Camphor, in plain English

Camphor is a fragrant ingredient that used to come mainly from camphor trees but is now often made from pine. It can be natural or synthetic, but what really counts is how much is in the product and how it’s formulated. (Source: Mandadi et al., 2009 · Xu et al., 2005)

What camphor cream does to the skin

When used topically, camphor creates a cool-then-warm sensation and provides temporary relief of itching. In the U.S., camphor is an FDA-approved active at 3–11% in OTC itch/pain creams. In cosmetic moisturizers, it’s usually added in smaller amounts just for comfort. (Source: FDA OTC Monograph M017)

The nerdy breakdown of how camphor works

Your skin has microscopic temperature sensors that tell your brain “cool” or “warm.” Two relevant ones here are TRPV3 (mostly on keratinocytes/skin cells) and TRPV1 (on sensory nerves that notice heat/spice). Camphor briefly nudges both. First you feel cool → warm. (Source: Mandadi et al., 2009)

In that window, two useful things happen:

• Signal competition: the strong temperature signal crowds out itch on the same nerve highways. (Source: FDA OTC Monograph M017)
• Short-term desensitization: camphor can activate and then strongly desensitize TRPV1, while also activating TRPV3. Net effect = the itch “volume” turns down for a while. (Source: Xu et al., 2005)

There’s human data, too: when researchers applied camphor to forearms, participants reported cold and warm sensations and showed increased skin and muscle blood flow — a plausible contributor to that “ahh” comfort. (Source: Kotaka et al., 2014)

What is camphor cream used for?

Short answer: comfort.

Properly labeled OTC camphor products (3–11% active) are marketed for temporary relief of pain or itching from minor skin irritations, insect bites, and sunburn. (Source: FDA OTC Monograph M017)

If you’re eczema-prone or have very dry, sensitive, and itchy skin, camphor’s sensory effect can make it easier to stick to the repair work (gentle cleanse → hydrate → seal/occlude). It isn’t a cure for eczema or psoriasis, but it can go a long way in helping you manage the discomfort.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Skin Cream

When skin is itchy or extremely dry, the right cream can make all the difference. You’ll want to look for one that’s both deeply hydrating and contains camphor for soothing comfort.

The combo matters: glycerin pulls water into the stratum corneum (your skin’s outer layer), which helps keep your skin soft, plump, and less prone to dryness, cracking, and irritation, while camphor provides instant sensory calm.

Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream is a glycerin-rich Japanese classic that pairs a uniquely high 40% concentration of hydrating glycerin with camphor and skin-supporting vitamins. The result is deep, long-lasting hydration plus instant camphor comfort that helps calm itchy spots. You can also pair the Yu-Be cream with the Heel & Elbow Moisturizing Socks overnight to repair skin that’s extremely dry and cracked on your heels and/or elbows.

Safety first (important)

Camphor can be comforting when used the right way, but it’s one of those ingredients where a little extra caution goes a long way. Think of this as the fine print that’s actually worth reading before you slather it on:

• For external use only. Avoid eyes, mucous membranes and broken/damaged skin. Keep out of children’s reach; ingestion can cause seizures and be life-threatening. (Sources: FDA · DailyMed label example)
• Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Advice varies. Many medical references recommend asking a clinician first and avoiding application on/near the nipple if breastfeeding. When in doubt, skip it. (Source: Cleveland Clinic drug info)
• Sensitive folks: Patch test; if you react to fragrances/essential oils, proceed carefully.
• Kids: Use only per label and clinician guidance. (Source: DailyMed label example)

Camphor Cream for Itchy Hands After Washing (Nurses, Parents, People Who Work With Their Hands)

Frequent handwashing, sanitizing, and everyday work with your hands (friction, gloves, or irritant exposure) tend to strip away natural oils, dissolve the lipids that keep skin supple, and weaken your skin barrier even further. The result is hands that feel tight, dry, itchy, and prone to cracking.

A thin layer of moisturizing camphor cream delivers quick soothing comfort and hydration, so that your skin feels less tight, chalky, and itchy, allowing everyday life to feel more bearable.

Pro Tip: Always keep a travel tube in your pocket/bag so that the habit of “after every wash” becomes automatic.

How Much Camphor Cream to Use (and Where)

• Hands: a pea-size after each wash
• Heels/elbows: nickel-size, then moisturizing socks overnight.
• Body hot-spots: thin layer on areas of skin where itch feels most distracting.
• Face: pea-size, patch-tested first.

Always follow product directions; avoid broken skin, eyes, and mouth.

Camphor vs. Menthol: Which Sensation Helps You More?

• Camphor: tickles warmth + heat sensors → a warm-cool profile that has many people experiencing a calmer, less urgent itch after applying. (Sources: Xu et al., 2005 · Mandadi et al., 2009)
• Menthol: tickles the cool sensor only → a purely cooling feel.

There isn’t a universal “best”. Pick the sensation that helps provide you with the most relief.

Camphor cream vs. aqueous cream (the thing almost no one explains)

A lot of people compare camphor cream vs aqueous. Here’s the nuance:

Aqueous cream historically contains sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS, a stabilizer that helps mix oil and water so the cream stays blended and smooth), which can thin your skin out and increase water loss. It is now not recommended as a leave-on cream for eczema by multiple health bodies. If you do use aqueous, choose SLS-free versions only. (Sources: Danby et al., 2011 · MHRA Drug Safety Update)

Camphor moisturizers (like Yu-Be) provide a protective layer that hydrates and soothes itchiness and dryness.

The Bottom Line

Camphor creams don’t cure eczema or psoriasis, but they can make your daily life much more comfortable and peaceful by dialing down the “itch alarm” and giving your barrier the hydration and occlusion it needs. If you’re seeking for lasting relief from eczema or psoriasis symptoms or stubborn dryness, look no further than Japan’s top selling vitamin cream, the Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream!