Bija Cica Balm Ex
Bija Cica Balm Ex
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, fragrance-free gel-balm moisturizer formulated with Centella Asiatica 4X and Jeju Bija Seed Oil to soothe irritated skin, strengthen the moisture barrier, and improve uneven texture. Doubles as a full-face moisturizer or targeted spot treatment for troubled, sensitive skin.
Centella Asiatica 4X Complex
Contains all four key cica derivatives — madecassoside, madecassic acid, asiaticoside, and asiatic acid — for synergized soothing and skin repair.
Texture & feel
SENSORYCentella Asiatica 4X Complex
Contains all four key cica derivatives — madecassoside, madecassic acid, asiaticoside, and asiatic acid — for synergized soothing and skin repair.
Jeju Bija Seed Oil
Rare oil from Torreya Nucifera trees on Jeju Island with antibacterial and nourishing properties to strengthen the skin barrier.
Barrier Strengthening Duo
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) and Squalane work together to reinforce the moisture barrier and deeply hydrate compromised skin.
Multi-Use Formula
Versatile enough to use as a full-face moisturizer for daily hydration or as a targeted spot treatment on areas of concern.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEFree of retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreen filters. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Contains Polysorbate 60, Palmitic Acid, Torreya Nucifera Seed Oil, and Sorbitan Isostearate — ingredients that can feed Malassezia yeast. Avoid if prone to fungal acne.
Passed a 4-week non-comedogenic test by IEC Korea. Clinically verified to not provoke or aggravate acne breakouts.
Formulated without fragrance, parabens, artificial colorants, and mineral oil. Suitable for sensitive and reactive skin types.
Safe to layer with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. The soothing cica and panthenol can actually help buffer irritation from these actives.
Contains no animal-derived ingredients and is not tested on animals. Innisfree participates in the TerraCycle recycling program.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSCentella Asiatica 4X ComplexProven
A proprietary blend of all four active compounds derived from Centella Asiatica: madecassoside, madecassic acid, asiaticoside, and asiatic acid. Together they provide powerful anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and collagen-stimulating benefits.
- Madecassoside: Most potent anti-inflammatory component; reduces redness and irritation signals in the skin.
- Asiaticoside: Stimulates collagen Type I synthesis and accelerates wound healing processes.
- Madecassic Acid: Blocks inflammatory pathways and provides antioxidant protection.
- Asiatic Acid: Promotes fibroblast activity for improved skin repair and barrier recovery.
Torreya Nucifera (Bija) Seed OilPromising
A rare and precious oil extracted from the seeds of Bija trees native to Jeju Island, South Korea. These trees require at least 20 years to bear fruit, making the oil a coveted ingredient in K-beauty.
- Antibacterial: Demonstrated antimicrobial activity that can help address skin blemishes and imperfections.
- Barrier Support: Rich in fatty acids that nourish and reinforce the skin's natural protective barrier.
- Texture Improvement: Helps improve the appearance of uneven skin texture over consistent use.
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) ~2-5%Proven
A humectant and skin-conditioning agent that attracts moisture, strengthens the skin barrier, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Converts to Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) in the skin.
- Moisturization: Draws water into the skin and helps produce lipids essential for a healthy barrier.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Clinically shown to reduce irritation caused by other active ingredients in formulations.
- Comedogenicity: 0 — Non-comedogenic and non-irritating at all concentrations.
SqualaneProven
A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that mimics the skin's natural sebum. Provides excellent hydration without clogging pores and is compatible with virtually all skin types.
- Emolliency: Creates a breathable protective film that prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
- Skin-Identical: Structurally similar to the squalene naturally produced in human sebum.
- Stability: Hydrogenated form is oxidation-resistant and shelf-stable, unlike squalene.
Glycerin ~5-10%Proven
One of the most well-researched humectants in skincare. Attracts and binds moisture to the skin while maintaining the lipid barrier in a healthy liquid crystal state.
- Hydration: Effective from as low as 3%, with even greater benefits at higher concentrations for dry skin.
- Barrier Repair: Helps restore and maintain the skin's natural protective barrier.
- Comedogenicity: 0 — Completely non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types.
26 ingredients
Water / Aqua / Eau, Propanediol, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Squalane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Panthenol, 1,2-Hexanediol, C12-16 Alcohols, Polysorbate 60, Diisostearyl Malate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Palmitic Acid, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tromethamine, Cetearyl Glucoside, Torreya Nucifera Seed Oil, Disodium EDTA, Sorbitan Isostearate, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Glucose
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your moisturizer step (replace step 5) or apply before your regular moisturizer for extra barrier support. Can also be used as a spot treatment on areas of concern. Always follow with sunscreen in the AM.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Tone
Start with a clean face. After cleansing, apply your toner and any serums or essences as usual.
Dispense a Dime-Sized Amount
Squeeze a small, coin-sized amount from the tube. A little goes a long way with the gel-balm texture.
Apply & Pat Gently
Smooth evenly onto face and neck, focusing on areas that need extra care. Gently pat in for better absorption.
Follow with Sunscreen (AM)
In your morning routine, always finish with sunscreen. At night, this can be your final step or apply a heavier cream on top if needed.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive, irritated, or reactive skin
- You want to strengthen a compromised skin barrier
- You experience redness, dryness, or rough texture
- You need a fragrance-free, gentle moisturizer
- You want a versatile product for full-face or spot use
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe option
- You want to soothe skin after chemical peels or treatments
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (Malassezia) — contains triggering ingredients
- You have very oily skin and prefer ultra-lightweight textures
- You want a large-volume product (only 40ml for the price)
- You need heavy-duty anti-aging actives like retinol or peptides
- You prefer products with a noticeable scent
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESSpecifically designed for sensitive skin. Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and dermatologically tested. Cica complex actively soothes irritation and redness.
Squalane, glycerin, and panthenol deliver deep hydration and help prevent moisture loss. Rich enough to use alone as a moisturizer for normal-to-dry skin.
Gel-balm texture absorbs well without heavy residue. Use sparingly on oilier zones and more generously on dry patches for balanced hydration.
Some oily-skin users find the texture slightly rich for daytime. Best used as a nighttime moisturizer or targeted spot treatment rather than full-face AM use.
Passed non-comedogenic testing. Soothes active blemishes and supports healing. Not suitable for fungal acne due to certain ingredients.
Results timeline
MONTH 1–3Immediate Soothing & Comfort
Skin feels calmer, less tight, and more comfortable immediately after application. Redness from active blemishes begins to look less inflamed.
85% noticed immediate soothingBarrier Strengthening & Hydration
Skin barrier begins to recover. Peeling and flakiness reduce noticeably. The skin feels softer and better hydrated throughout the day.
90% agreed it soothed skin (clinical study)Visible Texture Improvement
Uneven texture and rough patches show visible improvement. Post-blemish marks begin to fade as skin turnover normalizes with a healthier barrier.
93% agreed it strengthened their barrier (clinical study)Lasting Skin Resilience
With consistent daily use, the skin becomes more resilient to environmental stressors. Overall complexion appears healthier, smoother, and more even-toned.
80% reported healthier-looking skin overallRatings by platform
2K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Excellent at calming redness and irritation quickly
- Fragrance-free and gentle enough for very sensitive skin
- Versatile as both moisturizer and spot treatment
- Clinically tested noncomedogenic and hypoallergenic
- Contains high-quality Centella Asiatica 4X complex
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and 90% naturally derived
- Lightweight gel-balm texture absorbs without greasiness
- Safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Criticized
- Small size (40ml) feels expensive at $25
- May feel too rich for very oily skin in humid weather
- Not fungal acne safe due to oils and fatty acid content
- Limited impact on severe, cystic, or hormonal acne
- Hydration may not last all day for some users — reapplication needed
- Some users report it doesn't noticeably reduce post-acne scars
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Also features Centella Asiatica as the hero ingredient with a lightweight texture. Larger 50ml size at a lower price point. Lacks Bija Seed Oil and has a slightly different emollient base.
Uses high-purity Madagascar Centella extract. Comes in a generous 75ml tube. Lighter gel-cream texture that suits oily skin better but provides less occlusion for dry skin.
Extremely affordable cica cream with a lighter texture. Contains madecassoside and panthenol. Less comprehensive Centella complex (focuses on madecassoside only) and more silicone-heavy formulation.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the tube cap tightly closed after each use.
Squeeze tube with a narrow nozzle for hygienic, controlled dispensing
Yes — 40ml is well under the 100ml carry-on liquid limit
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. The Bija Cica Balm Ex does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreen filters, or any other ingredients commonly flagged as unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is formulated with gentle, skin-soothing ingredients like Centella Asiatica, panthenol, squalane, and glycerin, all of which are considered safe for expectant and nursing mothers. However, as always, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
No. This product is not considered fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients that can feed Malassezia yeast, including Polysorbate 60, Palmitic Acid (a fatty acid), Torreya Nucifera Seed Oil (a plant oil), and Sorbitan Isostearate. The squalane source is also unspecified — olive-derived squalane may contain traces of fatty acids. If you are prone to fungal acne, consider a dedicated fungal-acne-safe moisturizer instead.
Yes. The Bija Cica Balm Ex is an excellent companion to active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. The Centella Asiatica complex and panthenol in the formula help soothe and calm the skin, which can be beneficial when using potentially irritating actives. Apply your active product first (serum or treatment), allow it to absorb, and then apply the Bija Cica Balm as a soothing moisturizing layer on top.
The Bija Cica Balm Ex is best suited for normal-to-dry and sensitive skin types. It excels at soothing irritation, strengthening compromised barriers, and delivering medium-weight hydration. Combination skin can also benefit, especially when used on drier zones. Those with very oily skin may find the gel-balm texture slightly heavy for daytime, but it works well as a nighttime moisturizer or spot treatment for any skin type.
Most users report immediate soothing and comfort upon first application. Within 1–2 weeks of consistent use, a clinical study found that 90% of participants agreed the product soothed their skin and 93% agreed it strengthened their barrier. Visible improvements in skin texture, redness reduction, and overall complexion health are typically noticed within 2–4 weeks of daily AM and PM use.
Apply after cleansing, toning, and any serums or essences (Step 4 in a typical routine). It can replace your regular moisturizer or be layered underneath a heavier cream if you need extra hydration. It can also be used as a targeted spot treatment on areas of concern. Always follow with sunscreen as the last step in your morning routine.
No, it should not clog pores. The product has passed a 4-week non-comedogenic test conducted by IEC Korea, confirming it does not provoke or aggravate acne. It has a comedogenic rating of approximately 1 out of 5. It is also hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested. However, individual skin reactions can vary, so patch testing is always recommended if you have extremely reactive or acne-prone skin.
The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. After opening the tube, you should use it within one year for optimal efficacy and safety. The squeeze tube packaging with a narrow nozzle helps minimize air exposure and contamination, keeping the product fresher for longer. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Verdict: The Innisfree Bija Cica Balm Ex is a solid, well-formulated cica balm that delivers on its core promises of soothing irritated skin and strengthening the moisture barrier. The Centella Asiatica 4X complex paired with unique Jeju Bija Seed Oil sets it apart from competitors, and its fragrance-free, clinically tested formula makes it a safe choice for sensitive and reactive skin. The main drawbacks are its small 40ml size relative to the $25 price and the fact that it is not fungal-acne safe. If you are looking for a gentle, pregnancy-safe, multi-purpose cica moisturizer from a trusted K-beauty brand, this is an excellent choice — especially for troubled, dry, or barrier-compromised skin.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 3 |
Cyclopentasiloxane
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Squalane
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning, Refatting
|
Hydrating
|