The Active Edit

What Is Cica Skincare And Why Does Your Skin Crave It?

written by: Kristen - Beauty Editorpublished on 16 Jan, 2025

Centella Asiatica Benefits

Cica is Centella Asiatica's stage name. Haven't heard of the A-Grade celebrity before? Neither had I until recently. However, after looking over the resume of this ancient herb, the amount of experience Cica has had working with diverse skin types and her list of beneficial achievements instantly persuaded me to add this ingredient into my skincare routine.

Follow along, and I'll give you a glimpse of Centella Asiatica's benefits. Trust me, you'll be hiring this skincare celebrity into your routine too in no time…

Centella Asiatica is more famously known as Cica, and you'll spot it on the ingredients list of certain skincare products. Originally from Asia, this plant extract has gradually become famous in the western world for its skin benefitting properties as a herb. Renowned for a long time in Korean skincare products, Cica's chemical composition of amino acids, fatty acids and Vitamin A, Vitamin C, B1 & B2 have contributed to my numerous achievements as a skincare ingredient. As a best friend to sensitive skin, Centella Asiatica was a big hit in Korea due to their local high levels of pollution. Therefore, Cica's objective is to calm irritated and inflamed skin, strengthen the skin's barrier as well as provide furthermore nourishing and repairing benefits for all skin types.

What Is Centella Asiatica?

Originally, Cica was utilised in ancient Asian cultures to treat wounds as a healing herb. However, now starring in the world of skincare products, Centella Asiatica has subsequently gained popularity working with all skin types including dry skin, oily skin, dehydrated and sensitive skin. From working with these diverse skin concerns, Cica contibutes many beneficial effects through its chemical composition. From stimulating collagen production, delivering anti-inflammatory effects, fighting premature ageing and boosting circulation for hydrational factors, you can see why Cica is an essential ingredient to seek out. As a repairing and nourishing ingredient, Cica has also been used to treat acne scarring as it is known to help not only soothe the skin but accelerate cell regeneration. You can now find Cica or Centella Asiatica appearing in moisturisers, serums, balms and masks to help sooth, rebalance and nurture the skin.

In short, your skin craves Cica as it helps to strengthen the skin barrier and prevent premature ageing through the hydrating and brightening benefits. Cica is also suitable for all skin types and imparts skin-loving benefits in all skincare situations.

Centella Asiatica Skincare

Cica Mask:

My first product of reference is La Roche Posay Cicaplast B5 Mask. The 100% Biodegradable face mask is your go-to for treating dry, sensitive and dehydrated skin. The formula leaves skin replenished. As a key ingredient in this sheet mask skin care, Cica works to nourish all skin types for calming and hydrating effects.

Shop La Roche Posay Cicaplast B5 Mask

Cica Serum:

As well as being a top nourishing ingredient in face masks, Cica is also a key member in skincare serums & treatments. This Elizabeth Arden Visible Brightening CicaGlow Concentrate contains the wondeful Centella Asiatica alongside Chestnut Extract to synergistically work to repair the skin’s barrier and promote natural exfoliation. Appropriate for all skin types, the brightening serum enhances clarity and strengthens skin.

Shop Elizabeth Arden Visible Brightening CicaGlow Concentrate

Cica Moisturiser:

My third product of reference is in the form of a moisturiser. As a key ingredient in the Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream, this Cica based formula is ideal for all skin types and for the entire family to enjoy. Working to limit dry, cracked skin and speed up skin healing, the herb Cica works to soothe discomfort caused by irritation and encourages hydration to enable the skin's natural repair to be accelerated.

Shop Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream

Cica Lip Balm

Now the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lips is a handbag, car and bedside essential, year round. As Centella Asiatica is a key ingredient in this product, it offers long-lasting hydration and protection whilst boosting lip repair. Additionally, it also helps to recover the elasticity and softness of the lips.

Shop La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lips

So, what do you think? Beneficial to dry, oily, dehydrated and sensitive skin, Cica is a pretty multi-talented ingredient. Now that you've heard about this A-lister skincare celebrity, take the next step and hire Cica into your routine.