Did you know your skin absorbs over half of what you apply to it? That means the ingredients in your topical cream matter more than most people think. Yet, many consumers never look past the label. At All About Alchemy, we believe in helping you understand what you're putting on your skin—especially when it comes to choosing the best anti-inflammatory topical cream for your needs.
When you shop for any anti-inflammatory medication cream, you’ll often find botanical ingredients on the label. But what do they really do? And why are they included?
Let’s break it down.
Why Botanical Ingredients Are Widely Used
Botanicals have long been part of skincare and personal care products. While their roots go back to traditional use, many are now selected for their texture, scent, or how they work with other ingredients in a formula.
In topical creams, especially those labeled for external use, plants often play a key role in shaping the product's overall feel and usability.
Key Botanical Ingredients You’ll Commonly Find
Here are a few ingredients you may spot the next time you check the label on a topical cream:
1. Arnica
Arnica is a flower extract, typically found in creams and balms. It’s often selected for its warming properties and is used in a variety of external applications. The plant is native to Europe but now cultivated in many regions.
- Often included in formulas for its rich texture
- Adds a subtle herbal scent to many topical products
2. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
This yellow-flowered herb is commonly used in oil-infused topicals. When infused in carrier oils like olive or sunflower oil, it creates a red-toned balm base that spreads easily on skin.
- Used in oil-based balms and salves
- Pairs well with other traditional herbs
3. Lavender
Known for its calming scent, lavender is often added to topical creams for aromatic purposes. The oil blends smoothly with other ingredients and contributes to a pleasant sensory experience.
- Enhances scent profile
- Frequently used in evening-use products due to its aroma
Each of these herbs is selected based on how it blends, absorbs, and complements the formulation. None are used in isolation—they work as part of a full-spectrum ingredient mix.
Other Natural Elements Found in Creams
Besides herbs, many creams also include:
- Carrier Oils like jojoba, coconut, or olive oil – They serve as the base for plant extracts. These oils also help deliver other components evenly across the skin.
- Essential Oils for scent – Oils like eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint are often added to create a balanced aroma.
- Waxes and Butters such as beeswax or shea butter – These give the cream its consistency and help it stay in place after application.
When combined thoughtfully, these ingredients can help craft a product with a smooth, comforting texture.
Choosing the Right Cream Starts with the Label
Reading ingredient lists might seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. A good rule of thumb? Look for products where the main ingredients are easy to understand and not buried under layers of synthetic additives.
If you’re searching for the best anti-inflammatory topical cream, pay attention to what’s listed at the top of the ingredient panel. These make up the majority of the product and shape your experience with it.
Why All About Alchemy Pays Close Attention to Ingredients
At All About Alchemy, we carefully select each component based on how it supports the feel, texture, and application of our cream. We’re not interested in hype—we’re focused on transparency and thoughtful formulation.
Our products aim to provide a comfortable and consistent experience with every use. Each botanical we choose serves a functional purpose in how the cream works on your skin, from glide to scent to absorption.
Try a More Thoughtful Cream Today
Understanding what goes into your cream is the first step in making confident choices. You don’t have to guess what’s behind the label—we lay it out clearly.
If you're exploring a new anti-inflammatory medication cream, choose one with ingredients you recognize, textures you enjoy, and a brand that explains what you're applying.
Ready to experience how clean, simple formulations can support your daily care routine?
👉 Shop now at All About Alchemy and explore our plant-forward topical creams.
We believe in crafting with care—because what you apply matters.