In Korean skincare, certain ingredients transcend trends to become timeless essentials. Cica—short for Centella Asiatica—is one of them.
Known in traditional Korean medicine as “tiger grass” (legend says wounded tigers would roll in the plant to heal), cica has become a cornerstone of modern K-beauty for its remarkable ability to soothe, repair, and protect stressed skin. Unlike quick-fix ingredients that promise overnight miracles, cica works with your skin’s natural healing process to build lasting resilience.
At SkinSeoul, we believe the best skincare routines are built on ingredients that care for your skin barrier first. That’s why a complete cica routine—from cleansing to sleeping mask—offers one of the most effective approaches to calm, healthy, balanced skin.
Why Cica Belongs in Every Step of Your Routine
Centella Asiatica isn’t just a single-use treatment ingredient—it’s a complete skin philosophy. Its benefits work at every stage of your skincare routine, making it uniquely suited for full-spectrum care.
What makes cica exceptional:
Whether you’re dealing with acne, sensitivity, barrier damage, or simply want to maintain healthy skin, a cica-centered routine provides consistent, gentle support at every step.
The Complete Cica Routine: Morning to Night
Building a cica routine means selecting products that work together to cleanse, prep, treat, hydrate, and protect. Here’s how each step contributes to stronger, calmer skin:
Step 1: Cleanse — Start with a Calm Foundation
MISSHA Cicadin Acidic Blemish Cleansing Foam (150ml, $13.01)
Your routine begins with a cleanser that removes impurities without stripping or irritating. MISSHA’s Cicadin formula combines cica with salicylic acid to gently address blemishes while maintaining your skin’s natural pH and moisture barrier. The natural surfactants create a soft foam that cleanses thoroughly yet kindly—perfect for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Step 2: Prep — Hydrate and Soothe
Dr. AG Derma Cica Repair Toner Pad (60ea, $16.60)
After cleansing, prep your skin with these dual-sided pads. One side gently exfoliates to refine texture, while the other delivers a cica-rich essence that hydrates and soothes. These pads are perfect for those who want the benefits of a toner without extra steps—simply swipe and move on, or leave them on problem areas as a quick mini-mask.
Step 3: Treat — Target Specific Concerns
CICAGO Cica Double Effect Ampoule (30ml, $22.86)
This is where targeted treatment happens. CICAGO’s unique two-layer formula addresses both dullness and redness while improving moisture balance. The concentrated ampoule delivers cica’s healing benefits deep into the skin, making it ideal for barrier repair, post-breakout recovery, and reducing skin tightness. Shake well to activate both layers before applying.
Step 4: Moisturize — Lock It All In
Dr. AG Derma Moist Cica Repair Cream (50ml, $10.09)
Seal in all previous layers with this dermatologist-developed repair cream. The lightweight yet nourishing texture provides long-lasting moisture without heaviness, making it suitable for both morning and evening use. Centella Asiatica calms irritation while supporting barrier function—this is your daily defense against environmental stress.
Step 5: Overnight Repair — Wake Up Renewed
VT COSMETICS Cica Sleeping Mask (30ea, €27.11)
Two to three nights a week, add this gel-cream sleeping mask as your final step. The convenient capsule format delivers a concentrated dose of cica and hyaluronic acid that works while you sleep to deeply hydrate, reinforce the moisture barrier, and promote that well-rested, smooth appearance. Wake up to visibly calmer, more resilient skin.
Complete Cica Routine at a Glance
| Step | Product | Brand | Key benefit | Price |
| Cleanse | Cicadin Acidic Blemish Cleansing Foam | MISSHA | Gentle cleansing + blemish care | $13.01 |
| Prep | Derma Cica Repair Toner Pad | Dr. AG | Exfoliate + hydrate | $16.60 |
| Treat | Cica Double Effect Ampoule | CICAGO | Dual-layer repair | $22.86 |
| Moisturize | Derma Moist Cica Repair Cream | Dr. AG | Barrier protection | $10.09 |
| Night care | Cica Sleeping Mask | VT COSMETICS | Overnight renewal | €27.11 |
How to Customize Your Cica Routine
The beauty of a cica routine is its flexibility. You can adjust based on your skin’s current needs:
For everyday maintenance: Use Steps 1–4 morning and evening. Add the sleeping mask 2–3 times per week for extra support.
For stressed or irritated skin: Double up on the toner pads (use morning and night), and apply the sleeping mask every night until your skin feels balanced again.
For acne-prone skin: The combination of salicylic acid in the cleanser and cica’s anti-inflammatory benefits throughout helps manage breakouts without over-drying or irritating.
For barrier repair: If your skin feels tight, flaky, or reactive, focus on the ampoule and cream duo twice daily, skipping any active exfoliants until your barrier recovers.
For sensitive skin: This entire routine is designed with sensitivity in mind—clean formulas, minimal irritants, and maximum soothing benefits at every step.
Why a Full Cica Routine Works Better
While a single cica product can help, a complete routine creates cumulative benefits that single products cannot achieve alone. Each step prepares your skin for the next, building layers of healing, hydration, and protection.
Think of it like this: cleansing with cica ensures you’re not irritating your skin at the start. Prepping with cica opens your skin to absorb treatments better. Treating with concentrated cica targets specific damage. Moisturizing with cica seals everything in. And overnight cica care gives your skin uninterrupted hours to repair.
The result? Skin that’s not just calm in the moment, but genuinely stronger and more resilient over time.
Why SkinSeoul Loves This Cica Routine
At SkinSeoul, we prioritize gentle efficacy and barrier-first thinking. This complete cica routine embodies what makes K-beauty exceptional:
Whether you’re recovering from barrier damage, managing breakouts, or simply want to maintain healthy skin through stress and seasonal changes, this routine offers a proven path to calmer, stronger skin.
Final Thoughts: Cica as a Lifestyle
Korean skincare teaches us that healthy skin isn’t about dramatic transformations—it’s about consistent, gentle care that respects your skin’s natural processes. Cica embodies this philosophy perfectly.
By building a routine around this time-honored ingredient, you’re not chasing trends. You’re investing in your skin’s long-term health, one soothing layer at a time.
Discover the complete cica routine at SkinSeoul and experience what centuries of healing wisdom combined with modern K-beauty innovation can do for your skin.
I was lucky enough to test out this wonderful cream by Wellage. The Real Hyaluronic Cream 100 is so rich and emollient. It goes on so beautifully and soaked right into my skin. My skin remained hydrated throughout the entire day and looked so radiant and beautiful! There is no scent to this product which is a plus for me. I used this in the morning under my makeup and at night before bed. I am thrilled with the results on my very dry skin! Really loving this and have incorporated it into my skincare routine!
Just received my Iope vital serum cannot really comment if it helps my skin but the customer service is excellent will order from again
I have been using the Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Deep Cleanser for two weeks and I think it's brilliant!
I don't have acne prone skin, but I do have a lot of redness and uneven tone. The first time I used this I was concerned it may be drying, but my skin felt very comfortable after using it, which was impressive because so many cleansers are drying for my skin. The smooth, creamy texture felt soft on my skin and the scent was earthy, which was pleasant.
It paired beautifully with my hemp seed cleansing balm for a double cleanse every night and even in the morning when I only used the Anua, my skin was visibly cleaner, as if I'd double cleansed. It really is a true deep cleanser. The redness on my face seems to have improved too, which were better results than I'd hoped for.
After the initial two weeks I used a hemp-based cleanser that I had just received and was excited to try. After two days I went straight back to the Anua deep cleanser because my skin was much happier with this new cleanser that I'll be continuing to use daily!
I really do highly recommend this!
It is a good product, it works great and helps reduce acne. I recommend it.
It is a good product, it works great and helps reduce acne. I recommend it.
I am in my early 70's, up until recently I was never that careful with my skin. I did not realize you could do anything to make a true difference in your skin. In the US we don't take care of our skin like folks do in other countries, our loss. On a whim I purchased this product in the hopes I could do something good for my "age spots" on my hands and face. To my happy surprise, this worked! I keep one in my purse one in our master bath and one in my office on the main floor of our house, and apply it regularly. These little tubes are so convenient! My age spots are fading very nicely and I do look better. Am I younger or can I play the violin? NO, but my skin looks much better and that makes me feel good. Shipping was quick especially since it traveled half way around the globe, the price is reasonable, and customer service is very helpful. The box it was shipped in was a bit battered, but the products were well protected and arrived in perfect condition. I bought 2 -4 packs, and gave 3 away for friends to try, I like this stuff that much. I will be back for more and many other products as well. Very nice Company to deal with.
Love this set, I love how clean and dewy my skin looks and feels
The products are all lovely in this set. Very nice on the skin.
I have sensitiv skin, and the this has been lifesaver! It's incredibly hydrating and has helped soothe and repair my skin barrier. The essence absorbs quickly, leaving it refreshed and moisturized. I've noticed a significant improvement in my skin's overall health and texture.highly recommend this essence to anyone with sensitive or dry skin!
It is my first time to try this brand but I like their light texture and fast absorption. Great for oily skin and Singapore weather.
The delivery was fast and no dents on the package.
Great product
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