3 Korean Guaiazulene Creams for Sunburn Compared: 리큐번크림, 아즈렌 and 나오덤

Hello, I'm the Dad Pharmacist at Suwon Star Pharmacy.

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During the summer holiday season, we sometimes get customers asking, "My back is really red and sunburned — what should I put on it?" and looking for a burn cream. But when 리큐번크림, 태극아즈렌에스크림, and 나오덤크림 are all lined up on the pharmacy shelf, some people get confused and ask, "What's actually different between these three?"

The short answer is: all three products have the same active ingredient and the same concentration. The differences come down to size and the moisturizing feel and portability that come from the added excipients.

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All three are over-the-counter medicines with guaiazulene 0.33mg/g as the active ingredient. The product names are 리큐번크림, 태극아즈렌에스크림, and 나오덤크림.

Simply put, they share the same active ingredient, the same concentration, and the same approved indications (in South Korea). They are creams used to relieve eczema, burns, and skin erosion or ulcers caused by other conditions.

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Some visitors may arrive after searching for "리큐번 burn" or "리큐번 2nd-degree burn." For burns like 2nd-degree burns — where blisters have formed or skin has peeled away over a wide area — consultation or medical examination should come before applying any cream.

Think of these creams as a supplementary option for skin that is mildly red and burning.

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All concentrations below are based on per 1g.

Since the active ingredient, concentration, and approved indications are all the same for all three, asking "which one is stronger?" doesn't really have a meaningful answer.

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리큐번크림 has a moisturizing and protective formulation that includes dexpanthenol and shea butter, and at 50g it's a large size that makes it easy to apply generously over a wide sunburned area. 태극아즈렌에스크림 is a straightforward 30g standard option built on a white petrolatum base.

나오덤크림 is a compact 20g format containing aloe vera gel and squalane, making it convenient for small areas or for carrying with you.

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Because the indications are the same across this product group, the criteria below reflect differences in size and formulation preference, not differences in effectiveness.

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▶ If you want a larger size with a moisturizing formulation → 리큐번크림 50g. It contains dexpanthenol and shea butter, and the large size means it applies generously over wide sunburned areas like the back, arms, or legs. It's worth considering as a family staple for the holiday season.

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▶ If you want a straightforward, no-frills formulation → 태극아즈렌에스크림 30g. With a white petrolatum-based protective base and a mid-range size, it's easy to use without feeling like too much.

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▶ If you need something for a small area or for portability → 나오덤크림 20g. It contains aloe vera gel and is small enough to slip into a pouch. It's handy for applying a little at a time to localized areas like the nose, cheekbones, neck, or shoulders.

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We may get questions like "Can 나오덤 be applied to the face?" or "Can 리큐번크림 be used on a baby?" Since none of the three products has a separately established pediatric dosing regimen, please consult a pharmacist or doctor before using any of them on children.

All three products are not intended for ophthalmic use. Be especially careful around the eye area.

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After application, you may experience skin irritation such as a sensation of heat, itching, or stinging. If there is no improvement after a few days of use, or if the irritation worsens, stop using the product and consult a pharmacist or doctor. In particular, if blisters or weeping are present, or if the wound is deep, seeing a doctor is more important than self-treatment. 🙂

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Q. Are the ingredients in 리큐번, 아즈렌, and 나오덤 really the same? Yes — all three products contain guaiazulene 0.33mg/g, so the active ingredient and concentration are the same. The only differences are the size and moisturizing excipients.

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Q. Can 나오덤크림 be applied to a hand burn? If the skin is just mildly red and burning, apply a thin layer to the affected area. However, for burns where blisters have formed or skin has peeled off, it is safer to see a doctor first.

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Q. Can it also be used for pimples or heat rash? The approved indications (in South Korea) are relief of eczema, burns, skin erosion, and ulcers. For symptoms outside that scope, we recommend coming into the pharmacy so a pharmacist can assess your condition and help you find the right product, rather than applying it based on your own judgment.

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Q. Can it be applied to mucous membranes such as the genitals or gums? Absorption and irritation can differ on mucous membrane areas, so please do not apply it on your own. Let us know the area in question and the pharmacist will confirm the appropriate approach for you.

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In summary: since the ingredients are the same across all three, choose based on the size of the area you need to cover and your preference for moisturizing feel and portability.

Suwon Star Pharmacy is open every day of the year — all 365 days — from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. When similar-looking products like burn creams are confusing, our pharmacist will walk you through the ingredients and directions of use 1-on-1, and we also offer consultations on vitamins and health supplements tailored to your condition.

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That's all from Dad Pharmacist.

This post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not guarantee the efficacy or effectiveness of any specific product, nor does it promise diagnosis or treatment of any disease. Appropriate usage may vary depending on your individual health condition and any medications you are currently taking, so please be sure to consult a pharmacist or physician before use.