Cica Clear Pad
Cica Clear Pad
Product Description
The Npure Cica Clear Pad is a beginner-friendly, dual-textured exfoliating toner pad from the Indonesian skincare brand Npure. Each pad is soaked in a featherweight AHA-BHA-PHA blend (around 0.02% total acids) and cushioned with soothing Centella Asiatica (Cica), so it sweeps away dead skin, lifts pore-clogging buildup and smooths bumpy texture without the sting or peeling of stronger acids. One side is lightly textured to lift grime, the other is smooth to finish โ and there's nothing to rinse off.
โจ Texture & Feel
Triple-Acid Exfoliation
Glycolic & citric acid (AHA), white willow bark (natural BHA) and lactobionic acid (PHA) team up at a very low total concentration to gently resurface skin.
Cica Calm
Centella Asiatica leaf water plus panthenol, allantoin and betaine soothe and hydrate skin while the acids do their work.
Two-Sided Pad
A textured side lifts dead cells and grime; flip to the smooth side to finish and wipe away any residue.
No-Rinse Convenience
Just swipe and carry on with your routine โ ideal for low-effort nights and travel, with a sachet version available.
Hydration Support
Acetyl glucosamine and glycerin help boost the skin's own moisture so it never feels stripped or tight.
Antioxidant Boost
Vitamin E, caffeine and neem (Melia Azadirachta) extracts add antioxidant defence against daily stressors.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Contains very low-level AHAs and willow bark (a salicylic-acid relative) plus rosemary essential oil. Low concentrations are generally considered low-risk, but acids and essential oils warrant a quick check with your OB/GYN.
No problematic fatty acids, esters or ferments. Largely considered fungal-acne safe; the only watch-item is PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil, which is generally regarded as low-risk.
Water-based and oil-light, so it's unlikely to clog pores for most skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin.
Rosmarinus (rosemary) leaf oil gives a light herbal scent and contains naturally occurring camphor. Very reactive or sensitive skin should patch test first.
Exfoliating acids can make skin more sun-sensitive. Daily broad-spectrum SPF is essential while using this product.
Free from drying SD/denatured alcohol, sulfates, silicones and parabens, and formulated to be reef-friendly.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ฟ Centella Asiatica Leaf Water (Cica) Hero Proven
The "Cica" star of the formula. Distilled from Centella Asiatica leaves, it soothes, calms redness and supports the skin barrier while you exfoliate.
- Active compounds: Madecassic acid and asiaticoside encourage the skin's natural hydration.
- Antioxidant: Several of its components show antioxidant activity that may help with signs of ageing.
โ๏ธ Glycolic Acid (AHA) Low % Proven
The most researched alpha-hydroxy acid. It dissolves the "glue" holding dead cells together to reveal fresher, smoother, brighter skin underneath.
- Smallest AHA molecule: Penetrates effectively, which makes it both potent and (at higher strengths) potentially irritating.
- Here it's gentle: Total acids sit around 0.02%, so it resurfaces softly โ perfect for first-time exfoliation.
๐ณ Salix Alba (White Willow) Bark Extract (Natural BHA) BHA Promising
Often called salicylic acid's botanical cousin thanks to the salicin it contains, giving a mild exfoliating, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect.
- Soothing: Salicin can reduce inflammatory mediators in the skin.
- Antioxidant-rich: Flavonoids and polyphenols help neutralise free radicals.
๐ Lactobionic Acid (PHA) PHA Proven
A polyhydroxy acid โ the gentle cousin of AHAs. Its larger molecule exfoliates the surface more slowly, so it causes less irritation while brightening and evening texture.
- Gentle by design: Studies show PHAs cause less irritation than AHAs.
- Bonus: Lactobionic acid also has notable antioxidant activity.
๐ง Acetyl Glucosamine Active Promising
An amino-acid sugar naturally found in skin. It helps the skin produce its own hyaluronic acid for hydration and offers antioxidant protection.
- Tone support: Shown to help reduce the look of discolouration, especially paired with niacinamide.
- Hydration: Boosts moisture so skin doesn't feel stripped after exfoliating.
๐งด Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) B5 Proven
A famous humectant and skin-soother that penetrates into deeper layers to hydrate, calm and support healing โ a great buffer for an exfoliating product.
- Moisture binding: Like hyaluronic acid, it draws and holds water in the skin.
- Barrier support: Helps comfort and repair, with no known downsides.
๐ก๏ธ Tocopherol (Vitamin E) Vit E Proven
A fat-soluble antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals and strengthens the lipid barrier โ well absorbed and a classic partner to acids.
- Barrier care: Helps keep the skin's natural lipids and ceramides healthy.
- Defence: Adds a layer of antioxidant protection against environmental damage.
28 ingredients
Water, Butylene Glycol, Methylpropanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Acetyl Glucosamine, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Citric Acid, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Lactobionic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Tocopherol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Betaine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Citrate, Caffeine, Octyldodeceth-16, Panthenol, Allantoin, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use 2โ3 times a week (not daily) at night, right after cleansing and before your hydrating and treatment steps. Always follow with SPF the next morning.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse
Wash your face and pat until skin is just damp.
Swipe (textured side)
Glide the textured side gently over face and neck, avoiding the eye area, to lift dead skin and buildup.
Finish (smooth side)
Flip to the soft side to wipe away any remaining residue.
No Rinse
Leave it on โ there's no need to rinse off.
Follow Up
Continue with essence, serum and moisturizer; add SPF in the morning.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You're new to exfoliation and want something genuinely gentle
- You have bumpy texture, closed comedones or dullness
- You want a quick, no-rinse, travel-friendly exfoliant
- You have oily, combination or acne-prone skin
- You like a multitasker you can also use on the neck and body
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You need a strong, high-percentage acid for stubborn concerns
- You're very sensitive to fragrant or essential oils
- You already use potent retinoids or strong acids daily
- You prefer a 100% fragrance-free formula
- You specifically want a vegan-certified product
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Lightweight, no-rinse formula clears buildup and helps control shine without greasiness.
Balances oilier zones while cica and humectants keep drier areas comfortable.
Gentle exfoliation helps with bumpy texture and clogged pores; largely non-comedogenic and fungal-acne friendly.
Mild acids plus hydrators won't strip the skin, but follow with a richer moisturizer.
The very low acid level is gentle, but the rosemary oil scent means a patch test is wise.
๐ Results Timeline
Smoother, Cleaner Skin
Skin feels immediately softer and looks brighter; you can literally see lifted grime on the pad.
Most users noticedLess Bumpy Texture
With 2โ3 uses a week, closed comedones and rough patches start to smooth out.
~70% noticedClearer, More Even Tone
Pores look cleaner, dullness fades and makeup sits more evenly.
~60% noticedRefined, Glowing Skin
Consistent use leaves skin visibly smoother and more radiant over time.
~55% noticedโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Genuinely gentle โ a great first exfoliator
- Visibly smooths bumpy texture and closed comedones
- Convenient no-rinse, two-sided pad design
- Soothing cica means little to no stinging
- Affordable, with a handy travel sachet version
- Doubles as a body exfoliant for neck and elbows
โ Criticized
- Pads can feel less saturated than expected
- Contains rosemary essential oil (light scent, not fragrance-free)
- Very low acid level โ not for heavy-duty exfoliation
- Not vegan-certified
- 30 pads last only ~1โ2 months with regular use
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
The closest ingredient match per SkinSort, with overlapping AHA + PHA exfoliants. A liquid toner rather than pads, but very similar gentle resurfacing for less.
A PHA-focused leave-on peel โ even gentler with fewer AHAs. A serum-style format and a higher price point, but a strong option for very sensitive skin.
Soothing toner pads with centella but minimal acids โ more hydrating and calming, less exfoliating. The product most often compared to the Cica Clear Pad.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Npure Cica Clear Pad (Featured)
~$10COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad
~$24Pyunkang Yul Calming Toner Pad
~$22Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA Miracle Toner
~$16๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the lid firmly closed so the pads don't dry out.
Screw-top tub of 30 pre-soaked dual-textured pads (a travel sachet/ziplock version is also available).
Yes โ under 100ml, and the sachet version is perfect for carry-on.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Use with caution. The pad contains very low-level AHAs (glycolic, citric) and white willow bark โ a natural relative of salicylic acid โ plus rosemary essential oil. Low-concentration topical acids are generally considered low-risk during pregnancy, but because of the salicylic-related extract and essential oil, it's best to confirm with your OB/GYN or dermatologist before use.
Largely yes. The formula has no fatty acids, esters, or ferments that typically feed malassezia, so most fungal-acne sufferers tolerate it well. The one ingredient worth noting is PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil, which is generally regarded as fungal-acne safe. As always, patch test if you're highly reactive.
Because this pad already contains mild AHA, BHA and PHA, avoid layering it on the same night as strong retinoids or other potent acids to prevent over-exfoliation. A good approach is to alternate nights โ pad one evening, retinol another. Vitamin C is fine, ideally in the morning. Since the acids are very low strength, the risk of irritation is small, but spacing out actives is still the safest plan.
It shines for oily, combination and acne-prone skin thanks to its lightweight, no-rinse, gentle-exfoliating formula. Dry skin can use it too if followed with a richer moisturizer. Sensitive skin can usually tolerate the low acid level, but should patch test first because of the rosemary oil scent.
Skin usually feels smoother and looks brighter after a single use. With 2โ3 uses a week, most people notice less bumpy texture within 1โ2 weeks, clearer pores and more even tone by 3โ4 weeks, and an overall refined glow after 6โ8 weeks of consistent use.
Use it at night, right after cleansing and before your toner/essence, serum and moisturizer. As an exfoliating step, keep it to 2โ3 times a week rather than daily, and always apply SPF the following morning.
It's unlikely to clog pores, with an estimated comedogenic rating of about 1 out of 5. The formula is water-based and oil-light, and the gentle exfoliation actually helps keep pores clear, making it a good fit for acne-prone skin.
The period-after-opening (PAO) is around 12 months. In practice, a 30-pad tub used 2โ3 times a week typically lasts about 1โ2 months, so you'll usually finish it well within the PAO window. Keep the lid sealed tightly so the pads stay moist.
Verdict: The Npure Cica Clear Pad earns its viral reputation as one of the most beginner-friendly exfoliators around. The featherweight AHA-BHA-PHA blend โ cushioned by soothing Cica โ smooths bumpy texture and brightens without the sting or peeling of stronger acids, and the no-rinse, two-sided pad is genuinely convenient. It won't replace a serious chemical exfoliant for stubborn concerns, and the rosemary-oil scent means it isn't truly fragrance-free. But as an affordable, gentle, everyday-glow product for oily, combination and acne-prone skin, it's a standout โ a reliable "gateway" exfoliator that's easy to love.
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 skinโs 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 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.
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 5 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 5 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 6 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 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 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Methylpropanediol
Solvent
|
|
|
| 1 |
1,2-Hexanediol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|