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Cica Complex+Panthenol Ceramide Calm & Soothe Gel Moisturizer

Cica Complex+Panthenol Ceramide Calm & Soothe Gel Moisturizer

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A lightweight gel moisturizer formulated with Cica Complex, Panthenol, and Ceramide NP to calm redness, soothe sensitive skin, and strengthen the skin barrier. Features a cooling effect with instant absorption for reactive, acne-prone skin.

Halal Certified Fragrance-Free Hypoallergenic Dermatologically Tested Fungal Acne Safe Cruelty-Free Paraben-Free Oil-Free
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
Yes
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
30g
Type
Gel Moisturizer
Skin Concern
Redness, Acne
Use Time
AM & PM
Key Active
Cica Complex
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Cica Complex Soothing

Centella Asiatica Extract calms redness and irritation while promoting skin healing and barrier repair.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Lightweight Gel
Scent
Fragrance-Free
Absorption
Instant
Finish
Natural, Non-Sticky

Cica Complex Soothing

Centella Asiatica Extract calms redness and irritation while promoting skin healing and barrier repair.

Barrier Strengthening

Ceramide NP and Panthenol work together to rebuild, repair, and regenerate a healthy skin barrier.

Niacinamide Brightening

5% Niacinamide helps lighten acne blemishes, reduce breakouts, and improve overall skin tone.

Cooling Effect

Provides instant cooling sensation that soothes reactive, inflamed skin for immediate comfort.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Free from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

No ferments, problematic fatty acids, esters, or polysorbates. Will not trigger or worsen fungal acne.

Sensitive Skin Approved

Hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested. Free from fragrances, parabens, and common allergens.

Active Compatibility

Can be safely layered with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. Apply after water-based serums.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Centella Asiatica Extract ~2.5%Proven

Also known as Cica or Gotu Kola, this powerhouse botanical has been used for centuries to heal wounds and calm inflammation. Rich in asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid.

  • Clinical Evidence: 25-person, 4-week study confirmed significant improvement in skin hydration and anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Mechanism: Stimulates GAGs (glycosaminoglycans) and hyaluronic acid synthesis in skin.
  • Benefit: Soothes irritation, accelerates healing, and strengthens skin barrier.
Safe for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Non-irritating at typical concentrations.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) ~5%Proven

A multi-functional skincare superstar with extensive research backing. Addresses multiple skin concerns simultaneously without irritation.

  • Clinical Evidence: 30-participant study showed 4% niacinamide reduced wrinkle depth by 9% in 8 weeks.
  • Mechanism: Increases ceramide synthesis, regulates sebum, and inhibits melanin transfer.
  • Benefit: Brightens skin, fades dark spots, minimizes pores, and reduces redness.
Generally well-tolerated. Avoid combining with pure Vitamin C at high concentrations.

Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) ~2%Proven

A highly effective humectant and skin-soothing agent that penetrates deep into the skin to provide lasting hydration and repair.

  • Function: Converts to Vitamin B5 in skin, essential for healthy cell function.
  • Mechanism: Attracts and binds moisture, improves skin elasticity, and accelerates healing.
  • Benefit: Deeply hydrates, soothes inflammation, and supports barrier repair.

Ceramide NP ~1%Proven

One of the essential ceramides naturally found in the skin barrier. Ceramides make up 50% of the lipids between skin cells.

  • Function: Bonds skin cells together to create a protective barrier against moisture loss.
  • Mechanism: Replenishes depleted ceramide levels, restoring barrier integrity.
  • Benefit: Locks in hydration, protects from environmental stressors, improves skin texture.

Allantoin EffectiveProven

A super common soothing ingredient with skin-softening and wound-healing properties. Can be derived from comfrey plant.

  • Function: Anti-irritant, skin protectant, and wound healing promoter.
  • Benefit: Softens skin, reduces irritation, and accelerates cell regeneration.

25 ingredients

Aqua, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Panthenol, Ceramide NP, Saccharide Isomerate, Allantoin, Mirabilis Jalapa Extract, Glycerin, Xylitol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Aminomethyl Propanol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Chlorphenesin, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Deoxyphytantriyl Palmitamide MEA, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cholesterol, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate

FREE FROM: Fragrances, Parabens, Sulfates, Harsh Alcohols, Silicones, Oils, Common Allergens, Mineral Oil, Essential Oils, Dyes
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser
2
Toner
3
Serum
4
This Product
5
Eye Cream
6
Sunscreen (AM)

Apply after serum, before heavier creams. In the morning, always follow with sunscreen. Can be used alone for oily skin types.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Cleanse & Prep

Start with clean, toned skin. Apply any water-based serums first and let them absorb.

2

Dispense Product

Take a pea-sized amount onto fingertips. A little goes a long way with this concentrated gel formula.

3

Apply to Face & Neck

Gently spread over face and neck using upward, outward motions. Feel the instant cooling sensation.

4

Pat for Absorption

Lightly pat product into skin for better absorption. Follow with sunscreen in the morning.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have sensitive, reactive, or easily irritated skin
  • You experience redness, inflammation, or acne breakouts
  • You want a lightweight moisturizer for humid climates
  • You need fungal acne-safe hydration
  • You're looking for an affordable barrier repair option
  • You prefer fragrance-free, minimal ingredient formulas
  • You want halal-certified skincare products

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have very dry skin requiring rich, occlusive creams
  • You prefer heavily scented skincare products
  • You need anti-aging treatments with retinol
  • You want a larger container (this is 30g)
  • You dislike lightweight gel textures
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Lightweight gel absorbs instantly without adding shine or greasiness. Perfect for oily, acne-prone skin.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Balances well across different face zones. Hydrates dry areas without overloading oily T-zone.

Sensitive Skin
Excellent

Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula with soothing Cica complex. Dermatologically tested for reactive skin.

Acne-Prone Skin
Excellent

Non-comedogenic, fungal acne safe. Niacinamide helps fade acne marks and control breakouts.

Dry Skin
Moderate

Provides hydration but may need a heavier cream on top for very dry skin, especially in cold climates.

08

Results timeline

WEEK 6-8
Immediately

Instant Cooling & Comfort

Feel immediate cooling sensation and soothing relief on irritated, reactive skin. Skin feels calm and refreshed.

95% noticed
Week 1-2

Reduced Redness & Hydration Boost

Visible reduction in redness and inflammation. Skin feels more hydrated and less reactive to triggers.

85% noticed
Week 3-4

Improved Skin Barrier

Strengthened skin barrier with less sensitivity. Acne marks begin to fade. Overall skin texture improves.

78% noticed
Week 6-8

Healthier, Calmer Complexion

Significant improvement in skin resilience. Fewer breakouts, brighter skin tone, and lasting hydration throughout the day.

72% noticed
09

Ratings by platform

10K+ REVIEWS
Female Daily
4.5
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Small container size (30g) runs out quickly with daily use
Shopee Indonesia
4.8
Rating
10,000+
Reviews
Main complaint: May not be moisturizing enough for very dry skin types
Watsons Malaysia
4.4
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Limited availability in some physical stores
eBay International
4.6
Rating
100+
Reviews
Main complaint: International shipping can take longer than expected
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Instantly calming and cooling on irritated skin
  • Lightweight, non-greasy formula perfect for oily skin
  • Fungal acne safe with clean ingredient list
  • Affordable price point for quality ingredients
  • Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic
  • Halal certified for Muslim consumers
  • Fast absorption with no sticky residue
  • Effective at reducing redness and breakouts

Criticized

  • Small 30g container may not last long
  • May be too lightweight for very dry skin
  • Limited availability outside Southeast Asia
  • Jar packaging less hygienic than pump/tube
  • No sunscreen protection included
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
5x Ceramide Barrier Repair Moisturize Gel
$15.99
Similar Price

Contains 5 types of ceramides vs single ceramide. Has hyaluronic acid and marine collagen. Slightly richer texture. Also from Southeast Asia, fungal acne safe.

75% Match
Pure Fit Cica Cream Intense
$18.00
Similar Price

Higher concentration of Cica (58.6% CICA-7 Complex). Cream texture vs gel. Contains sunflower oil and beeswax - NOT fungal acne safe. K-beauty option.

70% Match
Cicaplast Baume B5+
$17.99

French pharmacy classic with madecassoside and panthenol. Richer balm texture. Contains shea butter - better for dry skin. Not fungal acne safe.

80% Match
The Solved Skin Barrier Repair Gel
$12.99
Budget Pick

Similar gel texture with ceramides and niacinamide. Also fungal acne safe. Contains 3 types of ceramides. More minimal ingredient list.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
5x Ceramide Barrier Repair Moisturize Gel
Key Ingredients 5X Ceramides + HA + Cica
Size 30g / 80g
Texture Gel-Cream
Fungal Acne Safe No - Contains Polysorbate
Fragrance Contains Fragrance
Origin China
Pure Fit Cica Cream Intense
Key Ingredients 58.6% Cica-7 Complex
Size 50ml
Texture Cream
Fungal Acne Safe No - Contains Oils
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Origin South Korea
Cicaplast Gel B5
Key Ingredients Madecassoside + Panthenol
Size 40ml
Texture Rich Balm
Fungal Acne Safe No - Contains Shea Butter
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Origin France
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat

Packaging

Plastic jar with screw-top lid

Travel Friendly

Yes, 30g is under 100ml/3.4oz TSA limit

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes, this product is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It does not contain any retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens that are typically avoided during pregnancy. The formula consists of gentle, soothing ingredients like Centella Asiatica, Panthenol, and Ceramide that are considered safe for expectant and nursing mothers.

Yes, this product is fungal acne safe. It does not contain fermented ingredients, problematic fatty acids (like oleic acid), esters, polysorbates, or oils that can feed malassezia yeast. This makes it an excellent choice for those prone to pityrosporum folliculitis or fungal acne breakouts.

Yes, this gel moisturizer can be safely layered with most active ingredients including retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. The soothing Cica complex and ceramides can actually help buffer potential irritation from strong actives. Apply water-based serums first, then this gel moisturizer. If using retinol at night, apply the gel before or after retinol based on your skin's tolerance.

This product is excellent for oily, combination, sensitive, and acne-prone skin types. The lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly without leaving greasiness, making it ideal for humid climates and those who dislike heavy creams. It may be too light as a standalone moisturizer for very dry skin, who may want to layer a richer cream on top.

You'll feel immediate cooling and soothing effects upon application. Visible reduction in redness typically occurs within 1-2 weeks of consistent use. Improved skin barrier function and fading of acne marks generally become noticeable after 4-6 weeks. For best results, use twice daily (morning and night) as part of your regular skincare routine.

Apply this gel moisturizer after cleansing, toning, and applying any serums or essences. It goes in the moisturizer step of your routine. In the morning, always follow with sunscreen as the final step. For oily skin, this can be used as your only moisturizer. For dry skin, you may layer a heavier cream or sleeping mask on top at night.

No, this product has a very low comedogenic rating of 1/5. It is oil-free and does not contain ingredients known to clog pores. The formula is non-comedogenic and has been dermatologically tested. It's specifically formulated for acne-prone and sensitive skin types without causing additional breakouts.

This product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal freshness and efficacy. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. The 30g jar typically lasts 1-2 months with twice daily use.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.5 / 5 ★★★★★

Verdict: Wardah Cica Complex+Panthenol Ceramide Calm & Soothe Gel Moisturizer is an excellent budget-friendly option for those with sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin. Its standout features are the fungal acne-safe formula, instant cooling effect, and combination of proven soothing ingredients (Cica, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Ceramide). The lightweight gel texture is perfect for humid climates and oily skin types. While the 30g size is on the smaller side and may not provide enough moisture for very dry skin, the affordable price point and halal certification make this a solid choice for those seeking effective, gentle skincare. Highly recommended for anyone dealing with redness, inflammation, or a compromised skin barrier.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 4 ingredient(s):
Niacinamide Centella Asiatica Extract Ceramide NP Citric Acid
brightening Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Niacinamide Glycerin Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 6 ingredient(s):
Niacinamide Centella Asiatica Extract Panthenol Allantoin Glycerin Citric Acid
ache Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
Niacinamide
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
3
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
3
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
1
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
72% 28%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 25 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 A
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
brightening Brightening
ache Ache-fighting
anti-aging Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
1 A
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
Hydrating
1 Unknown
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
1 B
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing, Soothing, Tonic
anti-aging Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS