Forget Vitamin C, ‘Cica’ is the is the new buzz ingredient in skincare… and here’s why it’s amazing
It's appearing more and more in our new skincare products, but what is it and where can we find it?
SKINCARE ingredients have had a lot of attention in recent months, with everything from Vitamin C to Retinol getting it's five minutes of fame.
But we think that this one could be the most impressive one yet. Cica, short for Centella Asiatica, derives from a green plant that's both eaten and commonly used as a medicinal herb in Asia.
The herb, that looks like a clove, is said to be so soothing on the skin that tigers in India apparently roll around in it to heal battle wounds.
Skincare experts have found that it can also help to calm inflammation and speed up wound healing on human skin, too, thanks to its potent antioxidant ingredients.
Not only that, but Cica is said to help repair the skin's barrier (a layer that helps to keep skin moisturized and radiant), which can be affected by ageing, dryness, eczema, rosacea and over-use of harsh skincare products.
The good news? Skyn ICELAND have just launched a brightening eye serum that contains the ingredient, to help soothe tired, puffy eyes and maximise cell metabolism in the eye area (meaning you can say goodbye to fine lines and wrinkles).
Sarah Kugelman, founder of the brand, says: "One of the primary symptoms of stressed skin is irritation and inflammation, which makes Centella Asiatica such a beneficial ingredient to have in skincare products, particularly an eye serum."
"Not only is this herb deeply soothing, but it’s also an amino-acid rich marine extract which actively calms irritation, increases collagen production and improves circulation. After use skin is left looking noticeably more supple, which is essential for around the eye area as this needs de-puffing and healing most!"
- skyn ICELAND Brightening Eye Serum with Arctic Peptides, £30, from Cult Beauty -
We also can't get enough of these products that contain the miracle ingredient...
- Dr Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment, £12, from Selfridges -
- L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Cica Cream, £12.99, from Superdrug -
- Mixa Cica Repair Body Lotion, £6.49, from Feel Unique -
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