Indigo Naturalis (Indigo) is a herbal extract revered for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and healing properties.
Known as “Qing Dai” in TCM and used to help reduce signs of psoriasis and eczema, we’re thrilled (though not surprised) that modern science now validates this super herb’s remarkable benefits.
Indigo’s important active compounds
There are 3 major parts of the Indigo Naturalis plant: indigo, indirubin, and tryptanthrin.
- Indigo - named after the super herb itself, Indigo is the vibrant compound responsible for the pigment’s signature, blue hue.
- Indirubin – this soothing active curbs excessive skin cell turnover making it excellent at combating psoriasis and eczema plaque formation.
- Tryptanthrin – a formidable foe of inflammation. Tryptanthrin decreases IL-17, a signalling molecule that triggers swelling and is exacerbated in sensitised skins.
3 ways science proves Indigo works
1. Calming chronic inflammation, itching and redness
The redness, itching and inflammation of eczema or psoriasis are triggered by overreactive immune responses. A 2009 study showed Indigo significantly reduced pro-inflammatory markers - reducing mass cell activation in eczema and excess cell production in psoriasis. This immune regulation also helped calm histamine-related itch and visibly reduce irritation.
2. Regulating skin cell growth
Psoriasis’ thick plaque and scales are caused by skin cells regenerating up to 10x faster than they should. In 2008, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study took place to test if Indigo normalised skin cell turnover and, in doing so, helped skin heal itself. Results showed that an Indigo-based ointment improved plaque for 74% and almost completely cleared it for 26%.
3. Skin barrier strengthening and repair
The weaker barrier of eczema-prone skin means allergens get in and moisture escapes. A 2025 study showed how Indigo Naturalis helps reinforce joins between skin cells, reduce trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) and, therefore, improve skin hydration and resilience.
The herb as a whole. What are the skincare benefits?
TCM practitioners praise Indigo for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties. Modern science has uncovered even more wow factors including mitochondrial and immunomodulatory support.
Indigo improves skin cell connections, which are crucial for normal skin function. These connections are often impaired in psoriasis and eczema leading to unbalanced complexions and painful flare-ups. Additionally and excitingly, Indigo decreases inflammation in a special type of white blood cell called a Neutrophil. When disrupted, Neutrophils are the primary cell type involved in psoriasis and eczema prone skins.
Where we harness pure Indigo Naturalis:
For Psoriasis
Softening Indigo Ointment – combines intensely calming actives Indigo, Rhubarb and Redroot to soothe and soften skin. Independent trials over 12 weeks showed 87% of users said skin felt soothed, 85% saw less scaling and 80% felt less itching.
Softening Indigo Cream – blending Indigo, Amur Cork and Skullcap Root, this bestseller intensely calms and nourishes dry, delicate skin on the face, hands, and body.
Softening Skin Defence - key for keeping psoriasis in control. Once chronic symptoms go, our complex of Indigo, Ku Shen and Monnier’s Snowparsley helps maintain calm, smooth skin while supporting healthy skin barrier function.
“It’s no over-exaggeration to say that the impact of discovering Dermatology M on my everyday life, skin comfort and confidence has been huge. Now eight months down the line, my psoriasis is soothed, and my skin feels in the best condition it’s been for decades.” Matt
For Eczema
Soothing Ointment - blends Indigo, Amur Cork and Shea Butter to provide deep soothing and moisturising relief for skin prone to itchy, weeping or crusted forms of eczema.
Soothing Cream - ideal for dry, scaly and itchy types of eczema, our complex of Indigo, Amur Cork, Safflower and Borage help quickly cool the heat, redness and itching of dry, scaly skin.
“I’ve had eczema all my life. Soothing Cream calmed my last flare-up in 2 days. I’ve tried so many products, nothing has worked. This immediately cooled the heat, dryness, thick skin, weeping, crusting and itching cycle that eczema sufferers know all about.” Mandy
Our sustainable sourcing story
Our Indigo is always harvested in the autumn.
When the leaves of the Indigo plants fall to the ground, they are carefully collected and soaked in water overnight. Natural enzymes are added, the solution transforms and following an evaporation process, we are left with the pure, medicinal Indigo Naturalis. This age-old technique has been performed for centuries to unlock the healing power of Indigo.
Keen to learn more?
Crafted with care and backed by dermatology, our formulations offer a safe and highly- effective method for treating psoriasis and eczema. Should you need any further support or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our customer help team here