Cica: Benefits, Best Korean Picks & What to Know

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.

Real reviews
2.8M+
Avg rating
4.27
Non-irritating feel
96% positive
among 430,433 reviews mentioning it
reviews mention soothing
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Reviews of products containing Cica · Updated Oct 12, 2026 (UTC)

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Benefits of Cica

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.

Tip

How to use centella?

Apply after cleansing and toner, then seal with moisturizer. Use AM and PM, and finish with sunscreen in the morning.

Top Products with Cica

Most ReviewedHighest Rated
AllEssences/Ampoules/SerumsFace MoisturizersSheet MasksTonersSunscreen/Sunscreen LotionCleansing FoamShampooBody WashMakeup CushionFace Mists
  1. beplainMUNG BEAN pH-BALANCED CLEANSING FOAM
    4.6351,040
    • Centella Asiatica Extract
  2. Dr.GR.E.D BLEMISH Clear Soothing Cream
    4.3943,189
  3. allNATURALMask Sheet [Houttuynia Cordata]
    4.4726,573
    • Centella Asiatica Extract
  4. TorridenDIVE IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Cream
    4.6126,136
  5. SCINICTHE SIMPLE DAILY LOTION
    4.4424,244
    • Madecassoside
  6. S.NATUREAQUA COLLAGEN PEPTIDE TRIPLE GEL ESSENCE
    4.6419,161
    • Centella Asiatica Extract
How we rank

Real Reviews

All Skin TypesDryCombinationNormalOilyDehydrated Oily
All AgesTeens20s30s40s+

Ratings

4.27

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Reviews (2,802,018)

Reviews of products containing Cica

  • HUECALM

    PHYTO FIRMING CREAM

    HUECALM PHYTO FIRMING CREAM
    Read full reviewView product

    ye******

    20sNormal Skin

    Pros

    This was my first time trying a firming and nourishing cream, and I really liked it because it felt gentle and didn't feel heavy on my skin.

  • COSNORI

    Long Active Eyelash Serum

    COSNORI Long Active Eyelash Serum
    Read full reviewView product

    ye******

    20sNormal Skin

    Pros

    I used this because my lashes felt weak, and I really noticed an improvement in both length and strength.

  • RealBarrier

    Extreme Essence Toner

    RealBarrier Extreme Essence Toner
    Read full reviewView product

    vv*****

    20sNormal Skin

    Pros

    Since it's the transition season, my skin has been feeling dry and I've noticed some blemishes starting to appear, so I decided to purchase this Real Barrier Extreme Toner after hearing it was great for strengthening the skin barrier! For a toner, the texture is a bit thicker and richer than I expected. The formula is really gentle, so I haven't experienced any blemishes after using it, and it absorbs quickly which is great! I'm also really happy with the generous size—it lasts a long time!

Cica vs. PDRN: What's the Difference?

Cica (Centella Asiatica)PDRN
SourceCentella asiatica plant extractSalmon DNA (polynucleotide)
Primary roleSoothing & comfortHydration & smooth look
Best forSensitive Skin, Dry Skin, Combination Skin, Rough-Feeling SkinDry Skin, Dull Skin, Rough-Feeling Skin, Sensitive Skin
Typical formatCream, serum, balmSerum, ampoule

Cica for Your Concern

  • Sensitive Skin

    Often chosen for a soothing, comfortable feel on sensitive-feeling skin. Pairs well with panthenol.

  • Dry Skin

    Found in centella creams and ampoules for a hydrating, comfortable feel. Layer a moisturizer on top.

  • Combination Skin

    Lightweight centella toners and gels are often chosen for a fresh, comfortable feel on combination skin.

  • Rough-Feeling Skin

    Centella creams and balms are often used for a soft, cushiony feel. Look for panthenol or ceramides too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cica the same ingredient as Centella Asiatica?

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.

Does Cica help with redness and rosacea-prone skin?

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.

Can I use Cica with retinol or vitamin C?

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.

Quick Facts

INCI name
Centella Asiatica Extract
Also known as
Centella Asiatica, Tiger Grass, Gotu Kola
Source
Centella asiatica plant
Key benefit
Soothing & comfort
Best for
Sensitive Skin, Dry Skin, Combination Skin, Rough-Feeling Skin
Works well with
Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol

What to Pair Cica With

Works well with

  • Panthenol

  • Hyaluronic Acid

  • Ceramide

  • Niacinamide

Use with caution alongside

  • Multiple new actives at once

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Research on topical use in skincare is still developing, and results vary from person to person. Reviews reflect individual experiences, not product claims.