What is Cica?

We love a good buzzword in skincare, and 2021 will no doubt bring us a host of trending ingredients and products to learn about and use to make sure our skincare routine is at its best potential. There are always new discoveries being made and new products and ingredients rising in popularity, although these aren’t always a ‘skin changing’ product. Popularity can have a lot to do with packaging, marketing and who endorses it, so it can be tough to know what is worth spending your money on and if it will really work.

Cica or Centella Asiatica is one of the most recent buzz words gaining popularity in both skincare and haircare products. You may also know it as Gotu Kola, Indian Pennywort or Tiger Grass. Cica is a herb grown primarily in Asia which has been traditionally used in medicinal and culinary fields but has also made its mark in the Korean beauty industry. As you may know Korean Beauty (K Beauty) is huge in the skincare world, with their natural ingredients and simplistic steps that give you beautiful results. Their formulas have brought inspiration to many western beauty brands and Cica is the latest ingredient to make the move. But is it worth the hype?

Skincare benefits of Cica:

Cica has a host of benefits for the skin, which explains why people are loving it. It is excellent for sensitive, irritated skin. Redness is reduced and skin is soothed when using products with Cica inside, Cica Creams are one of the most popular products used to take down the signs of skin flare ups. Acne prone skin will benefit too as skin will feel smoother, less irritated and any discolouration will be reduced. The herb has wound healing properties which are beneficial to sun burn and reducing any sun damage on the skin (something we all need). On top of all this it also has moisturising properties to keep your skin hydrated and soft so it looks its best.

Haircare benefits of Cica:

This wonder product not only helps your skin but it is a revolutionary product in haircare too. Cica haircare is excellent as a treatment for the reduction of hair loss and promoting hair growth. Hair follicles are firmed and the blood flow in the scalp is increased which leads to voluminous strong hair.

What form can it come in?

Cica can be found in almost any product, from cleansers to conditioners, but it is most beneficial in products that stay on your face such as serums and moisturisers, known as Cica creams. With these leave on products in Cica skincare, your skin has the most amount of time to absorb and reap the benefits. Although these are not the only products that work, the ingredient is so useful that it’s effective in even small concentrations, so, no matter how far down the ingredients list it is, if you see Centella Asiatica (or one of its many names), you know you’re in safe hands.

So, are you convinced yet? As you can see the proven benefits to Cica are a beauty-lovers dream! Get ahead of the curve and be on the Cica vibe with some Cica rich products! Grab a Cica pair with skincare and haircare products available online today, here’s some of our favourites.

Cica Skincare:

Decleor Cica-Botanic Oil Bourrache (Anti-Stretch Marks)

This Cica body oil is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks in just eight weeks. The perfect product to show off Cica’s healing and anti-redness properties.

Decleor Cica-Botanic Eucalyptus Balm

This powerful repairing balm harnesses the power of Centella Asiatica to reduce skin irritation and leave it with a smooth, healthy glow.

Cica Haircare:

Kerastase Blond Absolu Fondant Cicaflash

Hair is strengthened and protected from breakage, especially focused on blonde, colour treated hair.

Cicaplasme Hair Primer

Blonde hair is repaired to its full potential with this de-sensitising primer, split ends are sealed and hair is heat protected up to 230 degrees so that you can continue to style your locks without damaging them.

Kerastase Blond Absolu Bain Cicaextreme

Blonde hair is restored and repaired with this shampoo cream hair treatment, the formula richly hydrates hair giving it a healthy shine so your blonde can be at its best.