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.

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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

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Reviews (2,802,018)

Reviews of products containing Cica

  • Anua

    PDRN HYALURONIC ACID 100 MOISTURIZING CREAM

    Anua PDRN HYALURONIC ACID 100 MOISTURIZING CREAM

    ch******

    40s+Dry Skin

    Pros

    I bought this during a sale and tried it out, and it's honestly a better product than I expected. I can feel both the richness and hydration, but it doesn't feel sticky—there's more of a protective layer sensation, kind of like a lightweight oil finish. Because of that, the moisturizing power held up really well. Most importantly, the narrow opening means I can dispense just a little bit at a time, so I can apply it directly to my face cleanly and efficiently. Plus, there's over two years left on the expiration date from when I purchased it.


  • THE AUDIT

    301 Moisturizing Cream

    THE AUDIT 301 Moisturizing Cream

    e_******

    40s+Dry Skin

    Pros

    My skin was getting increasingly dry, so I bought this cream to use in the evenings and tested it out for a few days. I'm very satisfied with the results! I have quite dry skin, and I noticed that the deep dryness I felt in the mornings disappeared, and I was able to maintain soft, smooth skin. Many hydrating creams tend to be lightweight, but this product is moisturizing and does a great job with hydration. It's fragrance-free, and I really appreciated that it comes in a tube, which makes it convenient to use. It works well for both dry and oily skin types, but I especially recommend it for those with dry skin.


  • IsNtree

    Hyaluronic Acid Fresh Sun Serum [SPF50+/PA++++]

    IsNtree Hyaluronic Acid Fresh Sun Serum [SPF50+/PA++++]

    fl****

    40s+Dry Skin

    Pros

    I have super sensitive, deeply dehydrated skin. This product feels hydrating and absorbs beautifully without any white cast. I'd definitely recommend it for dry skin types.


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

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