Cica Cooling Sun Stick SPF 50+
Cica Cooling Sun Stick SPF 50+
Product Description
Product overview
A cooling, soothing chemical sun stick with fermented Centella Asiatica complex, 10 types of hyaluronic acid, and cornmint powder that delivers broad-spectrum SPF 50+ PA++++ protection while instantly lowering skin temperature for refreshed, hydrated skin on the go.
3-Second Cooling Effect
Cornmint powder instantly lowers skin temperature upon application, soothing UV-irritated skin with a refreshing sensation.
Texture & feel
SENSORY3-Second Cooling Effect
Cornmint powder instantly lowers skin temperature upon application, soothing UV-irritated skin with a refreshing sensation.
Fermented Cica Complex
Centella Asiatica fermented with yeast delivers faster-absorbing, more potent soothing and redness-reducing benefits than standard cica.
10-Layer Hyaluronic Acid
Low, medium, and high molecular weight hyaluronic acids provide multi-depth hydration from the surface to deeper skin layers.
Next-Gen UV Filters
Broad-spectrum protection with Tinosorb S (UVA+UVB), Uvinul A Plus (UVA), Uvinul T 150 (UVB), and Polysilicone-15 (UVB booster).
Niacinamide Skincare
Built-in niacinamide helps even skin tone, support the skin barrier, and reduce the appearance of dark spots with regular use.
On-the-Go Reapplication
Portable, mess-free stick format glides on smoothly over bare skin or makeup for effortless touch-ups throughout the day.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or oxybenzone. Uses newer-generation chemical UV filters (Tinosorb S, Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150) considered safe during pregnancy. Always consult your doctor.
Contains Saccharomyces Ferment, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, and Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate — all known triggers for malassezia folliculitis.
Clinically tested as non-comedogenic. Lightweight formula designed to not clog pores. Passed skin irritation testing for sensitive skin.
Free from oxybenzone and octinoxate — the two UV filters most harmful to coral reefs and marine ecosystems.
Certified vegan formula with no animal-derived ingredients. Cruelty-free certified — never tested on animals.
Completed skin irritation testing and is designed for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin types.
Contains a light herbal scent from natural mint and plant extracts. Also includes CI 77288 (Chromium Oxide Green) for its subtle green tint. Those with fragrance sensitivities should patch test first.
Can be layered over retinol, vitamin C, AHA, and BHA products. Apply actives first, let absorb, then apply sun stick as the final step.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSFermented Centella Asiatica ComplexProven
The hero ingredient — a proprietary complex of Centella Asiatica root, leaf, and whole plant extracts fermented with Saccharomyces yeast. Fermentation breaks down the actives into lower molecular weight forms for faster absorption and enhanced soothing potency.
- Madecassoside (0.30-0.55%): Promotes wound healing and collagen synthesis while inhibiting melanin formation to prevent dark spots.
- Asiaticoside (0.25-0.45%): Strengthens the skin barrier and helps reduce scarring and photodamage from UV exposure.
- Clinical evidence: Centella actives, even at low concentrations, reduce inflammation, strengthen the skin barrier, and decrease scarring.
10-Layer Hyaluronic Acid ComplexProven
A comprehensive blend of 10 different hyaluronic acid forms at varying molecular weights — from high-molecular-weight surface hydrators to ultra-low-molecular-weight deep penetrators — for multi-depth moisturization.
- Includes: Sodium Hyaluronate, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Hyaluronate, and 5 additional HA derivatives.
- Mechanism: High MW forms create a moisture-locking film on the surface; low MW forms penetrate to provide deep hydration and plumping from within.
- Clinical evidence: Multi-weight HA complexes outperform single-type HA in sustained hydration over 24 hours.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) ~2%Proven
A multi-functional skincare powerhouse that provides barrier support, tone evening, and anti-aging benefits while the sunscreen protects from UV damage.
- Barrier support: At ~2% concentration, stimulates natural ceramide production to strengthen the skin barrier.
- Brightening: Helps reduce the transfer of melanin to skin cells, fading existing dark spots and preventing new ones.
- Clinical evidence: Concentrations of 2% and above are effective for supporting barrier function and evening skin tone.
Mentha Arvensis (Cornmint) PowderPromising
A traditional medicinal herb powder derived from wild mint that delivers the signature cooling sensation. Unlike liquid menthol, the powder form provides a gentler, less irritating cooling effect suitable for sensitive skin.
- Cooling action: Provides an instant 3-second temperature drop on skin contact, soothing heat-stressed and UV-irritated skin.
- Sebum balance: Helps maintain skin's water-oil balance, reducing excess oiliness without over-drying.
- Anti-redness: Mild anti-inflammatory properties help calm visible redness and irritation.
Advanced UV Filter SystemProven
A modern, photostable broad-spectrum UV protection system using four next-generation chemical filters approved in Korea and the EU.
- Tinosorb S (Bemotrizinol): Covers both UVA (340nm) and UVB (310nm) — one of the most effective broad-spectrum filters available globally.
- Uvinul A Plus: Dedicated UVA filter (320-400nm) providing strong protection against aging UVA rays.
- Uvinul T 150 (Ethylhexyl Triazone): High-efficiency UVB filter (280-320nm), photostable and non-irritating.
- Polysilicone-15: Silicone-bound UVB filter that boosts overall SPF while providing excellent skin compatibility.
Adenosine 0.45-0.65%Proven
A naturally occurring compound involved in numerous cellular processes. Korean regulations require its inclusion as an anti-wrinkle active, and clinical data supports its efficacy at low concentrations.
- Anti-wrinkle: Clinical trials demonstrate improvement in deep wrinkles (forehead, eye corners) even at concentrations below 1%.
- Cell energy: Supports cellular metabolism and skin repair processes from within.
51 ingredients
Water, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Synthetic Wax, Dibutyl Adipate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Butylene Glycol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Ozokerite, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polysilicone-15, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, Glyceryl Caprylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tocopherol, Mentha Arvensis Powder, Saccharomyces Ferment, Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Aloe Ferox Leaf Extract, Panthenol, CI 77288, Fragrance
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply as the very last step of skincare, before makeup. Reapply every 2 hours during sun exposure. Best used as a convenient reapplication tool over an initial layer of cream sunscreen for maximum protection.
How to use
HOW TO USEComplete Your Skincare Routine
Apply cleanser, toner, serum, and moisturizer as usual. Let each layer absorb before proceeding.
Twist Up the Stick
Gently twist the base to expose about 5mm of product. Do not push too hard to avoid breaking the stick.
Glide Across Skin
Apply evenly across face, neck, ears, and any sun-exposed areas using gentle, overlapping strokes. Layer 2-3 passes for adequate protection.
Blend & Enjoy the Cool
Lightly pat or press the product into skin if needed. Feel the instant cooling sensation from the cornmint powder within 3 seconds.
Reapply Every 2 Hours
Carry the stick and reapply frequently during outdoor activities. Can be applied directly over makeup without disrupting it.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You need a convenient, portable sunscreen for reapplication on the go
- Your skin gets red, irritated, or overheated in the sun
- You want a cooling, soothing sun protection experience
- You prefer mess-free application over creams or liquids
- You have sensitive skin and need a hypoallergenic formula
- You want multi-benefit sun care with niacinamide and cica
- You look for vegan, cruelty-free, reef-safe sunscreen options
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia) — this formula contains triggers
- You need your sole/primary sunscreen (sticks are best for reapplication)
- You have very oily skin and want a fully matte, zero-shine finish
- You are extremely sensitive to fragrance or mint ingredients
- You prefer mineral-only (zinc/titanium) sunscreen filters
- You need a US FDA-approved sunscreen (Tinosorb S is not FDA-approved)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESDries to a natural-matte finish and manages sebum, but has an initially oily application. Less matte than Beauty of Joseon Sun Stick.
The 10-layer HA complex and balm-like texture provide excellent hydration. A standout choice for dry skin needing moisture plus protection.
Versatile formula balances well across oily and dry zones. Hydrates without adding excess shine to the T-zone.
Hypoallergenic tested with soothing fermented cica. Cooling effect calms redness and irritation. Patch test if reactive to mint.
Non-comedogenic and non-irritating. However, not fungal acne safe. Those with regular acne (not fungal) should find it works well.
Results timeline
4-8 WEEKSCooling & Soothing Sensation
Cornmint powder delivers an immediate 3-second cooling effect. Skin temperature drops noticeably and redness appears calmer right away.
95% noticed instant coolingHydration & Comfort Improvement
The 10-layer HA complex and fermented cica begin building cumulative hydration. Skin feels more supple and comfortable throughout the day.
80% noticed improved hydrationReduced Redness & Calmer Skin
Regular use of cica actives (madecassoside, asiaticoside) plus niacinamide visibly reduces redness and helps even out skin tone.
70% noticed reduced rednessUV Defense & Skin Tone Benefits
Consistent SPF 50+ protection prevents new dark spots and sun damage. Niacinamide and adenosine contribute to a brighter, more even complexion over time.
75% noticed brighter skin toneRatings by platform
380+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Instant cooling sensation that feels refreshing in hot weather
- Fermented cica complex effectively soothes redness and irritation
- 10-layer HA complex provides excellent hydration for a sun stick
- No white cast — invisible finish on all skin tones
- Convenient, portable, mess-free reapplication over makeup
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and reef-safe formula
- Advanced UV filters (Tinosorb S) for superior broad-spectrum protection
- Smooth, comfortable glide that doesn't tug on skin
Criticized
- Not fungal acne safe — multiple trigger ingredients
- Initial oily feel before it settles to matte
- Cooling effect is brief (fades within minutes)
- Small 18g size may not last long with frequent use
- Light herbal scent may bother fragrance-sensitive users
- Slightly green tint from CI 77288 (barely visible on skin)
- Tinosorb S not FDA-approved (cannot be sold as sunscreen in the US)
- Can potentially cause breakouts on very oily skin types
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSame brand, same SPF, same stick format. The Cotton Soft version offers a drier, more matte finish without the cooling cica complex. Better for oily skin, but lacks the soothing and hydrating benefits of fermented cica and 10-layer HA.
The viral K-beauty sun stick with mugwort and silica for oil control. Delivers a more mattifying finish that's better for oily skin. Lacks cooling effect, fermented cica, and the 10-type HA complex. No niacinamide.
Another cooling K-beauty sun stick. Focuses more on the ice-cooling sensation with a lighter formula. Less emphasis on soothing actives like cica and lacks the multi-HA hydration complex.
A hydrating, watery-finish sun stick with a lighter texture. Offers good UV protection but lacks the fermented cica complex and cooling mint powder. Better for those who want a dewier finish.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEBLITHE Ice Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid temperatures above 40°C/104°F as the stick formula may soften or melt. In hot climates, store upright and consider keeping in a cool bag when outdoors.
Twist-up stick in a compact, cylindrical tube with a secure cap. Green-tinted product visible through packaging.
Yes — 18g solid stick is well under the 100ml liquid limit. TSA/airport-friendly, no spill risk. Pocket-sized and lightweight.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this sun stick is generally considered pregnancy and breastfeeding safe. It does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, oxybenzone, or octinoxate — the ingredients most commonly flagged during pregnancy. The UV filters used (Tinosorb S, Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150, Polysilicone-15) are newer-generation chemical filters considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As always, consult your healthcare provider before adding new products to your routine during pregnancy.
No, this product is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients known to feed malassezia yeast, including Saccharomyces Ferment, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, and Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate. If you are prone to fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis), this product may worsen your condition. Consider a fungal-acne-safe sunscreen alternative instead.
Yes, this sun stick is compatible with all common active ingredients including retinol, vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), AHA (glycolic, lactic acid), and BHA (salicylic acid). In fact, using a high-SPF sunscreen like this is essential when using these actives, as they increase sun sensitivity. Apply your actives first (in serum or treatment form), let them fully absorb, then apply the sun stick as the final protective layer.
This sun stick is most ideal for dry, sensitive, and combination skin types. The balm-like texture with 10 types of hyaluronic acid provides excellent hydration that dry skin loves. The fermented cica complex soothes sensitive and redness-prone skin. Combination skin benefits from its balanced formula. Those with oily skin may find it slightly too moisturizing initially, though it does settle to a natural-matte finish. For very oily skin, the TOCOBO Cotton Soft or Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick may be better options.
The cooling and soothing effects are immediate — you'll feel the refreshing cornmint sensation within 3 seconds of application. Hydration improvements are typically noticed within the first week of daily use. Visible reduction in redness and improvement in skin tone from the niacinamide and cica actives generally take 2-4 weeks of consistent use. Long-term UV protection benefits, including prevention of dark spots and photoaging, accumulate over 4-8+ weeks.
This sun stick should be the very last step of your skincare routine, applied after moisturizer and before makeup. The recommended order is: Cleanser → Toner → Serum/Essence → Moisturizer → TOCOBO Cica Cooling Sun Stick → Makeup (optional). For best protection, apply 2-3 overlapping passes across each area. Reapply every 2 hours during sun exposure. This stick is especially excellent as a reapplication tool over an initial layer of cream sunscreen.
This product is clinically tested as non-comedogenic with a comedogenic rating of approximately 1 out of 5. It has also passed skin irritation testing and is specifically formulated for sensitive and acne-prone skin. However, individual results may vary — the balm-like texture does have an initially oily feel that some acne-prone users have noted can contribute to breakouts, particularly on very oily skin. If you are very acne-prone, patch test on a small area first.
The recommended Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. After opening, use within one year for optimal effectiveness and safety. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and temperatures above 40°C (104°F). The solid stick format is inherently more resistant to contamination than liquid sunscreens, but it's still best to avoid touching the product surface with dirty hands and to keep the cap securely closed when not in use.
Verdict: The TOCOBO Cica Cooling Sun Stick is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a portable, soothing, and hydrating sun protection solution. Its fermented cica complex and 10-type hyaluronic acid blend deliver genuine skincare benefits beyond basic UV protection, while the instant cooling sensation makes reapplication a refreshing experience rather than a chore. It excels for sensitive, dry, and combination skin types. The main drawbacks are its incompatibility with fungal acne-prone skin, the initially oily feel, and the small 18g size. If you prioritize soothing hydration and cooling comfort over oil control, this is one of the best K-beauty sun sticks available today.
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 «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.
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 |
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Synthetic Wax
Masking, Emollient, Fragrance, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Antistatic Agent, Binding Agent, Binding
|
|
|
| 0 |
Dibutyl Adipate
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning
|
|




