Understanding Bao Fu Ling: Original, Imitations, and How to Spot the Difference
How to Choose Bao Fu Ling Products?
Understanding the Differences Between Bao Shu Tang Bao Fu Ling and Similar Products
In recent years, as interest in traditional Chinese skincare rises, the name “宝肤灵 Bao Fu Ling” has become common in the market. But you may wonder:
Why do search results for “Bao Fu Ling” show products with similar packaging but different companies?
Do they all belong to the same brand?
This article provides an objective overview of brand history, product classification, name change reasons, and differences among similarly named products — to help you make confident, informed choices.
🏷️ 1. Origin and Name Change of “Bao Fu Ling”
“Bao Fu Ling” was originally launched in 1989 by Beijing Bao Shu Tang Sci-tech Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (hereinafter Bao Shu Tang). It was both a registered trademark and the product’s name.
📌 Why is the product no longer called “Bao Fu Ling”?
In 2002-2003, Chinese NMPA regulations required all medicines to use standardized generic names and banned commercial names with “Bao”, “Ling”, “Kang”, etc.
Since 2003, Bao Shu Tang officially renamed its product:
- ✅ Compound Camphor Cream (Chinese: 复方樟脑乳膏)
- NMPA Approval No.: H11022269
To help customers, Bao Shu Tang still prints “Bao Fu Ling (Former Name)” on the package and uses the trademark “Bao Shu Tang Bao Fu Ling®”.
This is similar to Contac/百服咛 (now “Compound Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride Capsules”) and Panadol/必理痛 (now “Paracetamol”).
🧬 2. Brand History & Lineage
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Qianlong Period, Qing Dynasty | Bao Shu Tang originated in Taiwan as “Hsieh Family Shop,” a traditional Chinese medicine family business |
| 1972 | Launched “Beauty Skin Cream” — the predecessor of Bao Fu Ling |
| 1989 | Mr. Kun Tsung Hsieh founded Beijing Bao Shu Tang and launched “Bao Fu Ling” cream |
| 2001 | Renamed to Beijing Bao Shu Tang Sci-tech Pharmaceutical and passed GMP certification |
| 2003 | Renamed product to “Compound Camphor Cream” per NMPA; trademarked as “Bao Shu Tang Bao Fu Ling®” |
| 2019 | Officially entered e-commerce with authorized flagship stores |
🧪 3. Product Categories: Medicine vs. Disinfection/Cosmetic
| Product Name | Company | Type | Approval No. | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compound Camphor Cream (Formerly Bao Fu Ling) |
Beijing Bao Shu Tang Sci-tech Pharmaceutical | OTC Medicine | H11022269 | For eczema, dermatitis, itching, muscle/joint pain, etc. |
| Bao Fu Ling Antibacterial Lotion / Cream | Yantai Bao Fu Ling Biotechnology | Disinfection/Cosmetic | Lu Wei Xiao Zheng Zi (2010) No. 0039 |
Inhibits bacteria (e.g. Staphylococcus, E. coli, Candida) |
| Bao Fu Ling Antibacterial Cream | Beijing Bao Fu Ling Biotechnology | Disinfection/Cosmetic | — | — |
📌 Summary of Differences
- Bao Shu Tang’s Compound Camphor Cream is a nationally approved OTC medicine, effective for skin conditions. Sold on official platforms (e.g. Tmall Pharmacy, AliHealth) as “Bao Shu Tang Bao Fu Ling.”
- “Bao Fu Ling” from other companies (e.g. Yantai/Beijing Bao Fu Ling) are not medicines, but disinfection/cosmetic products with no therapeutic effect.
🏢 4. Company Comparison Table
| Company Name | Year Established | Product Line | Licensed Pharma? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing Bao Shu Tang Sci-tech Pharmaceutical | 2001 (Founded 1989) | Compound Camphor Cream (Bao Shu Tang Bao Fu Ling®) | ✅ Yes |
| Yantai Bao Fu Ling Biotechnology | 2014 | Antibacterial Lotion | ❌ No |
| Beijing Bao Fu Ling Biotechnology | 2019 | Antibacterial Cream | ❌ No |
Based on dates and regulatory status, Bao Shu Tang is the original manufacturer with the longest history and official pharmaceutical license.
🔐 5. Consumer Protection & Anti-Counterfeit Measures
- 2017: Bao Shu Tang redesigned packaging with:
- White arc bottle
- Improved sealing
- Anti-counterfeit code
- Verify authenticity via:
- Bao Shu Tang official website
- Authorized flagship stores
📄 Regulatory Statement
In 2024, Yantai Bao Fu Ling Biotechnology was penalized for manufacturing and selling products without a drug approval number.
BaoShuTang Statement——
- No affiliation or cooperation between Bao Shu Tang and Yantai Bao Fu Ling Biotechnology.
- Products from Yantai do not originate from Bao Shu Tang and are unrelated to the nationally approved “Compound Camphor Cream (Bao Fu Ling®)”.
✅ Why Choose Bao Shu Tang Bao Fu Ling?
- ✅ Official drug approval (NMPA Ratification No. H11022269)
- ✅ Established in 1989, based on the original prescription
- ✅ Award-winning product, Gold Elephant Award at ASEAN TCM Conference
- ✅ GMP-certified manufacturer
- ✅ Authentic TCM heritage, founded by the Hsieh family (7th generation)
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Example: “Bao Fu Ling Antibacterial Cream” description:
“This product inhibits S. aureus, E. coli, and Candida albicans. It is not a medicine and does not provide treatment, care, or health effects.”
Compound Camphor Cream (Bao Shu Tang Bao Fu Ling®) leaflet states:
“Used for insect bite dermatitis, eczema, pruritus, neurodermatitis, allergic dermatitis, urticaria, as well as muscle soreness and burn-related pain.”
Disclaimer: This article is for consumer education only and does not replace medical advice.