Cica Aloe 96% Soothing Gel Cream
Cica Aloe 96% Soothing Gel Cream
Product Description
Product overview
A lightweight, ultra-soothing gel cream packed with 96% Aloe Vera Leaf Extract and Centella Asiatica (Cica) to instantly calm, hydrate, and restore irritated skin. This minimalist, vegan formula with only 12 clean ingredients works beautifully on face, body, and even hair — delivering cooling relief without stickiness or residue.
96% Aloe Vera Extract
Concentrated aloe soothes irritation, calms redness, and delivers intense hydration to stressed, sun-exposed, or sensitized skin.
Texture & feel
SENSORY96% Aloe Vera Extract
Concentrated aloe soothes irritation, calms redness, and delivers intense hydration to stressed, sun-exposed, or sensitized skin.
Centella Asiatica (Cica)
Rich in madecassoside and asiaticoside, Cica strengthens the skin barrier, supports wound healing, and reduces inflammation.
Hyaluronic Acid
Sodium Hyaluronate attracts and retains moisture in the skin, plumping fine lines and boosting long-lasting hydration.
Minimalist 12-Ingredient Formula
Only 12 clean, EWG Green-rated ingredients — no fillers, no fragrances, no unnecessary irritants. Perfect for reactive and sensitive skin.
Betaine (Natural Osmolyte)
A sugar beet-derived amino acid that regulates cellular water balance, protecting skin proteins and maintaining optimal moisture levels.
Multi-Purpose Use
Versatile enough for face, body, scalp, and hair. Works as a moisturizer, soothing mask, aftershave gel, or cooling body treatment.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All 12 ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Free from fermented ingredients, fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, and oils. Every ingredient passes the malassezia-safe check.
Contains no pore-clogging ingredients. Free from oils, silicones, and heavy emollients. Unlikely to cause breakouts for any skin type.
Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, paraben-free, and dermatologically tested. Rated 99.6% safe by EWG with a low irritation risk.
Can be layered with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. Its soothing formula helps calm irritation from potent actives.
This gel cream relies on humectants (glycerin, betaine, hyaluronic acid) to hydrate. In dry climates, seal with an occlusive moisturizer on top to lock in moisture.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract 96%Proven
The star ingredient at a potent 96% concentration. Aloe vera is clinically recognized for its skin-soothing, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. It contains vitamins A, C, and E along with polysaccharides that boost moisture retention.
- Moisturizing: Polysaccharides in aloe create a moisture barrier on the skin, reducing transepidermal water loss.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Contains aloin and acemannan compounds that reduce redness and calm irritation.
- Wound Healing: Promotes fibroblast activity and collagen synthesis, supporting skin repair after sunburns and minor wounds.
Centella Asiatica Extract CicaProven
Also known as Gotu Kola or Cica. Contains four key active centellosides — asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid — each contributing to skin repair and barrier strengthening.
- Barrier Repair: Stimulates glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis and natural hyaluronic acid production within the skin.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Demonstrated effectiveness in reducing allergic dermatitis in clinical studies.
- Collagen Synthesis: Asiaticoside promotes cell-cycle progression, proliferation, and collagen production in human dermal fibroblasts.
Sodium Hyaluronate HAProven
The sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid — a naturally occurring molecule in skin that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Smaller molecular size allows deeper penetration than pure hyaluronic acid.
- Deep Hydration: Attracts water from both the environment and deeper skin layers, keeping the upper epidermis plumped and supple.
- Natural NMF: Part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor — replenishing it helps restore normal hydration levels.
Glycerin HumectantProven
One of the most effective and well-studied humectants in skincare. Naturally present in the skin's lipid barrier. Pulls moisture to the skin surface and helps maintain the intercellular matrix.
- Proven Efficacy: Decades of research confirm glycerin as a top-tier moisturizing ingredient that improves skin barrier function.
- Skin-Identical: Naturally occurring in the skin, making it exceptionally well-tolerated even by the most sensitive skin types.
Betaine OsmolytePromising
A sugar beet-derived amino acid derivative that functions as a natural osmolyte — it regulates water balance within skin cells. Protects proteins from denaturation under environmental stress and provides gentle humectant properties.
- Osmoprotection: Stabilizes skin cell structure under heat, cold, and UV stress by maintaining intracellular water balance.
- Anti-Irritation: Helps reduce skin irritation and improves the feel of the skin when combined with other soothing agents.
12 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Carbomer, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Betaine, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (96%), Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse after toner and serum as a lightweight hydrating layer. In dry climates or for dry skin, follow with a heavier moisturizer to seal in hydration. Can also replace moisturizer in summer for oily skin types.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Prep
Start with clean skin. After cleansing and applying toner, pat your face until slightly damp — this helps the gel cream absorb better.
Scoop & Apply
Take a moderate amount of gel cream and apply it evenly across your face, neck, or body. A little goes a long way thanks to the concentrated formula.
Gently Massage
Using upward and outward motions, gently massage the gel into your skin until fully absorbed. No need to rub aggressively — it melts in on contact.
Layer or Seal (Optional)
For extra hydration or in dry weather, follow with a richer cream or facial oil. For a cooling mask treatment, refrigerate the tub for 10–15 minutes before applying a thick layer.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive, irritated, or sunburned skin that needs calming
- You want a lightweight, non-greasy hydrator for summer or humid climates
- You prefer a minimalist ingredient list with no fragrances or harsh chemicals
- You have fungal acne and need a malassezia-safe moisturizer
- You want a multi-purpose product for face, body, hair, and scalp
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding and need a fully safe formula
- You want soothing relief after laser treatments, waxing, or shaving
Consider alternatives if:
- You need heavy-duty anti-aging benefits like retinol or peptides
- You have very dry skin and need a rich occlusive cream as your sole moisturizer
- You prefer products with a pump or tube — this comes in an open tub
- You want a strong scent or aromatherapy experience from your moisturizer
- You need targeted treatment for hyperpigmentation or deep wrinkles
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight watery gel absorbs instantly without adding shine or greasiness. Non-comedogenic formula won't trigger breakouts. Can be used alone as a moisturizer in summer.
Provides hydration through humectants but lacks occlusives to seal moisture. Best layered under a heavier cream or facial oil, especially in cold or dry climates.
Balances hydration across oily and dry zones without feeling heavy. Light enough for the T-zone, moisturizing enough for cheeks. Ideal all-over solution.
With only 12 fragrance-free, EWG Green-rated ingredients and dermatological testing, this is ideal for reactive skin. Aloe and Cica actively calm irritation.
Non-comedogenic (0/5), fungal acne safe, oil-free, and silicone-free. Soothes post-acne redness without clogging pores. Pairs beautifully with acne treatments.
Works as a refreshing lightweight moisturizer in warm weather. Normal skin may prefer a more enriched formula during winter for added nourishment.
Results timeline
MONTHS 1–3Instant Cooling & Soothing
A refreshing, cooling sensation upon application. Skin feels calmer, less tight, and visibly less red within minutes. Sunburn and irritation relief is immediate.
95% noticed instant soothingImproved Hydration & Softness
Skin begins to feel consistently more hydrated, smoother, and softer to the touch. Flaky patches start to diminish. Redness from irritation is visibly reduced.
80% noticed improved moistureBarrier Strengthening & Calmer Skin
Centella Asiatica's barrier-repair benefits become more noticeable. Skin is less reactive to environmental stressors, feels more resilient, and breakouts may reduce.
70% reported calmer, less reactive skinVisibly Healthier Skin Tone
With consistent use, skin appears more even-toned, plumper, and healthier. Post-inflammatory redness fades faster. Overall skin texture and clarity improve.
65% saw improved skin toneRatings by platform
5K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely clean, minimalist 12-ingredient formula with 99.6% EWG Green rating
- 96% aloe concentration delivers genuine soothing — not just a marketing claim
- Absorbs instantly without any sticky or greasy residue
- Massive 300g tub offers outstanding value for money
- Versatile head-to-toe use: face, body, scalp, hair, after-shave
- Safe for pregnancy, breastfeeding, fungal acne, and all skin types
- Cooling and refreshing — especially when refrigerated
- Pairs beautifully with actives like retinol and vitamin C as a calming layer
Criticized
- Wide-mouth tub packaging is not very hygienic — no pump or spatula included
- Not moisturizing enough on its own for dry or dehydrated skin types
- Lacks occlusives — will not seal in moisture without a follow-up product
- Very basic formula may feel underwhelming if you want anti-aging or brightening benefits
- Can feel too lightweight in cold, dry winter climates
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
The original K-beauty aloe gel icon. Contains 92% aloe (vs. 96%) and California-sourced extract. Slightly more watery texture. Lacks Centella Asiatica and has a longer ingredient list with added fragrance. Bigger fan base but less clean formula.
Uses 99% fermented aloe vera leaf juice and includes botanical extracts like bamboo and cucumber. Slightly stickier texture. Squeeze bottle packaging is more hygienic. However, fermented ingredients make it NOT fungal acne safe.
Another K-beauty aloe gel with a clean formula. Comes in a tube for better hygiene. Contains aloe and hyaluronic acid but without the Centella Asiatica component. Slightly lighter gel texture that absorbs even faster.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Refrigerate for an extra cooling and soothing effect — especially after sun exposure.
Wide-mouth tub with screw-on lid. Use a clean spatula for hygienic dispensing.
No — 300g exceeds the 100ml carry-on limit. Consider decanting into a smaller container for travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. This product contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or any other ingredients flagged as unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. All 12 ingredients are recognized as safe. However, always consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
Yes. The formula is free from fermented ingredients, fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, and oils — all common triggers for fungal acne. Every ingredient in this product passes the malassezia safety check, making it an excellent moisturizer choice for those dealing with fungal acne.
Absolutely. This soothing gel cream is an ideal companion for potent actives. Apply your retinol, vitamin C, or exfoliant first, then layer this gel cream on top to help calm any irritation and provide hydrating relief. The aloe and centella work to soothe the skin while your actives do their work.
It works best for oily, combination, sensitive, and acne-prone skin types. The lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly without greasiness. Those with dry skin can still enjoy it, but should layer it under a richer moisturizer. It is universally well-tolerated thanks to its minimal, fragrance-free formula.
You will feel immediate cooling and soothing relief upon first application. Noticeable improvements in hydration and skin softness typically appear within the first week. Barrier-strengthening and long-term calming benefits from Centella Asiatica become more evident after 2–4 weeks of consistent daily use.
Apply it after cleansing, toner, and any serums or treatments. It sits in the moisturizer step of your routine. For oily skin in summer, it can be your final moisturizing step. For dry skin or winter use, follow it with a heavier cream to seal in hydration. Always finish your morning routine with sunscreen.
No. This product has a comedogenic rating of 0 out of 5. It contains no oils, silicones, fatty alcohols, or heavy emollients that typically clog pores. The formula is water-based and relies on lightweight humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, making it one of the least likely products to cause breakouts.
The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain potency. Since it comes in an open tub, use a clean spatula to minimize bacterial contamination and extend its shelf life.
Verdict: The Mizon Cica Aloe 96% Soothing Gel Cream is an exceptional value-for-money soothing moisturizer with an impressively clean formula. Its 96% aloe vera concentration combined with Centella Asiatica delivers genuine calming and hydrating benefits that outperform most competitors in this category. The minimalist 12-ingredient formula makes it one of the safest choices for sensitive skin, pregnant individuals, and those with fungal acne. Its only drawbacks are the tub packaging and insufficient moisturization for very dry skin as a standalone product. If you want an honest, no-frills workhorse gel cream that soothes, hydrates, and plays well with everything else in your routine — this is it.
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 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 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
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
1,2-Hexanediol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Carbomer
Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
|
|
|
| 3 |
Sodium Benzoate
Masking, Fragrance, Preservative, Anticorrosive
|
|