Hydrating Formula that Works Best with Inflammed Acne
The Parnell Cicamanu pH Balanced Body Wash is an effective acne treatment that calms breakouts fast while keeping skin hydrated and comfortable. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, though the herbal scent is polarizing and prevention could be stronger.
PROS
- Excellent value for money
- Surprisingly hydrating, even with a deep cleanse
- Remarkably effective in soothing inflammed acne
- Softens skin texture
CONS
- The fragrance is strong and a ‘love-it-or-hate-it’ scent
Where to Buy
At a Glance
- Made by Parnell
- Product Dimensions: 20 cm x 7 cm
- 400ml / 13.52 fl oz.
- Mildly acidic, pH balanced formula
- Contains Cica actives and Manuka Honey
- Certified for acne care by the MFDS
- Dermatologically tested as a low irritant body wash
Packaging & Design
The Parnell Cicamanu Body Wash comes in a box that feels fresh and outdoorsy, kind of like opening a window to let in a forest breeze. The green-toned design gives off calm, nature-inspired vibes that make unboxing feel like a little moment of self-care.
The bottle has a clean, minimalist look. It’s a clear cylinder that’s 20 cm tall and 7 cm wide, so it’s practical and easy to handle. You can see how much product is left inside, which is always handy. The twist-lock pump works smoothly and is designed for easy one-handed use in the shower.
The packaging shows Parnell’s commitment to being eco-friendly. The box is FSC-certified and printed with soy ink, while the bottle is made from PCR (post-consumer recycled) plastic. It’s a nice nod to sustainability without sacrificing good design. The bilingual labeling in Korean and English is a thoughtful touch too, making it accessible for both local and international users.
Texture & Consistency
The Parnell Acne Body Wash has a viscous gel texture that’s watery at best, and at worst, pretty runny like a drippy consistency. Overall, it’s a slippery formula. The gel glides smoothly across the skin, creating a cooling, slightly tingly sensation. Its natural green tint comes from natural derivatives like Indian pennywort leaf extract rather than artificial colorants, so the color tends to fade over time.
The scent is definitely polarizing. The first pump brings a sharp herbal-medicinal aroma, similar to a sweet-spiced smell like Tiger Balm, which then softens into a pine-like note. Interestingly, after testing it with several people, the scent intensity and how long it lingers seemed to vary from person to person. Some had a strong fragrance that stuck around overnight, while others had barely any scent left at all. If you’re sensitive to fragrances or don’t enjoy sharp, cooling herbal scents like pine, this probably isn’t for you.
It lathers easily into a soft, fine foam. However, the bubbles fade quickly, especially when washing larger areas, so using two to three pumps separately across different areas for a full-body cleanse works best. After rinsing, the skin feels slightly slippery rather than squeaky clean, which dry skin types will likely appreciate for its light moisture barrier. One thing to note is that the shower floor can get slippery afterward, so be extra careful if you share your bathroom with elderly family members or anyone with limited mobility.
Ingredients
See full list of ingredients
Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Glycerin, Coco-Betaine, C12-13 Alketh-9, Sodium Chloride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Tetradecene, Betaine, Potassium Benzoate, Salicylic Acid, Sorbitol, Hexadecene, Coco-glucoside, Disodium Coco-Glucoside Citrate, Propanediol, Citric Acid, Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyquaternium-67, Centella Asiatica Extract, Disodium EDTA, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Xylitol, Pentylene Glycol, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Malt Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Leptospermum Scoparium Leaf Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Lactobacillus Ferment, Madecassoside, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Ceramide NP, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Phytosphingosine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Honey Extract, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
The Parnell acne body wash uses Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate as the primary cleansing and foaming agent, supported by a blend of Coco-Betaine, C12-13 Alketh-9, Coco-Glucoside, and Disodium Coco-Glucoside Citrate. These co-surfactants enhance mildness, effectively lift sebum and impurities, and create a stable, cushioning lather that protects the skin barrier during cleansing.
This formula features Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA) and Salicylic Acid (BHA) for measured, gentle exfoliation. LHA, a newer-generation lipophilic acid, delivers mild resurfacing without aggressive irritation, while BHA penetrates pores to clear congestion and refine texture. The combination provides consistent clarity for sensitive and acne-prone skin types.
Cicamanu™️ Biome brings together Centella Asiatica Extract, Honey Extract, Manuka Leaf Extract, Madecassoside, and Lactobacillus Ferment for layered skin support. Centella and Madecassoside calm inflammation and promote repair, Honey acts as a natural humectant with antioxidant activity, Manuka offers antimicrobial defense, and Lactobacillus Ferment helps maintain a balanced microbiome.
Ceragosin™️ combines Ceramides, Phytosphingosine, Glycerin, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, and Hydrogenated Lecithin to restore lipid architecture, lock in hydration, and improve overall skin resilience. The triple-molecular-weight Hyaluronic Acid system works across epidermal layers for both immediate surface plumping and deeper moisture retention.
Botanical actives like Tea Tree, Rosemary, Neem, Patchouli, and Turmeric reinforce the formula’s antibacterial and soothing properties, making it well-suited for reactive or breakout-prone complexions. However, certain essential oils may trigger sensitivity in susceptible individuals, so patch testing is recommended before full use.
Performance
After using the Parnell CicaManu Body Wash, the angry breakouts on my chest calmed down really fast. I kept an eye on how long it took to clear up, and within a week, I could see big progress. To be more specific, I noticed major improvement around day four. The keratosis pilaris on my back took about another week and a half to smooth out. Overall, the acne settled down quickly, and during that time, I could feel my skin texture getting softer all over. It gently cleared out small clogged bumps on my arms and softened rough, built-up areas like my elbows.
The downside is it doesn’t strongly prevent new breakouts from forming. It cleared larger, inflamed acne quickly, but the small bumps from chicken skin kept popping up. Those didn’t really calm down until around the one-month mark. Just so you know, no other product was used with the body wash, so if you want even faster and stronger results, I’d recommend pairing it with the Cicamanu Body Mist.
I tested the cleansing power against makeup (regular, waterproof, and tints), and it performed similarly to body washes you’d find at the drugstore. The moisturizing texture might make it seem like it wouldn’t cleanse well, but it actually does fine.
Compared to other acne-focused body washes, Parnell’s formula feels like the gentlest and most moisturizing option. While it doesn’t suppress acne as strongly, the quick calming effect and hydration really stand out. Even in hot summer weather, my skin gets tight and itchy after showering to the point where I need moisturizing body lotion. But after using this body wash, those symptoms eased up a lot. The post-shower feel is more like using a milky body wash, and your skin actually feels comfortable.
Value for Money
The Parnell CicaManu Body Wash is priced in line with other acne body washes, but it feels like a better value overall. Every part of the product serves a purpose, from its effective formula to its eco-conscious packaging, making it a well-rounded choice for the price. Aside from the scent, there’s really little to criticize. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, yet strong enough to cleanse thoroughly and calm acne quickly. Given the quality and results, it’s a product that feels worth repurchasing anytime.
Who Is It For?
The Parnell CicaManu Body Wash is a great fit for anyone dealing with:
- Rough, dry skin
- Itchy or easily irritated skin
- Both body acne and keratosis pilaris
- Small breakouts on sensitive skin
- Skin that often feels warm or flushed
It’s especially suited for those who want a calming, non-stripping cleanse that still keeps the skin smooth and hydrated.
Parnell Cicamanu pH Balanced Body Wash: Our Verdict
The Parnell CicaManu Body Wash is impressive in how it tackles acne while keeping skin comfortable and hydrated. The dual-acid formula with Salicylic Acid and Capryloyl Salicylic Acid clears breakouts and smooths texture quickly, often showing results within four days. Combined with Cicamanu Biome, Ceragosin, and triple-weight Hyaluronic Acid, it manages to deliver moisture and barrier support without the dryness you usually get from acne-targeted cleansers.
There’s a lot to like here, and very little to criticise. It calms inflamed skin effectively, lathers pleasantly, and feels gentle enough for sensitive skin. On the other hand, its preventative effects are slower, with smaller bumps and keratosis pilaris taking up to a month to resolve. The herbal-medicinal scent is polarising, and the runny texture means slippery afterfeel and multiple pumps needed for full-body coverage.
Overall, this body wash balances efficacy and gentleness extremely well. It’s a strong option for anyone with sensitive, acne-prone skin who wants reliable results without the harsh, drying aftermath of most acne cleansers.
