Cica is short for centella asiatica, a plant extract used in Korean skincare to calm irritation, reduce redness, repair the skin barrier and speed healing. Sometimes called "tiger grass," it is one of K-beauty's most trusted soothing ingredients, especially for sensitive, irritated or blemish-prone skin. Here is what cica does, who it is for, and how to use it.
In this article
- What is cica?
- What does cica do for skin?
- Who should use cica?
- How to use cica in your routine
- Frequently asked questions
What is cica?
Cica is a nickname for centella asiatica, a herb long used in traditional medicine and now a staple in Korean skincare. Its key actives are madecassoside, asiaticoside and madecassic acid, often grouped as "centella asiatica extract" or CICA on labels. These compounds are known for soothing, antioxidant and skin-repairing properties.
What does cica do for skin?
Cica works on three fronts. It calms inflammation and visibly reduces redness. It supports the skin's natural repair process, helping to strengthen a damaged or compromised barrier. And it is rich in antioxidants that help defend against daily environmental stress. The result is skin that feels calmer, more comfortable and more resilient over time.
A soothing cica and tea tree cleansing oil that calms while it dissolves makeup and SPF.
Who should use cica?
Cica suits almost everyone, but it shines for sensitive, reactive or redness-prone skin, for compromised barriers (tight, flaky or stinging skin), and for blemish-prone skin that needs calming without harshness. Because it is so gentle, it also pairs well alongside stronger actives to buffer irritation.
Heartleaf, cica's soothing cousin, in a ceramide-rich cream that calms and repairs.
How to use cica in your routine
Cica is gentle enough for daily use, morning and night. You will find it in cleansers, toners, serums and creams, so you can add it at whichever step suits you. A common, effective approach is a cica cleanser plus a cica or heartleaf moisturiser, so skin is soothed from the first step to the last. Layer it under sunscreen in the morning.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between cica and centella?
They are the same thing. "Cica" is simply the popular shorthand for centella asiatica, the plant the extract comes from.
Can I use cica every day?
Yes. Cica is gentle and non-irritating, so daily morning and evening use is fine for most people, including sensitive skin.
Is cica good for acne?
Cica does not treat acne directly, but it calms the redness and irritation that come with breakouts and supports barrier repair, which helps blemish-prone skin recover. Pair it with a BHA for active congestion.
Can I use cica with retinol or vitamin C?
Yes, and it can help. Cica buffers the irritation stronger actives can cause, so it is often layered alongside them to keep skin comfortable.
Soothe your skin with cica
Shop calming cica and heartleaf Korean skincare for redness-prone skin.
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