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Cica has become a trendy ingredient in skincare products and is starting to appear more often. Actually, it has been a common ingredient in many Japanese and other Asian skincare products for a while, but it wasn’t heavily marketed. Originally popularized in Korean skincare, Japanese skincare brands have also recognized its potential and started promoting it more in their products. Why is cica beneficial for the skin, and who should use it?
In this article, we'll discuss what cica is, who can benefit from it, and introduce 13 of our favorite Japanese cica skincare products that can be incorporated into every step of your routine. Keep reading if you want to learn more about cica skincare!
What Is Cica?
Cica, also known as Centella asiatica, is an herb used in traditional medicine for centuries. Native to Asia, it is also referred to as tiger grass due to its historical use in treating wounds on tigers. In recent years, cica has gained popularity in Asian skincare, particularly in Japanese and Korean beauty routines, thanks to its numerous benefits. While cica is commonly found in toners, ampoules, and sheet masks, it is increasingly being included in other skincare products, such as face washes and moisturizers.
What Does Cica Do For Your Skin?
Cica is known for its calming and soothing properties, as well as its anti-inflammatory benefits, effectively reducing redness and sensitivity in irritated or sensitive skin. It promotes wound healing and skin regeneration, making it a valuable addition to skincare products.
Additionally, cica contains antioxidants that protect the skin from free radical damage caused by environmental stressors such as UV radiation and pollution. Therefore, skincare products containing cica are designed to address sensitivity, dryness, acne, and aging concerns, making this ingredient suitable for almost every skin type. However, it is particularly beneficial for those with dry, rough, sensitive, or acne-prone skin.
How we decided
- Skin ConcernProducts that address acne, redness, dryness, sensitivity, uneven tone
- Formula & TextureOnly gentle, effective formulas that hydrate, soothe, and layer well
- Routine FitIncludes options for every step from cleansers to creams to multi-use products
- ValueGreat benefits for the price, including large sizes & multi-purpose formulas
Cica Face Washes
Those with acne-prone skin may greatly benefit from using a face wash containing cica. While there may not be a ton of cica face washes on the market (yet), it is certainly becoming a more popular ingredient in face washes.
Skin Life Cica Foaming Cleanser for Acne & Clogged Pores 130g
Those with acne-prone skin may find this foaming cleanser from Skin Life quite useful. Its effective yet gentle formula targets acne and clogged pores, leaving the skin feeling refreshed. It contains cica to soothe the skin, along with other ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin to provide moisture. Who doesn’t love a non-stripping cleanser?
Pros
- Gentle foaming cleanse
- Oil-free and non-comedogenic
- Fresh grapefruit scent
Cons
- Scent may irritate sensitive skin
- Can feel drying on very dry skin
Pelican Cicalm Moisturizing Bar Soap With Cica & Jojoba Oil 80g
The Pelican Cicalm Moisturizing Bar Soap is specifically designed for the face and offers a more eco-friendly option. It's formulated with three botanical ingredients, including cica, which helps eliminate existing acne and prevent future breakouts.
The three main ingredients of this soap bar—cica, jojoba oil, and squalane, work together to address skin concerns and moisturize the skin. Besides its eco-friendliness, the best part about this soap bar is that it’s suitable for all skin types.
Pros
- Moisturizing cica + jojoba + squalane
- Gentle, natural formula for all skin types
- Refreshing herbal scent
Cons
- Bar format may feel less convenient
- Hydration may feel light for very dry skin
Cica Lotions (Toners)
Cica is more commonly found in Japanese lotions and toners, likely due to its soothing properties. It promotes wound healing and skin regeneration, making it an ideal ingredient for the toning step of a skincare routine, as these products penetrate the skin barrier. Cica lotions and toners help repair skin damage caused by acne, sun exposure, or other environmental factors.
Cezanne Natural Houttuynia Cordata & Cica Hydrating Lotion 360ml
This cica-containing lotion from Cezanne is super hydrating and also comes in a pretty big size, meaning it's a great bang for your buck! Especially ideal for those with dry skin, this lotion can be used on the face, body, and even the scalp. In addition to cica, it also contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and collagen for plump, bright, and moisturized skin.
Pros
- Deep hydration with cica and hyaluronic acid
- Added niacinamide and collagen for firmness
- Multi-use for face, body, and scalp
Cons
- Large bottle may feel bulky for travel
- Lightweight texture may not satisfy very dry skin
Shiseido Aqualabel Cica Serum Treatment Lotion For Normal Skin 170ml
For those with normal skin who want to incorporate cica into their skincare routine, the Aqualabel Cica Serum Treatment Lotion is an excellent choice. It has a slightly thicker texture compared to conventional toners, providing a more luxurious experience. This serum-grade lotion aims to brighten existing dark spots, freckles, and overall complexion while moisturizing the skin.
In addition to cica, this toner includes 4MSK, an ingredient developed by Shiseido known for its ability to suppress melanin production and prevent blemishes and freckles. Part of Aqualabel’s blue brightening line, it offers a great option for those seeking brighter skin and improved texture.
We also offer a version for dry skin in our store.
Pros
- Deep, serum-grade hydration
- Helps prevent blemishes and smooth skin
- Long-lasting moisture and clarity
Cons
- Rich formula may feel heavy for oily skin
- Smaller bottle compared to standard lotions
Cica Sheet Masks
Cica most often appears in sheet masks as a key ingredient. Not only does cica provide a soothing experience when using sheet masks, but it also helps improve the skin's moisture barrier function, aiding in moisture retention and preventing dehydration. If you’re looking to incorporate cica into your skincare routine but aren’t sure where to start, consider using a cica sheet mask!
Kosé Tigeraid Cica Intense Moisturizing Repair Mask 30 Sheets
These Tigeraid Cica Intense Moisturizing Repair Masks by Kosé provide ample hydration, even for the driest of skin. In addition to cica, these sheet masks also contain a vitamin C derivative that helps diminish dark spots and brighten the skin’s complexion.
What’s great about this facial sheet mask is its formulation with skin-friendly ingredients that are gentle even on the most sensitive skin. Therefore, those with sensitive skin are encouraged to try out this cica sheet mask.
Unlike other sheet masks, the serum of this particular mask doesn’t leave a sticky residue. It’s recommended to incorporate it into your morning skincare routine daily for optimal results.
Pros
- Hydrates deeply with cica and nourishing botanicals
- Non-sticky serum ideal for morning use
- Gentle formula safe for sensitive skin
Cons
- Daily-use pack may run out quickly
- Mild formula may feel too light for very dry skin
Allna Organic Night Time Hydrating Cica Face Mask 30 Sheets
For those who prefer using sheet masks at night, we recommend these Hydrating Cica Face Masks from Allna Organic. Not only were these sheet masks specifically formulated for nighttime use, but they are also infused with a luxurious blend of moisturizing ingredients, including cica.
The sheet masks themselves are comfortable, being made from 100% cotton, and they fit nicely on the face. These sheet masks are designed for nightly use to prevent skin stress and rashes while you sleep, providing targeted care for the day's stresses. Wake up to refreshed, glowing skin with the help of these sheet masks.
Pros
- Deep nightly hydration with cica & collagen
- Soft 100% organic cotton sheets
- Replaces most of your nighttime routine in 10 minutes
Cons
- Night-only use limits versatility
- Light serum may not satisfy very dry skin
Kose Clear Turn Vitamin C Cica Hydrating & Brightening Facial Sheet Mask 40 ct.
Another great cica sheet mask option from Kose is the Kose Clear Turn Vitamin C Cica Sheet Mask. Firstly, they come in a pack of 40, meaning that they will last for more than a month even with daily use. Secondly, they contain cica and a vitamin C derivative for smoother pores and skin. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, they perform 5 functions in one! This makes it a perfect skincare option for those who prefer a simplified routine. Simply wash your face, apply this mask, then apply sunscreen, and you’re good to go for the day.
Pros
- Brightens and hydrates with vitamin C + cica
- 5-in-1 formula replaces multiple steps
- Large 40-sheet pack for daily use
Cons
- May feel too rich for oily skin
- Strong multi-step formula may overwhelm sensitive skin
Cica Sunscreen
Including cica in sunscreen is actually a genius idea. Since cica is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, it works perfectly in sunscreen. It also adds a layer of hydration, which many sunscreens lack. Cica promotes wound healing and skin regeneration, which is beneficial if the skin is exposed to UV damage. It aids in repairing sun-damaged skin and supports overall skin health.
Omi Verdio UV Moisture Gel Soothing Cica Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ 80g
This Japanese cica-containing sunscreen is formulated especially for sensitive skin. The addition of cica, along with other ingredients like Job’s tears extract (hatomugi), helps prevent the skin from becoming dry due to external stimuli. Additionally, the cica in this product aids in preventing dark spots and pigmentation. A bonus point is that this sunscreen is a fan favorite among Japanese Taste customers.
Pros
- SPF50+ PA++++ with gentle, baby-safe formula
- Lightweight gel hydrates with cica and botanicals
- Protects from UV, dryness, and pollen
Cons
- Watery texture may feel too light for dry skin
- No fragrance may feel plain to some users
Cica Face & Body Creams
If you’re looking to incorporate even more cica into your skincare routine, face and body creams provide the perfect opportunity. These types of products also tend to come in larger sizes, making them ideal for multiple uses.
Kosé Tigeraid Cica Moisturizing Repair Cream For Face & Body 150g
Kosé Tigeraid Cica Moisturizing Repair Cream is a great option for those who struggle with rough or overly dry skin texture. As its name suggests, it can be used for both the face and body, addressing dryness, acne, and rough skin. Containing three types of cica extract, this cream provides your whole body with the moisture it needs. While this cream is recommended for those with dry skin, it is also suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Pros
- Repairs dryness, roughness, acne
- Smooth, melt-in texture for face and body
- Free of alcohol, parabens, synthetic fragrances
Cons
- May feel too rich for oily skin
- Herbal scent may not suit everyone
Meishoku Repair & Balance Mild Cica Face Cream 45g
This mild cream containing cica is a great option for those with sensitive skin. Its main purposes are to lock in your skin’s natural moisture and help balance its oil levels. Additionally, this cream is glycerin-free, making it a suitable choice for individuals sensitive to glycerin.
Pros
- Hydrates and balances oil levels
- Gentle formula with cica and moringa
- Non-sticky texture for daily use
Cons
- Light texture may feel insufficient for very dry skin
- Plant fragrance may not suit sensitive noses
Aqua Savon Total Multi Cream Cica Body Face & Hair Cream 22a 230g
While creams formulated for the face and body are common these days, this cream goes beyond—it's suitable for the face, body, and even hair! Coming in a generous 230g size, it features cica, a hair-loving ingredient known for strengthening and protecting hair from breakage. The cream also offers a cooling effect on the skin and hair, making it ideal for hot summer months.
In addition to cica, this multi-cream contains multiple types of ceramides and hyaluronic acid for ultimate moisturization! If you’re looking to simplify your skincare routine and tired of trying endless products with minimal results, this multi-use cica cream is perfect for you!
Pros
- Multi-use formula for face, body, hair
- Moisturizes with cica + three ceramides
- Smooth, non-greasy texture with a light shampoo scent
Cons
- Scent may not suit fragrance-sensitive users
- Not effective on damp skin or hair
Other Cica Skincare Products
By now, you must be quite interested in cica and looking to incorporate as many cica products as possible into your skincare routine. Here are a couple of other cica skincare products that you can add to your daily regimen to keep your whole body feeling smooth and moisturized.
Aqua Savon Triple Ceramide Cica Hand Cream White Cotton Scent 22A 45g
Here’s a cica-containing hand cream for softer hands with a pleasant white cotton scent. It leaves no greasy or sticky residue, unlike many other hand creams. A Japanese Taste customer noted visible improvements in their hands after regular use. Say goodbye to dry hands with Aqua Savon Triple Ceramide Cica Hand Cream!
Pros
- Triple ceramide + cica for strong hydration
- Light, non-greasy texture
- Soft white cotton scent
Cons
- May be too light for severely cracked hands
- Scent may not suit fragrance-sensitive users
Kosé Tigeraid Cica Repair Stick Balm For Dry & Rough Skin 9g
We've saved arguably the most intriguing cica skincare product for last: the Cica Repair Stick Balm. Designed to soothe and repair rough skin, it's perfect for areas prone to dryness such as around the eyes, mouth, and cheeks. This cica stick balm swiftly alleviates dry and irritated skin, is portable, and includes skin-friendly ingredients like turmeric root extract and hydrolyzed collagen.
Pros
- Quick, targeted relief for dry or rough spots
- Smooth, non-greasy stick application
- Cica + collagen + botanical extracts for deep care
Cons
- Small size may run out fast
- Stick format may tug on very delicate areas
Looking for even more cica skincare? Be sure to check out our cica skincare collection.
Have you tried any of these cica skincare products before? If not, which one will you try? Be sure to let us know in the comments.
