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: 240,000+

Reviews of products containing Cica · Updated Oct 12, 2026 (UTC)

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Ratings reflect actual use, not marketing

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.

Real Reviews

All Skin Types Dry Combination Normal Oily Dehydrated Oily

All Ages Teens 20s 30s 40s+

Ratings

4.27

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Reviews (2,802,018)

Reviews of products containing Cica

Nomadia
GOLDEN JOJOBA 10% DUAL MICRO-BUBBLE CLEANSER
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gu********
Oct 11, 2026 (UTC)
30sDehydrated Oily Skin
Pros
1. Foaming Cleanser The bubbles are so rich and creamy, and it's incredibly convenient! The amount that comes out with each pump is just right too. 2. Finish It doesn't leave that squeaky-clean feeling. Instead, it leaves your skin feeling hydrated! I'd recommend this for dry or combination dehydrated skin types. (My oily-skinned sister said it felt too slippery and didn't like it) 3. Great for Gentle Cleansing It works perfectly for a light morning cleanse or as a second step after using a cleansing milk. (I use the same brand's other products and they work amazingly together) Since it's the changing season, it's perfect for my morning routine. That said, it might not remove all makeup on its own! 5. Scent I didn't really notice any scent to it.
BRINGGREEN
TEA TREE CICA SOOTHING TONER
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hn*****
Oct 11, 2026 (UTC)
20sDehydrated Oily Skin
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
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hn*****
Oct 11, 2026 (UTC)
20sDehydrated Oily Skin
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.

Cica vs. PDRN: What's the Difference?

	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

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.