Centella asiatica (also called cica, tiger grass or gotu kola) is a botanical extract known for its soothing, comfortable feel on sensitive-feeling skin. It's a K-beauty staple in centella toner and other centella skin care, and it contains compounds like madecassoside and asiaticoside. Because it feels lightweight and gentle, it's easy to build a simple routine around it: a centella cleansing oil to start, a centella moisturizer or centella cream to finish, and sunscreen as the last morning step. On ingredient lists, look for "Centella Asiatica Extract" or "Madecassoside." As with any new product, patch test first.
Reviews of products containing Cica · Updated Oct 12, 2026 (UTC)
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Centella asiatica, also known as cica, is one of K-beauty's most popular soothing ingredients. Its benefits center on a calm, comfortable feel, which is why it's common in centella skincare for sensitive-feeling skin. Texture is the easiest way to choose. A lightweight centella toner layers easily in the morning, while a richer centella cream or moisturizer feels more comforting at night. It layers easily with hyaluronic acid, panthenol and ceramides, and a daily sunscreen is an easy morning finish. As with any new product, patch test first.
How to use centella?
Apply after cleansing and toner, then seal with moisturizer. Use AM and PM, and finish with sunscreen in the morning.
Ratings
4.27
Reviews (2,802,018)
Reviews of products containing Cica
BRINGGREEN
TEA TREE CICA SOOTHING TONER
hn*****
Pros
It applies light and fresh. I love that it provides enough hydration and absorbs quickly. The size and price are reasonable, and since Bring Green is known for being gentle, I can use it with peace of mind.
ESTHE'LIVE
ACNE SPOT CLEAR
hn*****
Pros
I bought this because I heard it was good for acne-prone skin. I don't get a ton of breakouts, but when I do, they're hard to manage, so I got this to use whenever my skin looks like it's about to break out and gets red. I applied it to some spots that just came up, and it has a slight tingling sensation and smells like acetone. It absorbs really quickly, so I apply this first and then layer my toner and other skincare products on top. After using it for a few days, the redness has calmed down a bit. It's small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, so I can easily throw it in my bag and take it with me.
Dermagen
Acssak BHA Foam Cleansing
a9*******
Pros
While using this, I didn't get any blemishes. It doesn't feel slick or tight at all—just soft and dewy when it finishes. Plus, you get a generous amount!
| Cica (Centella Asiatica) | PDRN | |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Centella asiatica plant extract | Salmon DNA (polynucleotide) |
| Primary role | Soothing & comfort | Hydration & smooth look |
| Best for | Sensitive Skin, Dry Skin, Combination Skin, Rough-Feeling Skin | Dry Skin, Dull Skin, Rough-Feeling Skin, Sensitive Skin |
| Typical format | Cream, serum, balm | Serum, ampoule |
Yes, Cica is simply the popular K-beauty shorthand for Centella Asiatica extract, so products labeled 'Cica' and 'Centella Asiatica' typically use the same core plant-derived ingredient.
Cica is widely used for calming visible redness and supporting a compromised skin barrier, and it's one of the ingredients most consistently recommended for reactive or rosacea-prone skin, though it isn't a medical treatment for rosacea itself.
Yes, Cica pairs well with both, since its calming, barrier-supporting profile can help offset the dryness or irritation that retinol and vitamin C sometimes cause.
Works well with
Use with caution alongside
Research on topical use in skincare is still developing, and results vary from person to person. Reviews reflect individual experiences, not product claims.
