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Boroline treats dry skin, chapped lips, cracked heels and more. Is it worth the hype?

Boroline is a favourite staple among several households in India. Used for decades to treat cuts and bruises, to make skin soft and supple, Boroline offers comfort and nostalgia to many. But is it really that effective?

November 12, 2024 / 11:14 IST
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Boroline has been used for generations to treat dry skin and chapped lips. Its thick, oil-based formula provides intense moisturisation. Many people use it as a night cream, waking up with soft, hydrated skin

Boroline is an iconic antiseptic cream used in households across India since 1929, when it was first introduced during the Swadeshi movement. Known for its distinctive green tube and elephant logo, Boroline enthusiasts swear by its versatility and effectiveness in addressing various skin issues.

Boroline is not just a medical cream for India, it also holds a special place in our culture, especially in Bengal, where it’s a piece of family tradition. For many, Boroline represents comfort and nostalgia, a product that has been passed down through generations.

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But is Boroline truly as amazing as its reputation suggests? We explore its ingredients, benefits, modern uses and why some consider it overhyped, while others find it an underrated gem, based on a review by New Delhi-based Garekars M.D. Dermatology Clinic.


Boroline comprises simple yet powerful ingredients that have unique skin-healing properties. It has boric acid which is known for its antiseptic qualities and helps treat minor cuts, wounds, and skin irritations; lanolin, that hydrates and softens skin; and zinc oxide, which acts as a natural antiseptic while also providing some protection against sun damage.

Also read | Lip-licking dermatitis: Avoid dry, flaky skin on the lips with these home remedies


Boroline has been used for generations to treat dry skin and chapped lips. Its thick, oil-based formula provides intense moisturisation. Many people use it as a night cream, waking up with soft, hydrated skin.

Boroline is known to be effective for treating cracked heels and is also widely used on minor cuts and wounds. People also use it on cuticles to prevent hangnails and to soothe skin irritated by shaving or harsh weather.


In recent years, Boroline has adapted to contemporary skincare needs, finding new uses while remaining a reliable multi-purpose cream. It’s frequently used as an intensive night cream, especially for those with dry or sensitive skin, giving deep hydration as you sleep.

Boroline has also become a popular, affordable moisturiser, offering effective, long-lasting hydration. Its gentle formulation also aids in skin recovery, soothing skin after mild treatments like chemical peels, waxing, or exfoliation.


Despite its loyal following, Boroline isn’t a favourite with those with oily or acne-prone skin, who find its thick and greasy texture too heavy for their needs.

It also has a strong herbal fragrance which can be overwhelming for those who prefer fragrance-free skincare products.

Lastly, with today’s modern skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, etc., Boroline may feel outdated, with its simple formula and rich consistency.

Also read | Liver Doc hits out at 'antiseptic Ayurvedic cream' Boroline: 'It has nothing to do with Ayurveda'


On the other hand, many people find Boroline still useful and underrated. In a market filled with pricey products, Boroline’s affordable, effective formula is accessible to everyone. Its reputation as a reliable remedy has endured for nearly a century, proving its worth through consistent results.