“Cica” refers to two things: first, the French word for scars, “Cicatrice,” and second, its core ingredient, Centella Asiatica, a medicinal herb that has been used for thousands of years in East Asia. Centella Asiatica is affectionately referred to as “Tigergrass” because wounded tigers were known to roll over the herb for its ability in relieving anxiety, fevers and improving cognition. When applied topically, it’s known to help soothe burns and wounds, calm eczema and irritable, sensitive or allergy-prone skin.
But Cica is most known for its incredible regenerative and anti-aging properties, for which the K-Beauty world introduced a whole new beauty regime centering on the healing ingredient. Essentially, Cica cream is a scar cream, anti-aging cream, and soothing cream all in one, suitable for any skin type. Here’s our list for the must-have cica-creams trending in Korea right now.
Etudé house Soon Jung 5-Panthensoside Cica Balm
With over 20 different essential ingredients and a high concentration of Tigergrass, this product is known for its strong regenerative properties.
Make P:rem CicaPro™ Revitalising Cream
With a delicate mix of Tigergrass and Probiotics, the CicaPro™ cream protects the skin barrier and helps in relieving sensitive skin.
Innisfree Bija Cica Balm
The Innisfree Bija Cica Balm incorporates Bija seed oil, known for protecting skin barriers, with a few panthenol-based ingredients known for their nourishing properties, to alleviate skin troubles and relieve sensitive skin.
Dr Jart+ Cicapair Cream
Highly moisturizing, the Dr Jart+ Cicapair Cream contains high amounts of Tigergrass and mineral oil to relieve wounds and regenerate skin. Great for rosacea-prone complexions and for those with oiler skin types. Best used overnight as the texture can be quite heavy during the day.
Avène Eau Thermale Cicalfate S.O.S Cream
With the combined properties of copper sulfate and zinc sulfate, the S.O.S restoring cream helps relieve inflammation, reduce the risk of bacterial proliferation, and provide quick relief for burns, redness and blemishes.
Rovectin Essentials Cica Care Balm
A highly concentrated blend of Tigergrass, calamine and Rovectin’s signature barrier repair technology, this balm regenerates the skin, reduces redness and enhances its tolerability of high-stress conditions.
A-Derma Dermalibour+ Crème Réparatrice
A repairing cream that quickly soothes and heals red, itchy, irritated or damaged skin.
Originally published on Vogue Korea.
Editor
Gong In-ahCredit
Translated by Angela Kwon
