In recent years, as interest in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) skincare has grown, the name “Bao Fu Ling” has appeared frequently across online platforms and product shelves.
But have you ever wondered:
Why do search results for “Bao Fu Ling” or “宝肤灵” show different companies, packaging, or even product types?
Are they all from the same brand?Are they all medicines?
This article will help clarify the brand history, product categories, name changes, and differences between similarly named products — so you can make informed decisions.
The name “Bao Fu Ling” was first used by Beijing Baoshutang Technology Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (hereafter “Baoshutang”) in 1989 for its topical medicinal cream. It was originally a registered product name and trademark.
Due to a 2002–2003 policy from the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), all medicines were required to use generic names only. Words like “Bao (Treasure), Ling (Magic), Kang (Health), Ning (Peace)” — considered suggestive or exaggerated — were prohibited in drug names.
Compound Camphor Cream (Chinese: 复方樟脑乳膏 | Approval No. 国药准字H11022269)
To help long-time users recognize the product, the label retained “Bao Fu Ling (former name)” and Baoshutang registered:
This is similar to other well-known Chinese OTC drugs (like Contac or Tylenol) that were rebranded under generic names in compliance with regulations.
Baoshutang’s heritage traces back to the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, originating from the Xie family apothecary in Taiwan, known for its TCM expertise.
There are two types of “Bao Fu Ling” products on the market — one is a medicine, the other is a disinfectant or cosmetic.
Established: 2001
(Formerly Beijing Baoshutang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., with origins tracing back to 1989)
Main Product: Compound Camphor Cream
(Registered trademark: BaoShuTang Bao Fu Ling®)
Company Type: Pharmaceutical Manufacturer
Established: 2014
(Formerly: Beijing Bao Zhi Tang Medical Research Institute, Penglai Branch, with roots dating back to 2005)
Main Product: Bao Fu Ling Antibacterial Lotion
Company Type: Non-Pharmaceutical Manufacturer
Established: 2019
Main Product: Bao Fu Ling Skin Antibacterial Cream
Company Type: Non-Pharmaceutical Manufacturer
Due to counterfeit or lookalike products on the market, Baoshutang upgraded its packaging in 2017:
Statement:
Baoshutang has no partnership or affiliation with Yantai Bao Fu Ling Biotech or Beijing Bao Fu Ling Biotech. Their products have no connection to the Compound Camphor Cream (Bao Fu Ling®) medicine.
In 2024, Yantai Bao Fu Ling Biotech was subject to administrative penalties due to licensing issues (source: Yantai Market Supervision Bureau, Feb 28, 2024).
Conclusion:
Baoshutang first launched the “Bao Fu Ling” ointment in 1989. In 2003, in accordance with regulatory policies from China’s National Medical Products Administration, the product was renamed Compound Camphor Cream (Approval No. H11022269) and the trademark “Baoshutang Bao Fu Ling®” was registered.
Today, this product is a nationally approved OTC medicine and has passed GMP certification.
At the same time, there are antibacterial disinfectant products on the market that also use the name “Bao Fu Ling.” These two types of products differ significantly in function and regulatory classification, so consumers should pay close attention when purchasing and using them.
Q: Is Bao Fu Ling® the same as Compound Camphor Cream?
A: Yes. “Compound Camphor Cream” is the generic name required by regulation. “Bao Fu Ling®” is the trademark owned by Baoshutang for brand recognition.
Q: What’s the difference between Bao Fu Ling® medicine and other “Bao Fu Ling” products?
A: Other “Bao Fu Ling” products are disinfectants, not medicines. They are not approved to treat eczema, dermatitis, or skin conditions, and should not be used as substitutes for medical products.
The product insert for “Bao Fu Ling” Skin Antibacterial Cream contains the term “antibacterial” and states the following:
Function:
Exhibits antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans.
The insert also clarifies that this product is not a medicine and does not have therapeutic, curative, or health care functions.
According to the official instructions for Baoshutang Bao Fu Ling Compound Camphor Cream, the stated indications are as follows:
Indications:
For the relief of insect bite dermatitis, eczema, pruritus (itching disorders), neurodermatitis, allergic dermatitis, and papular urticaria.It may also be used for shoulder and scapular soreness, muscle pain, and skin pain following minor burns.
(This information is taken directly from the product’s official medicinal insert and outlines a range of skin-related discomforts for which the cream is indicated.)
Product Name Clarification
Yantai/Beijing Bao Fu Ling Biotech——
Bao Fu Ling Antibacterial Cream, Skin Rescue Cream, All-in-One Repair Cream, etc
Baoshutang——
Bao Fu Ling Compound Camphor Cream、BaoShuTang BaoFuLing Snow Lotus Cream、BaoFuLing Advanced Healing Skin Cream、BaoFuLing Compound Derma Cream
Disclaimer: This article is for consumer information only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always read the product label and consult a healthcare provider when needed.
