If you've browsed Korean skincare lately, you've seen "cica" on everything from creams to cushion compacts. Cica is short for Centella asiatica, a creeping herb used on skin for centuries and now one of the most studied botanicals in skincare. Here's what it does, why it pairs so well with exfoliating acids, and how we use it in our Pore Refining Toner Pads.
What is Centella asiatica?
Centella asiatica is a small perennial that grows in swampy, tropical regions of Asia and Africa. It's also known as gotu kola, Indian pennywort and tiger grass, a name that comes from a legend that wounded tigers rolled in it to heal. Traditional medicine has long used it on wounds and skin infections, and modern research has identified the compounds behind those uses.
The key compounds
Four triterpenes do most of the work. In lab studies:
- Madecassoside calms inflammatory signals and protects against oxidative stress.
- Asiaticoside switches on collagen production in skin cells.
- Asiatic acid and madecassic acid support skin repair and hyaluronic acid production.
What cica does for skin
- Calms redness: In a 4-week study of 25 volunteers, a 5% centella cream reduced redness better than a placebo.
- Strengthens the barrier: The same cream raised skin hydration by 25% and cut moisture loss by 18%.
- Supports firmness: Its key compounds boost collagen production in skin cells.
- Helps skin recover: Its long history in wound care is why cica is a staple in post-treatment and sensitive-skin routines.
Why cica belongs next to exfoliating acids
Acids like lactic acid (an AHA) and salicylic acid (a BHA) clear dead skin cells and oil from pores, but daily exfoliation can leave skin feeling tight or pink. Cica's calming, barrier-supporting compounds help offset that, so you get clear and calm in the same step.
Meet the Pore Refining Toner Pads
Our Pore Refining Toner Pads give you a perfectly prepped, flawlessly clean complexion. Each highly textured, single-use pad is pre-soaked in a proprietary blend of gentle botanical extracts, including centella, and mild exfoliating acids. They sweep away lingering cellular debris, excess sebum and makeup residue, instantly tighten the appearance of pores and restore the skin's optimal pH balance.
- Instant exfoliation: Textured pads physically and chemically lift away dulling dead skin cells.
- pH balancing: Restores the skin's natural acid mantle after cleansing.
- Pore tightening: Clears out sebaceous filaments to make pores appear visibly smaller.
Also inside: niacinamide to refine the look of pores, panthenol and allantoin to soothe, sodium hyaluronate for hydration and ceramide NP to reinforce the skin barrier.
How to use
- Cleanse your face and pat it dry.
- Gently wipe the textured side of one pad across your face and neck, avoiding the eyes. Finish with the smooth side.
- Let the solution dry, then follow with serum and moisturizer.
- Use once a day. AHAs can make skin more sensitive to the sun, so finish with sunscreen in the morning.
Good to know
- Sensitive skin: Patch test first and start every other day.
- Don't stack exfoliants: Skip other acid toners, scrubs and retinoids in the same routine.
- For estheticians: A great home-care pick between facials for clients with oiliness or congestion. Pause use around peels, laser and waxing.
Shop the Pore Refining Toner Pads and start every routine with a perfectly prepped canvas. Licensed professionals can sign in to a Pro Account for professional pricing.
