With all the incredible antioxidants and holy grail goodies out there, youโll be forgiven if you havenโt heard of Centella Asiatica (Cica). Also known as Tiger grass or Gotu Kola, this healing ingredient is popping up all over cosmetic lines. In particular, moisturisers loaded up with Cicaย (known as a Cica balm or a Cica cream)ย are incredibly popular in Korean skincare. Not only do they promise to reduce blemishes and soothe redness and inflammation, but Cica is also considered to beย the product to help restore your skin’s natural barrier (especially if youโve been layering on stripping toners and harsh exfoliants).
If youโve got sensitive or inflamed skin, are acne or dermatitis-prone, or simply want a new moisturiser, look for a skincare product that contains Centella Asiatica or any of its different concentrated compounds (asiatic acid, madecassic acid, madecassoside, and asiaticoside). Not sure where to start? Weโve rounded up our favourite Cica balms, and they’re all available in Hong Kong!
Theย Dr. Jart+ย Tiger Grass Cream (known in the Hong Kong market as Cicapair Cream)ย was one of the earliest Cica products to hit the market. Inspired by stories of Asian tigers who would roll in Centella Asiatica to heal their battle wounds, this โtiger grassโ moisturiser contains all four compounds of Centella and has a thick creamy consistency, guaranteed to become your winter staple. The entire Cicapair line is brilliant โ weโre big fans of its Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30, a green to beige blemish covering cream with added sun protection!
Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream (5oml),ย available at Sasaย from $372 to $465
Infused with Bija oil (which protects and smoothes skin), as well as all four Centella Asiatica ingredients,ย innisfreeโs cica option is the ultimate soothing product. Itsย gel-balm is light, non-greasy and easy to absorb โ perfect to work into your everyday routine or to provide a first layer of moisture.
Innisfree Bija Cica Balm (4oml), available at innisfree locations across Hong Kongย forย $190
The Soon Jung collection fromย Etude Houseย is formulated specially for sensitive skin, meaning it’s safe, gentle and hypoallergenic. If you have easily irritated skin and are in dire need of something mild and moisturising, this affordable gel-balm containsย panthenol and skin-calming madecassoside.
Etude House Soon Jung 5-Panthensoside Cica Balm (40ml), available at Etude Houseย locations across Hong Kong forย $143
French brandย La Roche-Posay is dedicated to providing dermatologist tested skincare, suitable for even the most sensitive skin. Itsย Cicaplast Baume is a soothing multi-purpose balm with a triple-action formula containing panthenol, vitamin B5 and madecassoside, making it the perfect solution for those who have inflamed or irritated dry skin.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 (40ml), available atย various locations across Hong Kongย for $100
Korean skincare brand COSRX is a cult-favourite. It already carries products containing Centellaย Asiatica, including a blemish cream, ampule, and toner. Its latest matte cica balm contains the perfect concoction for dry skin – a medical gradeย Centella Asiatica extract, withย asiaticoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid, and ceramide NP, to strengthen your skin’s barrier and help it retain moisture. You can find more COSRX products atย ร
landย in Lee Theatre.
COSRX Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream (80g), available online on YesStyle for $169.90ย
This super affordable option fromย A’pieuย comes in various forms: a cica gel, balm, or a more lotion-y cream. Containing Centella Asiatica leaf water and madecassoside, each product is gentle and soothing,ย easy-to-absorb, and keeps your skin hydrated and soft.
A’pieu Madecassoside Cica Gel (5oml), available online on YesStyle for $101.90
Featured image courtesy of Dr. Jart+ via Instagram, image 1 courtesy of Dr. Jart+ via Instagram,ย image 2 courtesy of innisfree via Instagram,ย image 3 courtesy of Etude House via Instagram, image 4 courtesy of La Roche-Posay via Instagram,ย image 5 courtesy of COSRX via Instagram,ย image 6 courtesy of A’pieu via Instagram
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