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

52
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Reviews (2,802,018)

Reviews of products containing Cica

celimax
JI WOO GAE heartleaf BHA peeling pad
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k.*******
Oct 11, 2026 (UTC)
30sOily Skin
Pros
Definitely removes dead skin cells and has a soothing effect!!! I have combination dehydrated skin that leans more oily. Just looking at the photos, I've tried so many pads, but this one actually makes blemishes disappear.. And it works really well with other skincare products too.. Most other exfoliating pads either don't work well with the rest of my routine, or if they do exfoliate, they don't layer nicely with my other products ㅜㅜ But this one actually delivers real results while still playing nicely with the other products I need to apply afterward!! I only use it in the evening.. In the morning I use the Celly Max Cica Pad that came out later.. Since using just the Celly Max Cica Pad alone doesn't clear up my acne.. I always use this eraser pad together with that one. Even if you have oily skin, if you use this more than twice a day, you'll damage your skin barrier and actually end up with more breakouts!!! Make sure to avoid other functional products after using this pad, and DEFINITELY apply hydrating serum + barrier cream with ceramides.. Then your breakouts will calm down a lot!!! Anyway, if you have oily, acne-prone skin definitely try the Celly Max Eraser Pad 🍀
ROUNDLAB
Pine Soothing Cica Cream
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jm******
Oct 11, 2026 (UTC)
20sOily Skin
Pros
1. The product absorbs beautifully into the skin. 2. It causes minimal irritation, even for super sensitive skin. 3. This cream does an amazing job maintaining hydration on my face (I noticed a huge difference between days when I used it and days when I didn't).
YBK
Relief Hydration Light Foam Cleanser
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jm******
Oct 11, 2026 (UTC)
20sOily Skin
Pros
1. Excellent cleansing effectiveness. 2. Despite having sensitive skin, it causes minimal irritation. 3. You get a generous amount for the price, making it a great value product.

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.