Cica 80 And HA Soothing Toner
Cica 80 And HA Soothing Toner
Product Description
A lightweight, water-like soothing toner powered by 80% Centella Asiatica extract and a 7-type hyaluronic acid complex. Calms irritation, deeply hydrates, and strengthens the moisture barrier without stickiness. Dermatologist-tested and formulated for even the most sensitive skin.
โจ Texture & Feel
80% Centella Asiatica Extract
Certified organic Cica extract at a potent 80% concentration with 6 types of Cica-derived compounds to calm, soothe, and repair irritated skin fast.
7-Type Hyaluronic Acid Complex
Multi-molecular weight HA system delivers hydration at every skin depth, from the surface down, for plump and bouncy skin all day.
Barrier Strengthening
Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, and Allantoin work together to reinforce and repair your skin's natural moisture barrier.
Non-Sticky, Water-Like Texture
Absorbs instantly with zero residue or stickiness. Layers perfectly under serums, moisturizers, and sunscreen without pilling.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters. All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Free from fermented ingredients, fatty acids, esters, and polysorbates that feed Malassezia yeast. Confirmed safe by SkinSort and ingredient analysis.
Oil-free, silicone-free formula with zero comedogenic ingredients. Will not clog pores or contribute to breakouts.
Passed dermatological skin irritation testing. Free from fragrances, alcohol, parabens, sulfates, and common allergens.
Gentle enough for eczema-prone skin. Centella Asiatica has a long history of use for soothing inflammatory skin conditions.
Safe to use alongside retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, and niacinamide. Acts as a calming prep step before potent actives.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ฟ Centella Asiatica Extract 80% Proven
The star ingredient at a potent 80% concentration. Centella Asiatica (Cica/Gotu Kola) is a medicinal herb with centuries of use for wound healing, inflammation, and skin repair. Rich in four key active compounds: asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid.
- Wound Healing: Stimulates collagen synthesis and fibroblast proliferation to accelerate skin repair.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces redness and calms irritated, sensitized skin through multiple pathways.
- Hydration Boost: Stimulates GAG and hyaluronic acid synthesis in the skin for lasting moisture.
- Antioxidant: Protects against free radical damage and environmental stressors.
๐ง 7-Type Hyaluronic Acid Complex Multi-MW Proven
A comprehensive blend of seven different hyaluronic acid forms spanning multiple molecular weights to hydrate at every level of the skin. Includes Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed HA, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, pure Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, and Potassium Hyaluronate.
- High MW HA: Forms a moisture-locking film on the skin surface to prevent transepidermal water loss.
- Low MW HA: Penetrates deeper into the skin for plumping hydration from within.
- Crosspolymer HA: Provides longer-lasting moisture retention compared to standard HA.
- Clinical Data: Shown to increase skin moisture levels after 2 weeks of consistent use.
๐งฌ Madecassoside & Asiaticoside Active Levels Proven
Two of the most studied active triterpenoid saponins from Centella Asiatica, included here as isolated pure compounds in addition to the whole extract for enhanced efficacy.
- Madecassoside: Clinically shown to reduce inflammation and promote collagen production for scar healing.
- Asiaticoside: Stimulates type I collagen synthesis and helps improve skin elasticity.
- Madecassic Acid: Research demonstrates attenuation of allergic inflammation and skin barrier repair.
- Asiatic Acid: Exhibits wound-healing properties and supports antioxidant defense.
๐ฉน Allantoin Proven
A well-established skin-soothing and conditioning agent derived from the comfrey plant. Works alongside Centella to accelerate healing and calm irritation.
- Wound Healing: Promotes cell proliferation and tissue regeneration.
- Skin Softening: Keratolytic properties help smooth rough, flaky skin.
- Irritancy Rating: 0 โ extremely gentle on all skin types.
๐ฌ Betaine Promising
A naturally occurring amino acid derivative from sugar beets that acts as a humectant and osmolyte. Helps the skin maintain optimal hydration balance.
- Osmotic Protection: Helps skin cells retain water under stress or dry conditions.
- Gentle Hydration: Suitable for sensitive and irritated skin types.
- Skin Tone: Studies show it may help even out skin tone over time.
๐ซง Glycerin Comedogenicity: 0 Proven
A powerhouse humectant that draws moisture to the skin and helps maintain the lipid barrier in a healthy state. One of the most well-researched skincare ingredients.
- Superior Humectant: A 2016 study found glycerin more effective than AHAs and hyaluronic acid at hydrating skin.
- Barrier Support: Maintains skin lipids in a healthy liquid crystal state for optimal protection.
- Antimicrobial: Exhibits mild antimicrobial and antiviral properties.
23 ingredients
Centella Asiatica Extract (80%), Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Methylpropanediol, Betaine, Sodium Hyaluronate (100ppm), Allantoin, Glycerin, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Asiaticoside, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Potassium Hyaluronate, Madecassic Acid, Madecassoside, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Disodium EDTA
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use morning and evening after cleansing. Can be layered 2-3 times for extra hydration (7-skin method). Pairs well with Frankly Madecassoside & Allantoin Cream for full Cica routine.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse Your Face
Start with clean skin. Use your favorite cleanser, rinse, and gently pat your face until slightly damp (not fully dry).
Dispense & Apply
Pour a small amount into your palms or onto a cotton pad. Gently pat or swipe across the entire face, avoiding the eye area.
Layer for Extra Hydration (Optional)
For dehydrated or sensitive skin, layer 2-3 thin applications. Each layer absorbs quickly without residue.
DIY Toner Mask (Optional)
Soak cotton pads and leave on cheeks or irritated areas for 5-10 minutes for an intensive calming and hydrating treatment.
Continue Your Routine
Follow with your serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). The watery texture preps skin perfectly for the next steps.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have sensitive, irritated, or redness-prone skin
- Your skin barrier is damaged (over-exfoliation, retinol irritation, environmental stress)
- You want a lightweight, non-sticky hydrating toner
- You need a pregnancy-safe or fungal acne-safe toner
- You prefer minimal, clean ingredient lists
- You love the 7-skin layering method for dehydrated skin
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You need heavy-duty moisturization for very dry skin (pair with a rich cream)
- You want exfoliating properties (try an AHA/BHA toner instead)
- You prefer thick, viscous toner textures
- You want anti-aging actives like retinol or peptides in your toner
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Specifically designed for sensitive skin. 80% Cica calms redness and irritation on contact. Passed dermatological irritation testing.
Water-like texture absorbs instantly. Oil-free formula hydrates without adding shine or greasiness. Balances sebum production.
Lightweight formula hydrates dry patches without overloading oily zones. Excellent for balancing combination skin.
7-type HA complex provides solid hydration. Layer multiple times or pair with a heavier moisturizer for very dry skin.
Non-comedogenic (0/5), fungal acne safe, oil-free. Cica helps calm post-acne redness and supports healing of blemishes.
๐ Results Timeline
Instant Soothing & Hydration
Skin feels immediately calmer, softer, and more hydrated after the first application. Redness from irritation begins to visibly subside.
85% noticed instant calming effectMoisture Levels Increase
Measurable increase in skin moisture content. Skin texture feels smoother and more supple. Dehydration lines start to diminish.
78% reported improved moisture retentionBarrier Repair & Redness Reduction
Skin barrier noticeably stronger. Chronic redness and sensitivity are reduced. Skin looks healthier and more resilient to environmental stressors.
70% saw visible redness reductionOverall Skin Improvement
Complexion appears more balanced and glowing. Skin texture is refined, and the moisture barrier functions optimally. Fewer flare-ups for sensitive skin types.
65% reported overall skin improvementโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Incredibly soothing โ reduces redness and irritation quickly
- Water-like texture absorbs instantly with zero stickiness
- Excellent value: 260ml at a budget-friendly price
- Clean, minimal ingredient list with only 23 ingredients
- Works great for 7-skin method and cotton pad masks
- Safe for pregnancy, fungal acne, and eczema-prone skin
- Noticeable moisture improvement within 2 weeks
- No fragrance, no alcohol โ truly gentle
โ Criticized
- May not be hydrating enough alone for very dry skin
- Flip-top cap can be stiff and hard to use one-handed
- No exfoliating or brightening actives
- Texture may feel too lightweight for those who prefer richer toners
- Limited availability outside of K-beauty retailers
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Closest ingredient match with both Cica and HA. Slightly different Centella concentration and fewer HA types. Good alternative at a lower price point.
Community favorite for hydration. Focuses more on HA than Cica, so less soothing power but excellent deep hydration. Also fungal acne safe.
Simpler 9-ingredient formula with Centella Asiatica Leaf Water. Spray format is convenient but has lower Centella concentration and only 1 type of HA. Smaller 150ml bottle.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Frankly Cica 80 & HA Toner
$20.50SKIN1004 Centella Toning Toner
$19.96COSRX Centella Water Toner
$14.00Rovectin Cica Care Purifying Toner
$24.00๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration required, but can be stored in the fridge for an extra cooling soothing effect.
Opaque plastic bottle with flip-top cap. Protects formula from light degradation.
No โ 260ml exceeds the 100ml carry-on limit. Decant into a travel bottle for flights.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. This toner contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, or chemical sunscreen filters. All 23 ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The formula is built entirely on gentle soothing and hydrating ingredients like Centella Asiatica, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, allantoin, and betaine. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
Yes. This product has been confirmed fungal acne safe by SkinSort and Picky ingredient analysis. It is completely free from fermented ingredients, fatty acids (like oleic acid and stearic acid), fatty acid esters, polysorbates, and oils โ all known to feed Malassezia yeast. It is one of the safest soothing toner options for fungal acne sufferers.
Absolutely. This toner is an ideal companion for potent actives. It contains no exfoliating acids or retinoids itself, so there is no risk of over-exfoliation. Apply this toner first to hydrate and calm the skin, then follow with your retinol, vitamin C, AHA, or BHA. The soothing Cica and hydrating HA help buffer potential irritation from active ingredients.
This toner works excellently for all skin types but is especially outstanding for sensitive, oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. The lightweight, water-like texture absorbs quickly without greasiness (great for oily skin), while the 80% Cica soothes sensitized and irritated complexions. For dry skin, it provides a good hydration base but may need to be paired with a richer moisturizer.
Most users report an immediate calming and hydrating effect from the very first use. Within 1-2 weeks, skin moisture levels measurably improve (confirmed by the brand's clinical testing). For visible redness reduction and barrier repair, expect 3-4 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. Full benefits, including improved skin texture and resilience, typically develop over 6-8 weeks.
Apply this toner as Step 2, immediately after cleansing and before essences, serums, moisturizers, and sunscreen. It prepares the skin to better absorb subsequent products. Use it both morning and evening. You can apply it with your hands (pat gently) or with a cotton pad (swipe outward). For extra soothing benefits, try the cotton pad mask method for 5-10 minutes.
No, this toner has a comedogenic rating of 0 out of 5. It is completely oil-free and silicone-free, containing no ingredients known to clog pores. The formula is also free from heavy emollients and waxes. It is one of the safest toner choices for acne-prone and congestion-prone skin.
The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. Once opened, use within 12 months for optimal freshness and efficacy. The 260ml bottle typically lasts 2-3 months with twice-daily use, well within the PAO window. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve the formula's integrity.
Verdict: The Frankly Cica 80 & HA Soothing Toner is an exceptional value-driven K-beauty toner that delivers on its promises. With a potent 80% Centella Asiatica extract and a comprehensive 7-type hyaluronic acid complex in a clean 23-ingredient formula, it provides serious soothing and hydrating power without any unnecessary fillers. It checks every safety box โ pregnancy safe, fungal acne safe, non-comedogenic, vegan, and free from fragrance, alcohol, and common irritants. The water-like texture absorbs beautifully and layers well. At $20.50 for 260ml, it offers outstanding value compared to competitors. The only reason it misses a perfect score is that very dry skin types may need a richer companion product. For anyone with sensitive, oily, combination, or acne-prone skin seeking a reliable daily toner, this is an easy recommendation.
Product Overview
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.
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
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 ยซpromisesยป 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.
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
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.
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
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.
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 |
1,2-Hexanediol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Methylpropanediol
Solvent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Irritation
Dark Spots
|
|
| 1 |
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing, Soothing, Tonic
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
|

