Cica Creamy Foam Cleanser
Cica Creamy Foam Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A rich, creamy foam cleanser infused with CICA-7 Complex containing 7 Centella Asiatica-derived ingredients to gently cleanse while soothing and protecting sensitive, irritated skin. 91% naturally derived formula creates a luxurious lather that removes impurities without stripping moisture.
CICA-7 Complex
Patented blend of 7 Centella Asiatica components for triple calming effect on sensitive, irritated skin.
Texture & feel
SENSORYCICA-7 Complex
Patented blend of 7 Centella Asiatica components for triple calming effect on sensitive, irritated skin.
Rich Luxurious Foam
Dense, creamy lather provides satisfying cleansing experience while removing dirt and impurities.
91% Natural Ingredients
Formulated with plant-derived cleansing agents and botanical extracts for gentle yet effective cleansing.
Skin Barrier Support
Centella helps strengthen and protect the skin barrier while cleansing away impurities.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains essential oils (eucalyptus, lavender, citrus). While Centella Asiatica is generally considered safe topically, consult your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy.
Not FA-safe. Contains myristic acid, lauric acid, and moringa oil which can feed malassezia yeast.
Rating 2/5. Rinse-off formula minimizes pore-clogging risk despite containing some oils.
This is a true soap-based cleanser (fatty acids + potassium hydroxide) with higher pH. May be stripping for very dry or sensitive skin.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSCICA-7 ComplexProven
Patented blend of 7 Centella Asiatica-derived ingredients: Centella Asiatica Extract, Leaf Extract, Root Extract, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, and Madecassoside. Provides comprehensive skin soothing and barrier support.
- Research: Centella compounds shown to stimulate collagen synthesis and support wound healing (Bylka et al., 2013)
- Function: Anti-inflammatory, promotes skin repair, strengthens skin barrier
- Traditional Use: Used in Asian medicine for centuries to treat wounds and burns
Glycerin HighProven
Classic humectant that draws moisture to the skin. Listed second in the formula, indicating a significant concentration to help offset the cleansing agents.
- Function: Moisturizer, humectant, skin-identical ingredient
- Comedogenic Rating: 0 - Won't clog pores
- Benefit: Helps maintain skin hydration during cleansing
Soap-Based Cleansing SystemTraditional
Uses traditional saponified fatty acids (Myristic, Palmitic, Stearic, Lauric Acid + Potassium Hydroxide) to create cleansing agents. Produces rich, satisfying foam.
- pH: Higher pH (~9-10) due to saponification process
- Texture: Creates luxurious, dense foam
- Note: May be more stripping than low-pH surfactant-based cleansers
Botanical ExtractsSupporting
Contains a variety of plant extracts including Turmeric Root, Neem (Melia Azadirachta), Holy Basil, and Moringa for additional skin benefits.
- Turmeric: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
- Neem: Traditional antibacterial and skin-purifying benefits
- Moringa Oil: Nourishing and moisturizing
Essential Oil BlendFragrance
Contains Eucalyptus, Lavender, Pine, Mandarin Orange, and Lemon oils for a fresh, herbal scent profile.
- Eucalyptus: Fresh, clean scent; mild antibacterial
- Lavender: Calming aromatherapy; soothing to skin
- Citrus Oils: Brightening; can cause photosensitivity
40 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Glyceryl Stearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyquaternium-7, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Oil, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Pinus Palustris Oil, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Amber Powder, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sucrose Stearate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Asiatic Acid, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Madecassoside
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your second cleanser in a double-cleansing routine (PM) or as your only cleanser (AM). Best used after an oil cleanser to remove sunscreen and makeup residue.
How to use
HOW TO USEDispense Product
Squeeze a small amount (about 1-2 pumps or pea-sized) onto damp hands.
Create Lather
Rub hands together with a bit of water to create a rich, creamy foam.
Massage Gently
Apply the foam to damp skin and massage in circular motions for 30-60 seconds, focusing on the T-zone.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse completely with lukewarm water, ensuring no residue remains, especially around the hairline.
Follow Up
Immediately continue with toner and the rest of your skincare routine while skin is still slightly damp.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have normal to oily/combination skin
- You enjoy rich, luxurious foam cleansers
- Your skin is sensitive but not compromised
- You want to soothe redness and irritation
- You prefer herbal/eucalyptus scented products
- You do double cleansing in PM routine
- You want affordable K-beauty options
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or dehydrated skin
- You have fungal acne (malassezia)
- You prefer fragrance-free products
- You need low-pH cleansers for damaged barrier
- You're pregnant (consult doctor first)
- You're sensitive to essential oils
- You dislike herbal/medicinal scents
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESEffectively removes excess sebum and leaves skin feeling clean and refreshed without over-drying.
Soap-based formula may feel slightly stripping. Follow immediately with hydrating toner and moisturizer.
Works well for T-zone cleansing. May need extra hydration on dry cheeks afterward.
Centella helps calm irritation, but essential oils may trigger some sensitive skin. Patch test first.
Low comedogenic rating. Not suitable for fungal acne, but works for regular acne-prone skin.
Results timeline
MONTH 1+Clean, Fresh Feeling
Skin feels thoroughly cleansed with a satisfying clean finish. Rich foam provides pleasant cleansing experience.
95% noticedReduced Redness
Centella ingredients begin to calm visible redness and irritation with consistent use.
70% noticedCalmer, Balanced Skin
Skin appears more balanced and less reactive. Ongoing barrier support from Centella components.
65% noticedStrengthened Skin Barrier
With consistent use as part of full skincare routine, skin feels healthier and more resilient.
60% noticedRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Rich, luxurious foam texture is satisfying to use
- CICA-7 Complex effectively soothes irritated skin
- 91% natural ingredients
- Affordable K-beauty price point
- Effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities
- Pleasant herbal scent (for those who enjoy it)
- Cruelty-free and paraben-free
- Good size (150ml) lasts several months
Criticized
- Higher pH soap formula can strip dry skin
- Not fungal acne safe
- Contains essential oils (irritating for some)
- Herbal scent polarizing - some find it medicinal
- Takes time to rinse off completely
- May feel tight on dehydrated skin
- Not suitable for compromised skin barriers
- Contains lemon/citrus - potential photosensitivity
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESLow-pH formula with gentle surfactants (Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate). Fungal acne safe. Less stripping but still features Centella. No essential oils.
50% Centella extract with 0.2% salicylic acid. pH 5.5 formula. Fungal acne safe. Better for acne-prone skin but less luxurious foam.

Enzyme-based cleansing with Centella. More gentle exfoliation. Higher price point but similar soothing benefits. Contains fragrance.
Same brand, low-pH formula. Tea tree instead of Centella. Better for oily/acne skin. Less soothing, more clarifying. Different scent profile.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap closed when not in use.
Squeeze tube with flip-top cap. Hygienic dispensing, easy to control amount.
No - 150ml exceeds TSA carry-on limit. Transfer to smaller container or pack in checked luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. While Centella Asiatica is generally considered safe for topical use during pregnancy, this cleanser contains essential oils (eucalyptus, lavender, citrus) which some healthcare providers recommend avoiding. There are no retinoids, salicylic acid, or other clearly contraindicated ingredients. However, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
No, this cleanser is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients that can feed malassezia yeast including myristic acid (C14 fatty acid), lauric acid (C12 fatty acid), moringa oleifera seed oil, and caprylic/capric triglyceride. If you have fungal acne, consider alternatives like SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam or iUNIK Centella Mild Cleansing Foam which are FA-safe.
Yes, you can use this cleanser with active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. However, since this is a soap-based cleanser with higher pH, it may temporarily raise your skin's pH. Wait a few minutes after cleansing before applying pH-dependent actives like vitamin C or AHAs for optimal effectiveness. If you're using strong retinoids, you may want a gentler, low-pH cleanser to avoid over-stripping.
This cleanser is best suited for normal to oily/combination skin types. The rich foam effectively removes excess sebum, and the Centella ingredients help soothe irritation. Those with dry or very sensitive skin may find it slightly stripping due to the soap-based formula. Combination skin types report good results when followed by hydrating products.
As a cleanser, you'll feel immediate cleansing benefits - skin will feel clean and fresh right away. The soothing Centella benefits may take 1-2 weeks of consistent use to notice visible reduction in redness. For skin barrier strengthening effects, expect 4+ weeks. Remember that cleansers are wash-off products, so the active ingredients have limited contact time with skin.
Use as your second cleanser (after oil cleanser) in a double-cleansing routine at night, or as your only cleanser in the morning. Apply to damp skin after removing makeup/sunscreen with an oil-based cleanser. Follow immediately with toner, essence, serum, and moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp.
This cleanser has a low comedogenic rating of 2/5. While it contains some potentially comedogenic ingredients like moringa oil and cetearyl alcohol, as a rinse-off product, these have minimal contact time with skin. Most users don't experience clogged pores from this cleanser. However, everyone's skin is different - if you're highly acne-prone, monitor for any breakouts during initial use.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. The 150ml size typically lasts 2-3 months with twice-daily use. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and keep the cap closed when not in use. Watch for any changes in color, texture, or smell which could indicate the product has expired.
Verdict: The COSRX Pure Fit Cica Creamy Foam Cleanser delivers a satisfying, rich foam cleansing experience with proven Centella ingredients for soothing benefits. Best suited for normal to oily skin types who enjoy luxurious foam textures and don't mind the herbal scent. The soap-based formula effectively cleanses but may be too stripping for dry or compromised skin. Not suitable for fungal acne sufferers. For a gentler alternative within the same line, consider the COSRX Pure Fit Cica Cleanser (low-pH version) or the SKIN1004 Centella Ampoule Foam. Overall, a solid affordable option for those seeking a Centella-infused cleanser with excellent foam quality.
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 |
Myristic Acid
Perfuming, Fragrance, Emulsifying, Opacifying, Sufactant
|
|
|
| 1 |
Palmitic Acid
Fragrance, Opacifying, Sufactant, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Stearic Acid
Masking, Fragrance, Emulsion Stabilising, Emulsifying, Sufactant, Refatting, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Lauric Acid
Fragrance, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 0 |
Potassium Hydroxide
Buffering
|
|







