CICA Calming Aqua Toner
Tracked ingredients
Key actives from our research database. Click any to read the full evidence dossier.
Evidence behind the ingredients
Real citations from our research database — one per tracked active in this product. Click any ingredient name to read its full evidence dossier.
Also called "cica," it calms redness, repairs the skin barrier, and speeds up healing. The go-to for irritated or reactive skin.
Su Z et al., The Effectiveness and Safety of a Skin Care Product With Centella asiatica Leaf Extract, Ceramide NP, and Panthenol in Subjects With Sensitive Skin: A Prospective, Observational Study, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(7):e70324 — Sun Yat-Sen U 4-week study; cream provided rapid relief of facial redness and supported barrier function
Cho SY et al., Comparative analysis of bioactive compounds and the anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties of Centella asiatica, Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry 2025;68:30 — Jeju-grown C. asiatica matched/exceeded imported sources for asiaticoside content; in RAW264.7 + HaCaT models inhibited iNOS/COX-2/IL-1β/IL-6 and accelerated HaCaT wound closure
Wang L et al., A two-center randomized controlled trial of a repairing mask as an adjunctive treatment for mild to moderate rosacea, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2024;23(10):3281-3286 — Centella asiatica repairing mask adjunct to minocycline improved IGA, repaired barrier, reduced rosacea symptoms (n=64)
A pure hydrator that holds water in your skin. Makes skin look plumper and smoother almost immediately.
Bravo B et al., Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence, Dermatology and Therapy 2022;12(12):2657-2680 — HA-based cosmeceuticals reliably improve hydration and signs of skin aging
An JH et al., Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy of Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid-Based Microneedle Patch with Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Epidermal Growth Factor on Korean Skin, Annals of Dermatology 2019;31(3):263-271 — cross-linked HA microneedle patches improved wrinkles on Korean skin with minimal discomfort
Jegasothy SM et al., Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humans, Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology 2014;7(3):27-29 — nano-HA produced up to 40% wrinkle-depth reduction, 96% hydration increase, and 55% elasticity improvement over 8 weeks
A probiotic-based ingredient that strengthens your skin's defenses against irritation and environmental stress.
Zhu X et al., Protective effect of Bifidobacterium animalis CGMCC25262 on HaCaT keratinocytes, International Microbiology 2024;27(5):1417-1428 — B. animalis lysate upregulated HAS-2, AQP3, FLG and reduced RANTES under TNF-α/IFN-γ
Korean authors et al., Selection of microbiome extracts using 3D human skin equivalents and clinical evaluation of an emulsion for skin wrinkle improvement, Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea 2023;49(1):47-58 — 21-woman 2-week clinical trial: 5% (v/v) Bifidobacterium bifidum fermented filtrate emulsion reduced periocular wrinkles 5.6% more than placebo
Wang R et al., The pivotal role of Bifida Ferment Lysate on reinforcing the skin barrier function and maintaining homeostasis of skin defenses in vitro, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2023;22(12):3427-3435 — BFL upregulated barrier and antioxidant genes; reduced inflammatory signaling
+−4 more ingredients
A multitasker that calms redness, evens out skin tone, and helps oily skin balance out. One of the safest do-a-little-of-everything ingredients.
Korean authors et al., Anti-acne and Tolerance Assessment of a Cleanser Containing Salicylic Acid, Gluconolactone and Niacinamide, Asian Journal of Beauty and Cosmetology 2024;22(3):383-391 — 4-week clinical trial (n=43 oily acne-prone): significant reduction in inflammatory + non-inflammatory acne lesions and sebum content; 2-week safety (n=39 sensitive skin) confirmed tolerance
Korean authors et al., A split-face study to evaluate the efficacy of a dissolving microneedle-encapsulated niacinamide skin patch for the reduction of facial hyperpigmentation, Archives of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 2022;28(4):113-118 — 17-patient 2-week split-face RCT: DMN niacinamide patch significantly reduced epidermal pigmentation score and melanin score vs untreated control side
Liu H et al., Topical azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulphur, zinc and fruit acid (alpha-hydroxy acid) for acne, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2020;5:CD011368 — conclusion: clinical benefit is unclear
Pro-vitamin B5. Deeply hydrates and helps repair the skin barrier, calming dry or compromised skin.
Gao Y et al., Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Panthenol-Enriched Mask for Skin Barrier Recovery After Facial Laser Treatment, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(7):e70223 — double-blind RCT (n=60): panthenol mask decreased erythema, enhanced hydration, repaired barrier vs saline
Cho YS et al., Use of Dexpanthenol for Atopic Dermatitis-Benefits and Recommendations Based on Current Evidence, Journal of Clinical Medicine 2022;11(14):3943 — Korean-authored review; dexpanthenol improves barrier and reduces severity in mild-to-moderate AD
Heise R et al., Accelerated wound healing with a dexpanthenol-containing ointment after fractional ablative CO2 laser resurfacing of photo-damaged skin in a randomized prospective clinical trial, Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology 2019;38(3):274-278 — RCT: dexpanthenol significantly faster wound closure vs petroleum jelly post-laser
A gentle smoother and skin-soother. Reduces flakiness and helps the surface look more even.
Xu Z et al., Efficacy and Safety of Topical Compound Heparin Sodium Allantoin Gel for the Treatment of Rosacea, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(4):e70129 — RCT (n=82, 12 weeks): allantoin gel improved erythema and alleviated itching/burning vs traditional therapy
Tan C et al., The combination of allantoin, bisabolol, D-panthenol and dipotassium glycyrrhizinate mitigates UVB-induced PGE2 synthesis by keratinocytes, International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2024;46(5):691-701 — in vitro: allantoin combination reduced UVB-induced PGE2, IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, TNFα
Saucedo-Acuna RA et al. (Mexico), Characterization and In Vivo Assay of Allantoin-Enriched Pectin Hydrogel for the Treatment of Skin Wounds, International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2023;24(8):7377 — allantoin-pectin hydrogel reduced wound healing time by ~71% with complete closure at day 15 in rat model
A purified compound from the cica (centella) plant, laser-focused on calming inflammation and speeding up how fast skin heals.
Bandopadhyay S et al., Therapeutic properties and pharmacological activities of asiaticoside and madecassoside: A review, Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine 2023;27(5):593-608 — comprehensive review of wound-healing, anti-inflammatory and regenerative activity
Park KS, Pharmacological Effects of Centella asiatica on Skin Diseases: Evidence and Possible Mechanisms, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2021;2021:5462633 — KR-authored review of triterpenes including madecassoside
MFDS Notified Functional Cosmetic Active — Madecassoside (barrier strengthening, as a component of the Centella TECA complex). Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Functional Cosmetics Codex — one of four standardized triterpenes defining the notified Centella barrier-repair active
Sources: PubMed · KCI · J-Stage · CNKI · Wanfang · SFD · MFDS · Cochrane · SCCS · CIR. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for what each outcome label means.
Layering conflicts
Ingredients in this product that can react with common actives. Avoid stacking unless noted.
- Vitamin Clow
Sensitive skin may flush.
Similar comparisons
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