Cica Deep Cleansing Micellar Water
Cica Deep Cleansing Micellar Water
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, alcohol-free micellar water infused with 4X Cica complex (Centella Asiatica Extract, Asiaticoside, Madecassoside & Asiatic Acid), 7 types of Hyaluronic Acid, and Niacinamide. Effectively removes waterproof makeup, sunscreen residue, dirt, and pollution without stripping moisture or irritating the skin barrier. Formulated for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
4X Cica Complex
Contains four centella-derived actives (Centella Asiatica Extract, Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Asiatic Acid) to calm redness and support skin barrier repair.
Texture & feel
SENSORY4X Cica Complex
Contains four centella-derived actives (Centella Asiatica Extract, Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Asiatic Acid) to calm redness and support skin barrier repair.
7 Types of Hyaluronic Acid
A multi-molecular weight HA complex including Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed HA, and Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer for deep, lasting hydration at every skin layer.
Double Cleansing Action
Poloxamer 184 and Softigen 767 (PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides) work together to dissolve waterproof makeup, sunscreen, oil, and micro-pollutants in one step.
Barrier-Friendly Formula
Alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and enriched with Niacinamide, Allantoin, and Aquaxyl complex to cleanse without drying or disrupting the skin barrier.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor.
Contains Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, a fermented ingredient that some sources flag as potentially feeding malassezia yeast. However, many FA-safe databases classify this product as safe. Patch test if you are sensitive.
Oil-free, silicone-free formula with no known pore-clogging ingredients. Very low risk of breakouts for most skin types.
Free from harsh alcohols, fragrances, parabens, and sulfates. Gentle surfactants (Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate) derived from coconut and amino acids. Gentle around the eye area and lips.
Safe to use before applying retinol, vitamin C, AHA, or BHA. As a first-step cleanser, it does not interfere with actives applied afterward.
This product is registered with Indonesia's National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM), ensuring it meets safety and quality standards.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSCentella Asiatica 4X ComplexProven
This product uses a full-spectrum Cica approach: Centella Asiatica Extract plus its three isolated triterpenoids (Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Asiatic Acid). This 4X approach provides stronger soothing and barrier-repair benefits than extract alone.
- Research: Centella triterpenoids have been shown in clinical studies to stimulate collagen synthesis and reduce inflammation.
- Asiaticoside: Promotes wound healing and stimulates type I collagen production.
- Madecassoside: The most potent anti-inflammatory component; reduces redness and irritation.
- Asiatic Acid: Strengthens skin barrier integrity and supports antioxidant defense.
7 Types of Hyaluronic AcidProven
A comprehensive multi-weight HA complex targeting every layer of the skin: Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, and Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer.
- High MW HA: Forms a moisture-locking film on the skin surface to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
- Low MW HA: Penetrates deeper into the epidermis for lasting hydration from within.
- Crosspolymer HA: Provides a sustained-release hydration effect that lasts throughout the day.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)Proven
A multitasking active placed high in the ingredient list (4th position), indicating a meaningful concentration. Strengthens the skin barrier, controls sebum, minimizes the appearance of pores, and helps fade dark spots.
- Barrier support: Boosts ceramide production by up to 34% at 2% concentration (clinical studies).
- Brightening: Inhibits melanosome transfer to reduce hyperpigmentation over time.
- Oil control: Regulates sebum production, making it excellent for oily and combination skin.
Aquaxyl Complex Patented BlendProven
A patented trio of Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, and Xylitol that provides 3D hydration by reinforcing the skin's natural moisture barrier and preventing dehydration.
- Mechanism: Regulates water flow and storage within the epidermis for an anti-dehydration shield effect.
- Clinical data: Shown to reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and increase skin hydration by up to 56% after 7 days of use.
Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment FiltratePromising
A fermented rice extract rich in amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Supports skin brightening, hydration, and antioxidant protection. Inspired by Japanese sake-brewing traditions.
- Benefits: Contains natural AHAs and amino acids that gently exfoliate and improve skin texture.
- Antioxidant: Helps protect against environmental stress and free radical damage.
AllantoinProven
A gentle soothing and moisturizing agent derived from the comfrey plant. Promotes cell regeneration, calms irritation, and helps smooth rough skin texture.
- Wound healing: Clinically shown to accelerate cell proliferation and skin repair.
- Soothing: Reduces redness and sensitivity, making it ideal for reactive or post-procedure skin.
31 ingredients
Aqua, Poloxamer 184, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Asiatic Acid, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Allantoin, Sodium PCA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the first step of your double-cleansing routine (PM) or as a quick standalone cleanser (AM). Follow with a water-based cleanser for thorough makeup removal.
How to use
HOW TO USESaturate a Cotton Pad
Pour a generous amount of micellar water onto a cotton pad until it is fully soaked. This helps reduce friction and ensures gentle cleansing.
Gently Swipe Across Face
Press the cotton pad onto your skin and gently glide it across your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing. Let the micelles do the work of lifting away dirt and makeup.
Eye & Lip Makeup Removal
Hold the soaked cotton pad over closed eyes or lips for 5–10 seconds before gently wiping away. This allows the formula to dissolve waterproof mascara and long-wear lipstick without tugging.
Repeat Until Clean
Use a fresh cotton pad and repeat until no residue remains. No rinsing required, but you may follow with a water-based cleanser for a full double-cleanse routine.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You wear waterproof makeup or heavy sunscreen daily
- You have sensitive or easily irritated skin
- You want a gentle first-step cleanser that hydrates while cleansing
- You prefer a no-rinse makeup remover for convenience
- You want cica benefits to calm redness and inflammation
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe cleanser
Consider alternatives if:
- You need a micellar water with zero fermented ingredients (strict fungal acne routine)
- You prefer an oil-based first cleanser for extra-heavy theatrical or stage makeup
- You want a micellar water with active BHA for acne treatment during cleansing
- You dislike using cotton pads (product works best with pads)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESWatery, oil-free texture leaves zero residue. Niacinamide helps regulate sebum production. No greasy film or shine after use.
7 types of Hyaluronic Acid and Aquaxyl complex add a hydrating boost during cleansing. Follow with a rich moisturizer to lock in moisture.
Balances well across oily and dry zones. Cleanses T-zone effectively without stripping drier cheek areas.
Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, with gentle amino acid surfactants and 4X Cica to soothe. Does not sting eyes or taste bitter on lips. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin.
Non-comedogenic (1/5), oil-free, and won't clog pores. Niacinamide helps with oil control and post-acne marks. Note: contains a fermented ingredient if strict about fungal acne triggers.
Results timeline
6 – 8 WEEKSClean, Fresh Feeling
Makeup, sunscreen, and surface dirt are effectively removed. Skin feels hydrated and refreshed without tightness or dryness.
95% noticedCalmer, Less Irritated Skin
The 4X Cica complex starts to reduce redness and soothe sensitive areas. Skin feels more comfortable after daily cleansing.
78% noticedImproved Hydration & Texture
Multi-weight Hyaluronic Acid and Aquaxyl complex contribute to visibly plumper, better-hydrated skin. Niacinamide helps even out skin tone and reduce visible pore size.
65% noticedStrengthened Skin Barrier
Consistent gentle cleansing paired with barrier-supporting ingredients helps restore and maintain a healthy skin barrier. Reduced sensitivity and fewer reactive episodes.
55% noticedRatings by platform
7K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Removes waterproof makeup and sunscreen effectively in a few swipes
- Gentle around the eyes — no stinging or bitterness on lips for most users
- Generous 300ml bottle provides excellent value for money
- Skin feels hydrated and refreshed after use, never tight or stripped
- Fragrance-free and alcohol-free — great for sensitive skin
- Impressive 4X Cica complex and 7 types of HA at an affordable price point
- Clean ingredient list with no parabens, sulfates, or silicones
Criticized
- A small number of users report mild stinging, especially on first use
- Contains Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate — may concern strict fungal acne routines
- May need multiple pads for very heavy or layered waterproof makeup
- Limited international availability — mainly sold in Indonesia
- No pump dispenser — flip-cap design can be slightly messy
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESClassic micellar water with a simpler formula. Effective at removing makeup but lacks the 4X Cica complex, multi-weight HA system, and Niacinamide found in the Elsheskin version. More widely available worldwide.
A K-beauty favorite with deep-sea mineral water and low pH. Hydrating and gentle, but uses a different soothing approach (minerals vs. Cica) and lacks the multi-HA complex. Widely loved by the skincare community.
Ultra-simple, fragrance-free formula ideal for very sensitive skin. Uses a minimal ingredient approach but misses out on the active skin benefits (Cica, Niacinamide, HA) that the Elsheskin formula provides.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the cap tightly closed after each use to prevent contamination.
Transparent plastic bottle with flip-cap closure (300ml)
No — 300ml exceeds the 100ml carry-on liquid limit. A 100ml travel-size version is available separately.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. This micellar water does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or any other ingredients commonly flagged as unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is alcohol-free and fragrance-free, making it a gentle choice for expectant and nursing mothers. As always, consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Use with caution. While many fungal acne databases classify this product as safe, it does contain Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate — a fermented ingredient that some experts believe may potentially feed malassezia yeast. If you follow a strict fungal acne-safe routine, you may want to patch test first or opt for a ferment-free micellar water instead. The rest of the formula (no oils, no fatty acids, no esters, no polysorbates) is very fungal acne-friendly.
Absolutely. This micellar water is a first-step cleanser that is rinsed or wiped off, so it does not stay on the skin to interact with actives. You can safely use it before applying retinol, vitamin C serums, AHA, or BHA treatments. In fact, thorough cleansing with this product helps ensure your actives penetrate effectively on clean skin.
This micellar water is formulated for all skin types, including oily, dry, combination, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. It excels for sensitive and combination skin thanks to its fragrance-free, alcohol-free formula with soothing Cica and hydrating Hyaluronic Acid. Oily skin types benefit from the oil-free, residue-free finish and niacinamide content.
You will notice effective cleansing immediately — makeup, sunscreen, and dirt are removed from the first use. Within 1–2 weeks of consistent daily use, most users report calmer, less irritated skin. After 3–4 weeks, improvements in skin hydration, texture, and overall brightness become more apparent as the 4X Cica, Niacinamide, and multi-HA complex support barrier health over time.
Use it as the very first step of your skincare routine, before any other products. In your PM routine, apply it as the first step of a double cleanse — follow with a gel or foam cleanser for thorough removal. In the AM, you can use it as a quick standalone cleanser if your skin is not very oily. Apply the product onto a cotton pad and wipe gently across the face.
This product has a very low comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. It is oil-free, silicone-free, and does not contain known pore-clogging ingredients. The formula is specifically designed not to clog pores (non-comedogenic) and is suitable for acne-prone skin. It effectively removes pore-clogging impurities like makeup and sunscreen residue.
The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal freshness and efficacy. Store in a cool, dry place with the cap tightly sealed. A 300ml bottle typically lasts 2–3 months with daily use (AM and PM), so you should easily use it well within the 12-month window.
Verdict: The Elsheskin Cica Deep Cleansing Micellar Water delivers impressive performance at an exceptionally affordable price point. Its standout 4X Cica complex with isolated triterpenoids, 7 types of Hyaluronic Acid, and high-listed Niacinamide put it in a league above most drugstore micellar waters in terms of active ingredients. The fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and oil-free formula makes it genuinely suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Its only notable drawback is the inclusion of a fermented ingredient for those on strict fungal acne routines, and limited availability outside Indonesia. For a first-step cleanser that hydrates, soothes, and effectively removes waterproof makeup without compromising your skin barrier, this is one of the best value-for-money options on the Indonesian skincare market.
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
|
|
|
| 0 |
Poloxamer 184
Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 3 |
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Surfactant, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 1 |
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|







