If your skin runs red, reactive or easily irritated, centella asiatica — better known as cica — is the K-beauty ingredient made for you. It's the calming hero behind so many "my skin finally chilled out" routines. Here's the rundown.
What is cica (centella)?
Cica is a plant extract (centella asiatica, sometimes listed as "madecassoside") prized in cosmetics for soothing and comforting the look of stressed, red-looking skin. It's gentle, barrier-friendly and a staple of sensitive-skin routines.
(Cosmetic note: these are appearance-level, soothing benefits — cica skincare helps calm how skin looks and feels.)
What people love it for
- Calming the look of redness — the headline reason.
- Comforting sensitive, reactive skin — a barrier bestie.
- Great after actives or microneedling — soothing follow-up care.
How to use it
- Ampoule/serum: pat onto clean skin whenever your face feels stressed or after strong actives. (Try our Cica Ampoule.)
- Layer under moisturizer to lock in the calm.
- Keep it simple when skin is irritated — cleanse, cica, moisturize, SPF.
Who is it for?
Sensitive, redness-prone, or post-treatment skin — and honestly, anyone whose barrier needs a little TLC. Gentle enough for daily use.
Try it
Shop our cica & sensitive-skin range — authentic, sealed and shipped from LA in 1–2 days. Code WELCOME10 = 10% off your first order.
Everyone's skin is different — patch-test and introduce products slowly.