm place with good air circulation for 2 to 3 weeks.
3. Make an herbal infusion by steeping 20 grams of dried root in 100 milliliters of boiling water for 5 minutes.
4. Strain the infusion and mix it with 10 grams of beeswax and 10 milliliters of glycerin in a double boiler.
5. Heat the mixture over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes until the beeswax is fully melted and the cream has cooled to room temperature.

6. Pelargonium graveolens

Pelargonium graveolens, also known as geranium, creams helps with dry skin because of its exceptional moisturizing and nourishing properties.

The cream is rich in antioxidants, which protect the skin from environmental stressors and promote collagen production. The natural oils present in the cream, such as geraniol and linalool, help to lock in moisture and soothe dry, irritated skin. This results in softer, smoother skin that feels hydrated and comfortable.

Regular use of these creams can lead to long-term skin health and a radiant complexion.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Pelargonium graveolens creams that help with dry skin.

• Geraniol: Acts as a natural humectant, retaining moisture in the skin and preventing water loss, thus helping to soothe and calm dry skin.
• Linalool: Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, reducing redness and irritation associated with dry skin, and also helps to repair and protect the skin's natural barrier function.
• Rosmarinic acid: Possesses antioxidant properties, neutralizing free radicals that can damage skin cells and contribute to dryness, and also helps to improve skin elasticity and firmness.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of geranium used to make creams for dry skin.

• Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of essential oils, particularly geraniol, which provides moisturizing and soothing properties.
• Flowers: The flowers are used for their fragrance and oil content, which helps to soften and hydrate dry skin.
• Buds: The buds are used for their high oil content, particularly geraniol, which helps to lock in moisture and soothe dry skin.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic geranium for dry skin.

1. Harvest 30 grams of fresh pelargonium graveolens leaves and flowers at dawn when essential oil content is highest.
2. Steam distill the harvested material for 2 hours to obtain 10 milliliters of essential oil.
3. Mix 20 grams of beeswax with 20 grams of coconut oil in a double boiler at 160 degrees fahrenheit.
4. Combine 10 milliliters of the pelargonium graveolens essential oil with 20 grams of aloe vera gel in a mixing bowl.
5. Pour the cooled oil and aloe vera mixture into the beeswax and coconut oil mixture and stir until thickened.

7. Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba, also known as maidenhair tree, creams helps with dry skin because of its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The extract from the leaves of this ancient tree helps to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation, which can help to soothe and hydrate dry skin. Additionally, Ginkgo biloba creams often contain other nourishing ingredients such as shea butter and coconut oil, which deeply moisturize and protect the skin, leaving it feeling soft, smooth, and supple.

This combination can provide long-lasting relief from dry skin.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba creams that help with dry skin.

• Flavonoids: These polyphenolic compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe and protect dry, irritated skin.
• Bilobalide: This triterpene lactone is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help to reduce inflammation and improve skin hydration in dry skin conditions.
• Quercetin: As a flavonoid with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, quercetin may help to calm dry, itchy skin and promote a healthy skin barrier.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of maidenhair tree used to make creams for dry skin.

• Leaves: They are rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, which help to improve blood circulation and provide antioxidant properties to soothe and moisturize dry skin.
• Seeds: They contain bilobalide, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, making them effective in hydrating and calming dry skin.
• Leaves: (Alternatively, some sources suggest the bark) - However, more often, it is the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba plant that are used in creams for dry skin due to their rich antioxidant content, which helps to protect and nourish the skin.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic maidenhair tree for dry skin.

1. Combine 20 grams of dried ginkgo biloba leaves with 500 milliliters of carrier oil in a double boiler.
2. Heat the mixture at 60 to 70 degrees celsius for 2 hours to infuse the oil.
3. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a clean container to separate the solids from the oil.
4. Add 10 grams of beeswax and 10 grams of shea butter to the oil mixture and stir until melted.
5. Allow the mixture to cool and thicken for 30 minutes before transferring it to a storage container.

8. Melaleuca alternifolia

Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree, creams helps with dry skin because of its unique properties.

The oil extracted from the leaves of this plant has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which can help soothe and heal dry skin. The cream also has moisturizing properties, which can help lock in moisture and reduce dryness. Additionally, tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness and irritation associated with dry skin, promoting healthy and hydrated skin.

This makes it an effective treatment for dry skin.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melaleuca alternifolia creams that help with dry skin.

• Cineole: Helps with dry skin by reducing inflammation and promoting moisture retention due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
• Terpinen-4-ol: Assists in soothing and hydrating dry skin by reducing irritation and promoting wound healing through its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
• Cymene: Contributes to the skin's natural barrier repair and hydration by reducing inflammation, promoting collagen production, and exhibiting antimicrobial properties.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of tea tree used to make creams for dry skin.

• Leaves: The leaves are the most used part of Melaleuca alternifolia, as they are rich in tea tree oil, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe and moisturize dry skin.
• Seeds: The seeds contain oils that have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation and promote healing in dry skin.
• Barks: The barks are used to make creams for dry skin, as they contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to soothe and protect dry skin.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tea tree for dry skin.

1. Harvest 100g of fresh leaves by carefully selecting and cutting the stems at the base of the plant.
2. Steam distill the harvested leaves for 2 hours to obtain 15g of essential oil.
3. Melt 200g of coconut oil in a double boiler and heat it to 60°c for 10 minutes.
4. Combine 15g of essential oil with 200g of melted coconut oil and 10g of beeswax in a mixing bowl.
5. Stir the mixture for 5 minutes until the beeswax is fully dissolved and the mixture has cooled to 40°c.

9. Symphytum officinale

Symphytum officinale, also known as comfrey, creams helps with dry skin because of its rich emollient properties and high mucilage content.

The mucilage in comfrey cream forms a protective barrier on the skin's surface, locking in moisture and preventing water loss. This helps to soften and soothe dry skin, reducing irritation and inflammation.

Comfrey's anti-inflammatory properties also promote skin health and can aid in the healing of skin wounds, making it an effective natural remedy for dry and irritated skin.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Symphytum officinale creams that help with dry skin.

• Allantoin: Helps with dry skin by promoting wound healing, reducing inflammation, and improving skin hydration.
• Saponins: Contributes to dry skin relief by forming a protective barrier on the skin's surface, preventing moisture loss, and reducing irritation.
• Glucosinolates: Supports dry skin health by inhibiting the activity of enzymes that break down skin's natural moisture barrier, thus preserving skin hydration.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of comfrey used to make creams for dry skin.

• Leaves: They are used due to their high content of mucilage, which helps to lock in moisture and soothe dry skin.
• Roots: They are used for their anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce redness and irritation associated with dry skin.
• Stems: They are used for their ability to produce mucilage, which helps to protect and moisturize dry skin.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic comfrey for dry skin.

1. Harvest 1 part of dried root of symphytum officinale and 1 part of beeswax in equal proportions.
2. Melt the beeswax in a double boiler at 150-160°f for 10-15 minutes with gentle stirring.
3. Combine 2 parts of dried root of symphytum officinale with 3 parts of carrier oil in a saucepan.
4. Simmer the mixture at 100-110°f for 20-25 minutes with occasional stirring to infuse the oil.
5. Strain the oil through cheesecloth and combine it with the melted beeswax mixture in a bowl.

10. Salvia officinalis

Salvia officinalis, also known as sage, creams helps with dry skin because of its rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The cream is often infused with the herb's essential oils, which are known to moisturize and soothe dry skin. The saponins and triterpenes present in Salvia officinalis have been shown to improve skin elasticity and reduce inflammation, making it an effective natural remedy for dry skin.

Regular use of Salvia officinalis creams can help to lock in moisture and promote a healthy, hydrated complexion.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Salvia officinalis creams that help with dry skin.

• Salvenin: This triterpene glycoside helps with dry skin by exerting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, reducing redness and irritation associated with dry skin.
• Rosmarinic acid: A phenolic compound, rosmarinic acid exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which help to soothe and calm dry, irritated skin, promoting skin hydration and elasticity.
• Ursolic acid: A triterpenoid compound, ursolic acid has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, helping to lock in moisture and protect the skin from further dryness and damage.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of sage used to make creams for dry skin.

• Leaves: Used for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe and protect dry skin.
• Flowers: Employed for their antioxidant and moisturizing properties, which aid in hydrating and calming dry skin.
• Stems: Utilized for their potential to provide structural support and aid in the delivery of active ingredients to dry skin.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sage for dry skin.

1. Harvest 1 cup of fresh salvia officinalis leaves and flowers from mature plants in the morning.
2. Dry the harvested leaves and flowers in a single layer at 35 degrees celsius for 24 hours.
3. Combine 1/2 cup of dried salvia officinalis with 1 cup of jojoba oil in a double boiler.
4. Steep the mixture for 2 hours at 40 degrees celsius and then strain it through cheesecloth.
5. Mix the infused oil with 1/4 cup of beeswax and 2 tablespoons of vitamin e oil in a double boiler.

What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for dry skin?

The best combination of herbal creams that help with dry skin is a blend of coconut oil and shea butter-infused creams, combined with aloe vera and chamomile extracts.

The moisturizing properties of coconut oil and shea butter provide long-lasting hydration, while aloe vera soothes and calms irritated skin. Chamomile extracts help to reduce inflammation and promote relaxation, making this combination a natural and effective remedy for dry, itchy skin.

Regular use can leave skin feeling soft and smooth.

What ailments similar to dry skin are treated with herbal creams?

Ailments similar to dry skin that are treated with herbal creams are eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.

Herbal creams rich in emollients, vitamins, and antioxidants help soothe and moisturize irritated skin, reducing inflammation and discomfort. Ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and calendula have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that promote healing and relief from itching and redness.

These natural remedies can provide effective alternative treatments for various skin conditions without harsh chemicals or side effects.