Cica skincare products occupy a peculiar position in the Korean beauty landscape. They’re simultaneously everywhere and genuinely irreplaceable. The ingredient has become so fundamental to K-beauty that calling it a pillar understates its ubiquity.
For healthy skin, cica provides essential support. For compromised skin, it functions as something closer to emergency relief. That dual utility explains why many products on Korean skincare shelves seem to feature centella asiatica extract somewhere in their formulation.
Its benefits include strengthening and repairing the skin barrier, mitigating damage from UV exposure and environmental stressors, and delivering potent antioxidant and moisturizing effects. Cica calms dry, sensitive skin while simultaneously addressing acne-prone skin by reducing inflammation, redness, and irritation. Pretty impressive resume for one ingredient.
To reap the most out of cica skincare products, focus on leave-on formats like serums, essences, or creams, rather than wash-off products like cleansers or masks. You wouldn’t make a cup of tea and immediately pour it down the sink, would you?
Top 5 Best Cica Skincare Products for Relief
When your skin is stressed, cica skincare is ideal for relief due to its potent anti-inflammatory, skin-healing, and barrier-strengthening properties. It’s such a versatile ingredient that it pairs well with other active ingredients like retinoids and vitamin C, helping to buffer the potential irritation often associated with those products. Here are 5 picks to get started on a proper cica skincare routine.
1. Purito Wonder Releaf Centella Serum Unscented
The Purito Wonder Releaf Centella Serum represents one of the more thoughtfully formulated cica products currently available. This serum utilizes low-temperature extraction to preserve the integrity of centella asiatica’s active compounds, combined with isolated TECA (Titrated Extract of Centella Asiatica) for enhanced efficacy.
The inclusion of Cicasome technology helps employ nano-encapsulation to deliver centella callus directly to target areas, ensuring maximum absorption where your skin needs it most.
At 34,860 ppm of concentrated centella extract plus additional TECA, the formula doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. It’s hypoallergenic, vegan-friendly, and fragrance-free, making it particularly well-suited for sensitive and reactive skin. The water-gel texture glides effortlessly over irritated skin, providing immediate cooling relief while its slightly acidic pH maintains optimal skin balance.
The reality is this serum works best as a treatment step rather than a standalone moisturizer. For optimal results, allow it to fully absorb before following with a proper moisturizer. There’s no point in having calmed skin if it’s simultaneously dehydrated.
Best for: Targeted treatment of inflammation and irritation when skin is genuinely distressed
2. Heveblue Salmon Caring Centella Ampoule
The Heveblue Salmon Caring Centella Ampoule takes a more sophisticated approach by combining cica’s calming properties with salmon-derived PDRN’s regenerative power. What makes this formula noteworthy is its exceptional 847,474 ppm (84.7%) centella asiatica extract base. Rather than using traditional purified water, it relies entirely on centella alongside salmon egg extract and salmon PDRN.
This combination promotes accelerated skin recovery, delivers antioxidant benefits, and strengthens barrier function in ways standard cica products simply can’t match.
The formulation maintains an EWG All Green grade with zero irritants, fragrance, or artificial colors, passing rigorous sensitivity testing across all skin types. The lightweight consistency features slight initial tackiness that quickly absorbs to a comfortable, non-greasy finish, making it particularly suitable for dehydrated oily skin.
The primary drawback comes down to value. At 30ml with a premium price point, this isn’t a product for casual experimentation. But that’s standard territory for natural-focused brands with these ingredient concentrations.
Best for: Those seeking regenerative benefits alongside soothing relief and willing to invest accordingly
3. Makeprem Inteca Soothing Cream
The Makeprem Inteca Soothing Cream offers a well-balanced solution for those seeking daily calming and hydration without drama. Instead of standard centella extract, this formula features concentrated TECA enhanced by oliosome technology (approximately 1% concentration) for superior delivery.
Three types of hyaluronic acid provide multi-layered hydration, while 2% niacinamide reduces redness, soothes irritation, and improves post-acne marks.
This non-comedogenic formula delivers moisture without excess oil, helping regulate sebum production. This is a genuine advantage for oily and combination skin types that often get overlooked in cica formulations.
The lightweight texture absorbs rapidly, making it effective when skin needs quick cooling relief without heavy residue. Its excellent adherence also makes it practical under makeup, which matters for anyone living in the real world.
Best for: Daily use for acne-prone and sensitive skin seeking oil-free hydration that doesn’t compromise functionality
4. Meditherapy PDRN Skin Booster Serum
The Meditherapy PDRN Skin Booster Serum addresses the problem from two angles rather than one. Featuring plant-derived PDRN extracted from cica DNA alongside centella extract, this serum utilizes ultra-nano liposome technology to deliver actives deep into skin barrier layers.
The distinction matters: centella provides anti-inflammatory and calming action, while PDRN promotes fundamental cellular regeneration, tissue repair, and enhanced collagen production.
The formula includes 3% niacinamide and 5% d-panthenol to maximize barrier recovery, improve moisture balance, and enhance skin tone and elasticity.
Additional botanical extracts (green tea, tea tree leaf oil, matricaria flower, and rosemary leaf) provide comprehensive support for redness and inflammation management without unnecessary filler ingredients. The generous 100ml size with milky texture works best applied after cleansing, before moisturizing.
Best for: Those who experience frequent flushing, persistent irritation, or require daily acne management without irritation
5. Dr.Different Cica Metal Cream
Dr.Different’s Cica Metal Cream ranks among the regenerative creams frequently recommended by Korean dermatologists after professional treatments. This functions as emergency relief for acute irritation or post-procedure care when skincare options become severely limited. The formulation combines madecassoside with copper and zinc to create a comprehensive regenerative trio.
- Madecassoside rapidly suppresses inflammation and irritation immediately following skin damage.
- Zinc prevents secondary infection while protecting the skin and accelerating cell division for new tissue formation.
- Copper acts as a structural material, ensuring newly formed collagen and elastin establish themselves properly.
- Both madecassoside and copper share collagen-stimulating properties, working synergistically to create a smooth, elastic skin structure that minimizes scarring.
This combination goes beyond simple wound healing. It effectively controls inflammation while promoting faster, healthier, more resilient skin regeneration. This isn’t a daily moisturizer, though, but rather a targeted treatment for severely compromised barriers and acute irritation.
The relatively small size and high price point make it better suited for occasional relief rather than routine use. Think of it as the skincare equivalent of keeping a fire extinguisher around: you hope you won’t need it, but when you do, nothing else will do the job.
Best for: Post-procedure care, severely compromised barriers, and acute irritation that requires serious intervention
Top 5 Best Cica Skincare Products for Moisturizing
For those who want to reap the soothing benefits of cica but prioritize moisturizing or nourishing effects as the primary function, here are the best bets.
1. Centellian24 Madeca Cream Time Reverse
This dual-functional certified cream addresses both brightening and wrinkle improvement, positioning itself as a comprehensive anti-aging rather than a single-benefit treatment. Backed by a German Dermatest Excellent rating and non-comedogenic certification, it’s particularly suitable for sensitive skin dealing with blemishes and hyperpigmentation.
These are concerns that often get dismissed as purely cosmetic when they genuinely affect the quality of life.
Dongkook Pharmaceutical’s proprietary TECAnology™️ produces its quantified “Active-TECA™️” at 30,000 ppm for calming effects, while 470,000 ppm centella protein extract adds moisturizing, softening, and nourishing benefits. Panthenol and niacinamide complete the formulation for broader skin environment improvement. It’s throwing multiple solutions at the problem.
This cica cream provides relief from various stressors (friction, heat, UV irritation) while delivering substantial moisture that creates visible luminosity as it absorbs. The oil content may feel heavy for oily skin types, but sensitive dry skin typically responds well. Avoid thick single applications, though; layering thin coats prevents oils from sitting on the surface rather than absorbing properly.
Best for: Dry, sensitive skin seeking anti-aging benefits with genuine soothing relief rather than empty promises
2. Bioheal BOH Panthecell Repair Cica Cream
The BIOHEAL BOH Panthecell Repair Cica Cream excels at barrier improvement while delivering expected calming benefits. This non-comedogenic formula combines 5% panthenol with 12 types of proteins and centella asiatica extract to improve barrier function and refine skin texture without clogging pores.
The brand’s Bio Olisome Tech reduces particle size to 2-5nm for superior penetration, ensuring concentrated actives reach deeper skin layers rather than sitting uselessly on the surface.
The gel-cream texture provides ideal moisture levels for oily, combination, and dehydrated-oily skin types with excellent spreadability and a pleasant sensorial experience.
The formulation lacks sufficient oil content for winter use, though. Dry skin types will find it most suitable as a summer soothing cream rather than a year-round moisturizer. It’s better to acknowledge seasonal needs rather than pretending one product works eternally.
Best for: Oily and combination skin seeking barrier repair with a lightweight feel that doesn’t sacrifice efficacy
3. Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
Among cica skincare brands, Skin1004 has earned exceptional popularity through consistent quality rather than marketing gimmicks. The Probio-Cica Enrich Cream represents their most comprehensive moisturizing offering, targeting wrinkles, elasticity, and lifting through barrier-mimicking structure.
The formula replicates skin barrier structure through the golden ratio of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids for improved compatibility and absorption. Two specialized cica complexes work together: Probio-Cica (combining centella extract and TECA with plant-derived Lactobacillus ferment) and Cica-Ceramide (featuring centella extract, ceramide NP, and phytosphingosine for intensive barrier care).
The texture has a unique stringy consistency that spreads smoothly and adheres beautifully to skin. While initially rich upon application, it transforms to a silky, non-greasy finish over time.
The moisturizing sensation leans toward oil-based rather than water-based hydration, though the oils don’t sit on the surface, creating that unpleasant shiny layer. The level suits cold seasons or naturally dry skin types comfortably.
Best for: Dry skin types and cold-weather moisturizing when skin genuinely needs substantial nourishment
4. NDP Cica Bio-Placenta Cream
The NDP Cica Bio-Placenta Cream reduces facial heat while delivering exceptional hydration through a premium formulation. This sophisticated cream combines plant-derived placenta, 17 types of amino acids, and bamboo water that closely mimics the body’s natural moisture composition.
A closer look at the formula, it features five growth factors (EGF, IGF-1, acidic FGF, basic FGF, and VEGF) alongside 1,000 ppm of 95% purity madecassoside. While growth factors typically appear individually in formulations, combining multiple types creates synergistic effects for more comprehensive anti-aging and skin recovery results. It’s a bit like assembling multiple specialists rather than relying on one generalist.
As a gel-type cream, it spreads lightly while maintaining the characteristic nourishing weight of placenta products. The non-comedogenic formula maintains rigorous low-irritation standards and excludes harmful ingredients.
The uncomfortable reality is that this product remains unsuitable for skin that reacts poorly to growth factor formulations. Additionally, the high price point creates a substantial entry barrier, positioning this firmly in premium skincare territory rather than an accessible daily option.
Best for: Those seeking premium anti-aging benefits with intensive hydration and willing to invest accordingly
5. Toun28 Peptacica Overnight Face Cream
This overnight cica cream addresses irritated, rough skin accumulated throughout the day. The potent calming nutrition cream combines TECA components with peptides, along with dual-functional certification for wrinkle improvement and brightening.
While centella extract sits at a relatively low concentration (0.0875%), the formula attacks skin concerns from multiple angles with acetyl hexapeptide-8, niacinamide, panthenol, shea butter, and macadamia seed oil.
Essentially, cica isn’t the primary objective here, though it includes the four main triterpenoid components. Moisturizing nutrition takes priority, making this more attractive for dry skin seeking comprehensive care rather than targeted cica benefits.
The formula contains various natural essential oils that can trigger reactions in skin sensitive to specific essential oil components. The combination of linalool, limonene fragrance compounds, and essential oils creates a notably strong scent that those sensitive to fragrance will find overwhelming. Anyone with fragrance sensitivities should skip this regardless of how well the other ingredients might suit their skin type.
Best for: Dry skin seeking overnight repair with comprehensive anti-aging benefits, provided fragrance tolerance exists
Which Cica Skincare Product is the Best?
“Meaningful” cica content varies by product formulation and intended purpose. Well, when a product lists “Centella Asiatica Extract” at 1%, that doesn’t mean 1% of the active compounds that provide the actual benefits. The extract includes the whole plant material, and depending on the extraction methods, the actual concentration of beneficial components could be substantially lower.
Only when individual compounds like asiaticoside or madecassoside appear separately can you confirm actual effective concentrations. Most brands don’t provide that level of transparency, treating actual ingredient concentrations as confidential information.
Good news, though, some research suggests that even 0.1% of Centella asiatica extract shows notable anti-inflammatory and skin restorative properties. That’s not just the pure, isolated active compounds, either. So, ideally, having a cica skincare product that combines Centella asiatica extract with TECA and other beneficial ingredients, including panthenol and niacinamide, is the best approach.
All in all, while the majority of research focuses on active compounds for precision, some research suggests that the various compounds within the whole extract might work synergistically, offering superior efficacy than isolated compounds alone.
