Centella (Cica): effective % & pH 센텔라/시카
How much Centella (Cica) actually works? Here's the dosage, pH and evidence — the formulator-level read behind the % on a Korean label.
| Effective % | varies (extract; standardized formulas often cited around 0.1–1% of actives) |
|---|---|
| Optimal pH | 5.0–6.5 |
| Evidence | Moderate |
| Onset | 2–4 weeks (calming look) |
What the % on the label really means
A centella/cica % on the label rarely tells you the active triterpene content — look instead for standardized actives like madecassoside if you want a measurable dose.
Centella (Cica) guide →How Centella (Cica) works →
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🙋 People also ask
What is cica or centella in skincare?
Cica is short for Centella asiatica, a plant also called tiger grass and widely used in Korean skincare to soothe the look of redness and support a comfortable, resilient barrier. It's a go-to for sensitive, stressed or breakout-prone skin in calming creams and serums.
What does cica mean in Korean skincare?
Cica is shorthand for Centella asiatica, a botanical used across Korean soothing products. Cica formulas are aimed at the look of redness, irritation and a stressed barrier.
✍️ Written & reviewed by the KoreaPlus Editorial team — dermatologist-informed, cosmetic-science researched & source-cited. Last reviewed: 2026-08-23.
General educational information using cosmetic structure-function wording — not medical advice. Always patch-test new actives. © KoreaPlus.