What is cica, the next Korean beauty buzzword ingredient
Our editorial team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the products and deals we love. If you love them too and decide to purchase through the links below, we may receive a commission. Prices were correct at the time of publication.
Cica is a commonly used name for the herb Centella Asiatica, which is used in Asia. It is also known as gotu kola, asiatic acid, hydrocotyl or even ‘tiger grass’ in other parts of the world. The story goes, tigers used to roll in the plant to regenerate their skin and heal scars, thus the name ‘tiger grass.’
Cica cream hit it big thanks to K-beauty, and today, we may find more beauty products that are infused with cica – namely cleansers, face masks and CC creams – carried by big names such as Dr. Jart+, Dr. Belmeur, Aveeno, Innisfree and more.
What are its benefits
Cica is touted by beauty experts around the world for its healing, soothing properties, which is suitable for those with sensitive skin. For some of us who are suffering from eczema and psoriasis, you’ll find its inflammatory properties extremely welcoming.
How does it work
Cica is jam-packed with goodness, especially fatty acids, antioxidants and your vitamins A, B and C. The ingredients work together to stimulate collagen production, improve hydration and strengthen your skin’s defense against bacteria.
Shop these cica products now
Avarelle, Herbal Infusion, Cica Extract Sheet Mask, S$2.74
This sheet comes with a fresh blend with notes of centella asiatica and calendula enriched with ceramide for deep moisturising effects.
L'Oreal Revitalift CicaCream Anti-Wrinkle + Skin Barrier Repair, S$23.37 (20% off)
This lightweight, protective cream is formulated with Pro-Retinol, a powerful wrinkle-fighting ingredient and Centella Asiatica, a herb used in traditional Chinese medicine.
It's Skin, Tiger Cica, Mild Cleansing Foam, S$14.09
A sub-acidic cleansing foam that contains 95% nature-derived ingredient formula for a rich, mild foam that helps restore skin health.
Innisfree, Bija Cica Mist, S$23.26
A cica mist that helps to soothe tired, stressed skin from outside environment with high purity circa moisture. Spray it as and when you require.
Dr. Belmeur Advanced Cica Recovery Cream, S$45.03
K-beauty brand Dr. Belmeur Cica Recovery cream contains ceramide, panthenol and ingredients extracted from Centella asiatica, that helps to improve and strengthen the skin’s barrier.
Dispense a sufficient amount and spread evenly on face. Pat to promote absorption.
Aromatica Lively SuperBarrier Cica-Panthenol Serum, S$29.85
If you feel like your skin is tight, dry and sensitive, start rebuilding your moisture barrier with this serum. It contains ingredients such as Panthenol and Madecassoside to hydrate, soothe and lock moisture into the skin.
Lierac Cica-filler Anti-wrinkle Repairing Cream for Signs of Aging, now S$63.92 (20% off)
The Cica-Filler targets 4 main types of wrinkles, dehydration lines, expression lines, slackening lines, and photo-ageing lines (aggravated by UV ray). Lierac’s Cica-Filler uses a two-prong approach which aims to heal and fill these wrinkles.
Dr. Jart + Cicapair Calming Gel Cream, S$59
It’s a lightweight gel moisturiser that’s supposed to help soothe dry and sensitive skin, much like the rest of the Cicapair range. The key ingredient is Dr.Jart+’s signature Centella Asiatica (or Tiger Grass) complex which works to hydrate your skin as well as soothe irritation. The gel-cream also contains skin-loving ingredients like Niacinamide and a trademarked Jartbiome complex to strengthen and balance your skin.
More shopping deals:
The ultimate Eat Play Love guide – Singapore 2020 edition
Amazon fashion sale: Shop for brands like Calvin Klein, Nautica and more
Shopping: These eye palettes and products ramp up your shadow game
Michael Kors is slashing their prices on hundreds of items - starting as low as S$49
Non-medical face masks you can buy online from brands that give back to communities
This sleep hack lets you sleep like a baby and costs no more than $50
