What Is CICA?

A Simple Guide to Centella Asiatica

CICA is one of the most popular ingredients in Korean skincare.
You’ll often see it in products made for sensitive or irritated skin.

But what exactly is CICA,
and why is it in so many skincare products?

CICA is short for Centella Asiatica,
a medicinal herb traditionally used in Asian skincare and medicine.

In cosmetics, CICA is known for
its soothing, calming, and skin barrier–supporting properties.

CICA is derived from the leaves and stems
of the Centella Asiatica plant.

The active compounds in CICA include:

These compounds are responsible for
CICA’s calming and repairing effects on the skin.

CICA is mainly known for soothing and strengthening the skin.

It is especially helpful for
sensitive, stressed, or acne-prone skin.

Skin Type / Concern	Why CICA Helps
Sensitive skin	Calms irritation and redness
Acne-prone skin	Soothes inflamed skin
Stressed skin	Supports skin recovery
Damaged skin barrier	Strengthens and repairs
Redness-prone skin	Helps reduce visible redness

Yes.
CICA is widely used in cosmetic products
and is considered safe for daily use.

It is gentle, non-irritating,
and suitable for most skin types.

However, if you have extremely sensitive skin,
a patch test is always recommended.

CICA is most commonly found in:

How to apply

You only need one CICA product in your routine.

CICA isn’t just a trend ingredient.
It has a long history of use
and real science behind it.

If your skin feels sensitive, irritated, or stressed,
CICA can be a great addition to your routine.