Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editor and brandsSave this storySave this story
The best cica skin-care products have become a go-to for anyone dealing with sensitive skin—and once you try one, you’ll understand why it clicks. Derived from the plant Centella asiatica (a.k.a. gotu kola or tiger grass), cica has long been used in traditional East Asian skin care for its soothing, repairing benefits—which explains why it shows up in so many K-beauty favorites. “Centella asiatica is best known for calming visible redness and supporting barrier recovery,” says Shamsa Kanwal, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Portland. “In practical terms, it can reduce that hot, stingy feeling in reactive skin and help skin feel less tight when the barrier is stressed.”
Our Top Cica Skin-Care Products
- Best Cleansing Balm: Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm, $23
- Best Moisturizer: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5, $19
- Best Serum: Aestura A-Cica365 Soothing Relief Serum pH4.5, $38
- Best Overnight Mask: Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask, $35
- Best Chemical Sunscreen: Medicube No Cast Just Glow Collagen Sunscreen SPF 50, $22
- Best Mineral Sunscreen: Kiehl’s Better Screen Miner-All UV Serum SPF 50+, $45
- Best Toner: CosRx Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner, $17
You’ll usually see cica’s key components—like madecassoside and asiaticoside—paired with ingredients like panthenol or ceramides to double down on comfort and hydration. And it’s pretty flexible: eczema- or rosacea-prone, post-procedure, even acne-prone skin can all benefit. To make things easier, we’ve rounded up cica-based options for just about every skin concern ahead.
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- Which skin types benefit most from cica?
- Can cica treat acne?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Cleansing Balm: Dr.Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
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Dr. Althea
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying the Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Sarah Hoffmann
Why it's worth it: By now, you can probably spot this famous green jar (and 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner!) from a mile away. Dr.Althea’s Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm was among the first to put this format on the map: Instead of digging into a jar, the built-in grinder twists out just the right amount. No spatula, no mess, no taking more than you need. The brand has built a following for its calm, minimalist formulas that support the skin barrier without overloading it with actives, and this cleansing balm is a perfect example.
Made with just 14 ingredients, it keeps things simple but effective: Centella asiatica helps calm visible redness and support the skin barrier, while camellia sinensis (green tea) seed oil and grapeseed oil add lightweight conditioning. Every cleansing session leaves your skin feeling soft, balanced, and comfortable as you gently melt away sunscreen, makeup, and whatever else your day threw at your skin.
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
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“My main metric for cleansing balms is how easily they remove makeup (specifically eye makeup) and how soft my skin feels afterwards. Dr.Althea's Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm checks both of those boxes. The formula emulsifies so well and melts mascara, eyeliner, and the rest off like a total dream. My skin feels baby-smooth and perfectly soft every time I use it. Plus, the grinder dispensing method means no searching for an applicator spoon and no dipping my hands into a pot of product (something I've always found semi-gross). Genius.” —Sarah Hoffman, commerce producer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: madecassoside, Centella asiatica (cica) extract, asiaticoside, camellia sinensis (green tea) seed oil, grape seed oil
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Lip Balm: Nécessaire The Lip Balm
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Nécessaire
The Lip Balm
Amazon
Nordstrom
Bluemercury
Former Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen applying the Necessaire The Lip Balm
Nicola Dall'Asen
Why it's worth it: Lips have thinner skin, fewer oil glands, and are constantly exposed to the elements, which makes them especially prone to dryness and irritation. That’s why a formula like Nécessaire’s The Lip Balm, a 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner, feels like such an excellent find. It covers all the bases for sensitive skin (hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and National Eczema Association-approved), but most importantly, nourishes lips all day.
The formula pairs niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and Centella asiatica with rich shea butter to help repair and protect the lips’ delicate barrier. “It’s made without synthetic fragrances and uses only skin-beneficial ingredients that hydrate, smooth, and protect,” says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, based in Miami. The lip balm’s clear, semi-gloss finish delivers immediate relief for dry, chapped lips, while a hint of mint oil adds a subtle freshness, and the cooling metal tip makes each swipe feel instantly soothing.
Tester feedback from former senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen
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“In middle school, I used to slather this super tingly mint lip balm that I'd buy at the mall all over my mouth basically 24/7, and I'm pretty sure it was so fragranced and menthol-heavy that it actually wound up making me more chapped (ah, the vicious lip balm cycle). The Necessaire's Lip Balm is the skin-friendly adult version of my old favorite. It's got a slightly sweet minty flavor, and I still get the cooling effect from its metal applicator. But this formula, unlike its predecessor, is ceramide-packed, which means it actually repairs and plumps the skin of the lips. It's effective enough that I only need to apply it every now and then—and that's exactly how you want a lip balm to perform, if my tween experiences have taught me anything. ” —Nicola Dall'Asen, former senior news editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, Centella asiatica extract
- Shades: 1 (clear)
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Moisturizer: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5
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La Roche-Posay
Cicaplast Balm B5
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5
Alessandra Foresto
Why it's worth it: Wind-chafed? Cracked skin? Overdid it on actives? La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast Balm B5+ is the kind of product you keep within arm’s reach for all of the above. “This is one of my go-to barrier repair creams,” says Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Newport Beach, California. “It combines soothing ingredients like panthenol with Centella-derived compounds to calm irritated skin and support healing.”
Like most of the brand’s formulas, it also features their signature mineral-rich thermal spring water, which is packed with selenium to help calm irritation and take the edge off stressed skin. Then there’s proprietary Tribioma, a prebiotic complex that helps keep your skin’s microbiome in check—basically giving your barrier a better environment to repair itself. Accepted by the National Eczema Association, it’s gentle enough for even very sensitive skin—and can even be used on babies as young as one week old.
Foresto before applying the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5
Alessandra Foresto
Foresto after applying the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5
Alessandra Foresto
Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto
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“Before I started using Cicaplast regularly, I basically had a perpetual eczema breakout from the minute the heat came on in New York City to the first days of spring. While its thick consistency can be heavy for some, my skin soaks this moisturizer right in. I apply it all over my face at night and on dry patches only in the morning at the very end of my routine (usually after a hydrating serum and another lighter lotion). This balm (and no longer eating mushrooms, a trigger for my skin) has stopped my persistent eczema from being a permanent fixture in my life. Previously, I used the La Roche-Posay Lipikar Eczema Med Cream, which is only available in Europe and should be kept cool after being opened, and it was not very practical. I like that this one comes in many different sizes, so I can travel with it easily, but I also keep a jumbo-size tube in my bathroom cabinet.” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Centella asiatica, shea butter, panthenol, glycerin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Serum: Aestura A-Cica365 Soothing Relief Serum pH4.5
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Aestura
A-Cica365 Soothing Relief Serum pH4.5
Sephora
Olive Young
Why it's worth it: Long before Aestura gave cica its own spotlight with its latest A-Cica365 line (which also includes its Soothing Repair Gel Cream Moisturizer pH4.5 and Cooling Relief Toner Pads pH4.5), the brand had already built a reputation around soothing, skin-supportive formulas—it’s just that cica is now front and center. You’ll also notice pH gets called out more often in K-beauty brands like Aestura than in Western skin care: Korean formulations tend to stay closely aligned with skin’s slightly acidic comfort zone (around pH 4.5 to 5.5), where skin thrives, and irritation is less likely to flare. Aestura’s A-Cica365 Soothing Relief Serum pH4.5 matches your skin’s natural acidity to support the barrier when your complexion starts acting up.
Their serum is as soothing as you’d expect: Centella asiatica takes down redness, while ceramides and squalane cushion and reinforce skin so it can recover more easily. “This is great for all skin types, but especially those who have skin sensitivity or redness, as it has a subtle cooling sensation on contact,” says Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying Aestura A-Cica365 Soothing Relief Serum pH4.5
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after applying Aestura A-Cica365 Soothing Relief Serum pH4.5
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“You caught me on a day when I decided to test a new exfoliator—so my cheeks were definitely more red than usual. When it comes to sensitive skin, Aestura can pretty much do no wrong in my book. The A-Cica365 Soothing Relief Serum pH4.5 sinks in within seconds and immediately takes the edge off irritation without any stinging or weird tingling from strong actives. It’s one of those formulas I instinctively reach for when my skin needs calming, because anything from Aestura has earned my trust for zero irritation.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Centella asiatica, ceramides, squalane
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Ampoule: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
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Skin1004
Madagascar Centella Ampoule
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: Built around one very specific leaf, Skin1004 goes all in on Madagascar-grown Centella. Why Madagascar? The plant thrives in that warm, humid climate—and with relatively low industrial pollution, it’s kind of the ideal setup—so the brand keeps formulas simple and lets cica shine. This ampoule is the clearest example, with just nine supporting ingredients alongside cica (panthenol and sodium hyaluronate step in to keep skin feeling comfortably hydrated).
If you’re new to Korean ampoules, think of them as a more dialed-in version of your usual serum—a bit more concentrated and targeted. “It’s a simple, lightweight formula that layers easily under moisturizer and sunscreen,” especially for sensitive or combination skin that wants calming without heaviness, says Dr. Kanwal. The texture is watery and fast-absorbing—almost deceptively light—but give it a few days, and your skin starts to look noticeably less reactive.
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“When it comes to cica, it doesn't get much more pure than this Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule, which is pretty much only Centella asiatica extract, sodium hyaluronate, and water. As a beauty editor trying to keep up with all of the skin-care trends and launches, I admit that I sometimes get caught up in the latest-and-greatest buzzwords, but cica is a staple ingredient that I will never not use. This particular formula is a super safe bet for all skin types, truly. I personally love anything that soothes the redness around my nose and just generally attracts/locks in moisture, which this does well! I like how sizable the product is, too—hello, great deal!—because a good portion of ampoules are on the smaller side. You really only need one dropper of product to account for your entire face but I like to be extra and go in with two. The texture is super light and watery, and sinks into my skin immediately. No downsides that I can think of!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Centella asiatica, panthenol, sodium hyaluronate
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Overnight Mask: Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask
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Laneige
Cica Sleeping Mask
Amazon
Sephora
Yesstyle
Foresto applying the Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask
Alessandra Foresto
Why it's worth it: If Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask (backed by multiple Readers' Choice Awards) has a permanent spot on your nightstand, we have a feeling you’ll be just as hooked on the brand’s Cica Sleeping Mask for the rest of your face. This overnight treatment centers on cica in all its calming, barrier-supporting glory to help soothe redness and stressed-out skin while you sleep. Ectoin, allantoin, and panthenol layer on extra comfort, while glycerin and squalane lock in moisture so you wake up looking less dull and more revived. Niacinamide and vitamin E add a subtle smoothing, brightening boost, and the fragrance-free formula makes it an easy choice for sensitive skin.
Foresto before applying the Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask
Alessandra Foresto
Foresto after applying the Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask
Alessandra Foresto
Tester feedback from Foresto
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"I'm new to this Laneige sleeping mask, but it came across my desk at the most opportune time: right when I had a cluster of eczema breakouts on my chin and desperately needed to soothe them. This sleeping mask was gentle enough for my irritated, flaky, and red skin, and felt cooling and deeply moisturizing. It's a thick balm, so you need just a little bit to cover your full face (I used it after washing my face and didn't apply any other skin care), but I went a little heavy-handed and even applied a little extra on the driest spots on my face, given my extra dry skin. Then, off to bed I went, and the next morning, after washing off the mask, I could immediately tell my eczema was visibly less red. This is definitely going in my permanent skin care rotation!” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Centella Repair Complex, ectoin, allantoin, panthenol, glycerin, squalane, vitamin E, niacinamide
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Peel-Off Mask: Byoma Bio-Collagen Radiance Facial Mask
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Byoma
Bio-Collagen Radiance Facial Mask
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: If your skin runs dry or a little barrier-compromised, a peel-off mask can feel like a gamble. Byoma’s Bio-Collagen Radiance Facial Mask gives you that satisfying, shrink-wrap effect, but without the usual tight, parched feel as it sets. Instead, the creamy gel texture is nourishing, thanks to jojoba oil and glycerin. There’s also cica to take the edge off potential irritation, especially key in a peel-off format, where the act of lifting the mask can sometimes leave sensitive skin feeling a little stressed. Consider it a built-in buffer that helps soothe and reinforce the barrier as you remove the peel.
At the core is Byoma’s tri-ceramide complex—ceramides being the “mortar” that holds your skin cells together—designed to reinforce and mimic your natural barrier. Enjoy all the glow and radiance you want from a peel-off mask, without that post-peel tightness.
Allure features director Dianna Singh applying and removing the Byoma Bio-Collagen Radiance Facial Mask
Dianna Singh
Singh after applying and removing the Byoma Bio-Collagen Radiance Facial Mask
Dianna Singh
Tester feedback from features director Dianna Singh
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“This peel-off promises the same sort of glass-like glow that you might expect from a sheet mask in a more convenient form (so much less packaging!). And after using it a couple of times a week for about a month, I’m happy to report it delivers. My skin feels smoother and softer immediately after using it, and looks brighter with each application, too.” —Dianna Singh, features director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: tri-ceramide complex, glycerin, jojoba oil, Centella asiatica
- How to use it: leave on for 20 to 30 minutes
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Chemical Sunscreen: Medicube No Cast Just Glow Collagen Sunscreen SPF 50
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Medicube
No Cast Just Glow Collagen Sunscreen SPF 50
Amazon
Why it's worth it: K-beauty sunscreens already set a pretty high bar—lightweight, no white cast, genuinely pleasant to wear—but every so often, one raises it even further. In K-beauty, sunscreen is treated like an extension of your skin-care routine, not just a protective layer, so formulas often go beyond UV filters and weave in soothing, barrier-supporting ingredients—cica being a favorite.
Medicube’s No Cast Just Glow Collagen Sunscreen SPF 50 is a chemical formula that delivers serious protection with a lit-from-within finish—our tester even called it “one of the most brightening sunscreens” she’s ever tried. It’s especially great for dull, tired-looking skin coming off a long winter: Niacinamide brightens and evens tone, hyaluronic acid pulls in hydration for a plumper look, and collagen plus peptides give skin that softly cushioned bounce. Centella asiatica helps calm any lingering redness, so your skin looks refreshed and even.
Han applying the Medicube No Cast Just Glow Collagen Sunscreen SPF 50
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Medicube No Cast Just Glow Collagen Sunscreen SPF 50
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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“Medicube was not lying about 'No Cast, Just Glow' name. This is one of the glowiest, most brightening sunscreens I've ever tried, and boy, does my dried-out winter skin appreciate it. (Full disclosure: I don't think my combo skin could handle this during the warmer months, lest I want to venture straight into greasy, not glowy, territory.) It does take a beat to fully rub in—granted, I go a little heavy on application, but better to overdo it than…underdo it—but once you do, there's nary a trace! The ingredients are quite familiar to the average skin-care lover, but something about this lineup—niacinamide, cica, peptides, and collagen—ups the dewy ante by a lot, and I'm glad for it. I can easily skip my a.m. moisturizer and it also doubles as a hydrating primer. Win, win, and win." —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: chemical
- Key ingredients: 13.6% homosalate, 9% octocrylene, 4.5% octisalate, 2.7% avobenzone, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, collagen, peptides, Centella asiatica
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Mineral Sunscreen: Kiehl’s Better Screen Miner-All UV Serum SPF 50+
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Kiehl's
Better Screen Miner-All UV Serum SPF 50+
Sephora
Kiehl’s
Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Kiehl’s Better Screen Miner-All UV Serum SPF 50+
Sarah Felbin
Why it's worth it: If mineral sunscreens have ever left a ghostly white cast, this one uses nano zinc oxide to blend in much more seamlessly, so you get full protection without the chalky finish. Niacinamide helps brighten and even tone, while glycerin and panthenol keep skin comfortably hydrated. Cica, aloe, and bisabolol step in to calm redness and irritation, making it a strong pick for sensitive skin. If yours leans especially reactive, it’s also approved by the National Eczema Association—a helpful benchmark for how gentle a formula is, even if you don’t have eczema. It’s been reviewed against their criteria for potential irritants, and, of course, that also means it’s fragrance-free.
Felbin before applying the Kiehl’s Better Screen Miner-All UV Serum SPF 50+
Sarah Felbin
Felbin after applying the Kiehl’s Better Screen Miner-All UV Serum SPF 50+
Sarah Felbin
Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
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“Listen: I wear SPF every day, but that doesn't mean I love applying it. Most sunscreens feel thick and sticky to me, plus they take a long time to rub in. But this one from Kiehl's is a huge game-changer! ‘Serum’ in the name feels really accurate—it has a thin consistency and sinks into my skin almost instantly, unlike any other SPF I've tried. Once it's on, my skin feels super-hydrated and looks glowy, but not too shiny. It's the perfect canvas for layering makeup on top. For a sunscreen that doesn't feel like sunscreen, it checks every box.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Centella asiatica, niacinamide, glycerin, panthenol, aloe, bisabolol
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Toner: CosRx Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner
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Cosrx
Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner
Amazon
Soko Glam
Why it's worth it: Most toners (especially Korean formulations) these days have moved away from that telltale alcohol sting, but if you’re still wary, it’s nice when a product spells it out for you. CosRx’s Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner is exactly what it sounds like. The formula is built around 84.69% Jeju mineral water, sourced from Korea’s idyllic volcanic island and naturally rich in minerals that help hydrate, rebalance, and support a healthier-looking glow.
Paired with 10% Centella asiatica leaf water, it calms irritation and reduces redness with every spritz. We also love it for its versatility: The spray is fine enough to mist directly onto your face or apply with a cotton pad for a quick sweep.
Lee applying the CosRx Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after applying the CosRx Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from Lee
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“CosRx's Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner is about as uncomplicated as it gets—basically cica and mineral water, with allantoin for an extra calming nudge. There's no sting, no fragrance-y distractions, nothing that makes you second-guess it. You really can’t go wrong. I love the spray format for a quick refresh, but I mostly still go in with a cotton pad sometimes just to catch those last sneaky traces of makeup.” —Christa Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Centella asiatica, Jeju mineral water
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Toner Pads: Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Pad
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Mediheal
Madecassoside Blemish Pad
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Soko Glam
Felbin applying the Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Pad
Sarah Felbin
Why it's worth it: Just one of these pre-soaked pads goes a long way in treating acne-prone, sensitive skin. Instead of relying on harsher exfoliating acids like salicylic acid, Mediheal’s Madecassoside Blemish Pads take a gentler route to support stressed, breakout-prone skin. Madecassoside, one of cica’s key compounds, soothes active acne and reduces redness, while niacinamide evens tone and glycerin adds lightweight hydration. A blend of herbal oils (juniper, mugwort, patchouli, and rosemary) helps keep pores looking clearer by calming inflammation and supporting a more balanced complexion. While you can swipe them on and call it a night, Korean dermatologists often recommend pressing a few onto your skin for 5 to 10 minutes, like a mini-sheet-mask moment.
Tester feedback from Felbin
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“I have very sensitive, oily skin that can break out if I look at it wrong. Add to that the dozens of new beauty products I'm testing each week, and I'm almost always dealing with some stubborn blackheads, whiteheads, or both. When I first notice signs of a breakout, I always make sure to grab these pads. The pad's material is very thin and soft (not scratchy like some other pads I've tried, which can irritate my skin even more). There's a lot of product in each box of pads, so they're always fully saturated, even weeks after I've bought them. And I love that each box comes with a pair of clear plastic tweezers hidden underneath the lid, so I can quickly and easily grab a pad without having to stick my fingers inside. The pads apply a thin layer of a clear, watery product that dries quickly and layers easily under the rest of my skin care and makeup. And after a few uses, my skin looks calmer and clearer. These have been a medicine cabinet must-have for me since I first tried them. Madecassoside is the real deal!” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: niacinamide, glycerin, Centella asiatica
- Fragrance-free: rosemary and mango scent; no synthetic fragrance
Frequently Asked Questions
Which skin types benefit most from cica?
Most skin types can benefit from cica—it’s less about your “type” and more about what your skin is dealing with at the moment. “It’s especially helpful for sensitive or reactive skin (stinging, redness, easily irritated), as well as rosacea-prone skin as a supportive step,” says Dr. Yoo. It’s also a great fallback for “dry or barrier-compromised skin” and for “people using retinoids or acids who need a recovery step,” she says. It plays well with those actives, helping take the edge off irritation—think applying a cica serum or cream after retinol, or using it on recovery nights between exfoliation days. If your skin is especially sensitive, she recommends introducing one product at a time and patch testing first.
Can cica treat acne?
Cica isn’t an acne treatment in the same way benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids are—but “it can help indirectly by calming irritation and supporting the barrier,” says Dr. Kanwal. When skin is inflamed or overly dry (which can easily happen when you’re using strong acne treatments), it’s actually more prone to breakouts—and less able to tolerate the products that are supposed to help. Cica can act as the buffer that keeps everything in balance. For acne-prone skin, Dr. Kanwal recommends using cica alongside proven actives—not instead of them—so you’re treating breakouts while also keeping your skin calm enough to handle it.
Meet the experts
- Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, based in Miami
- Shamsa Kanwal, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Portland
- Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology based in Newport Beach, California
- Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best cica skin-care products, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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