Cica Mild Toner Pad
Cica Mild Toner Pad
Product Description
By VT Cosmetics β a dual-sided Korean toner pad soaked in a soothing BHA and Centella essence. The embossed side gently lifts away dead skin and excess sebum, while the smooth side tones and hydrates with triple hyaluronic acid, calming redness and refining texture while restoring your skin's natural pH balance.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Dual-Textured Pads
The embossed side physically lifts dead skin and sebum; the soft side delivers the toning, hydrating essence.
Centella 4X Complex
Asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid work together to calm redness and support healing.
Triple Hyaluronic Acid
Three molecular weights of HA (CICAHYALONβ’) hydrate at multiple depths for plump, balanced skin.
pH-Balancing BHA
Mild salicylic acid clears pores and refines texture while restoring the skin's slightly acidic barrier.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains salicylic acid (BHA). Low-concentration topical BHA is generally considered low-risk, but most professionals advise caution β check with your doctor.
Contains polyglyceryl-10 laurate & myristate β fatty-acid esters that can feed malassezia. Patch test if you are fungal-acne-prone.
Rated approximately 1/5. The lightweight, water-based formula is unlikely to clog pores.
Contains Hamamelis (witch hazel) and propolis. Patch test if your skin is reactive or you are allergic to bee products.
No added fragrance, drying alcohol, parabens, silicones, sulfates or essential oils.
Salicylic acid does not increase photosensitivity, but daily broad-spectrum SPF is still recommended.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π§ͺ Salicylic Acid (BHA) ~0.5% Proven
An oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid that penetrates into pores to dissolve sebum, clear buildup and reduce inflammation. Used here at a mild, daily-friendly level.
- FDA: Concentrations of 0.5β2% are recognized as OTC acne treatment.
- Structure: Chemically related to aspirin, giving it soothing, anti-inflammatory properties.
πΏ Centella Asiatica (Centella 4X Complex) CICALIAOβ’ Proven
The brand's signature complex pairs Centella Asiatica extract with its four key actives β asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid β plus green propolis to calm, repair and protect.
- Research: Peer-reviewed studies link these triterpenoids to reduced irritation, redness and improved wound healing.
- Antioxidant: Helps defend skin against pollution and UV-induced free radicals.
π§ Triple Hyaluronic Acid CICAHYALONβ’ Proven
Three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid / sodium hyaluronate hydrate at the surface and deeper layers, binding water to keep skin plump and the barrier resilient.
- Mechanism: A single HA molecule can hold many times its weight in water.
- Typical use: Commonly formulated at 0.1β2% for visible, lasting hydration.
π Green Propolis Extract Soothing Promising
A bee-derived ingredient rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids, giving it antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that pair well with Centella for calming and clarity.
- Benefits: Research supports soothing, antibacterial and skin-conditioning effects.
- Note: Animal-derived, so this product is not vegan.
π‘οΈ Tocopherol (Vitamin E) 0.1β1% Proven
A fat-soluble antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals from UV and pollution, supports the moisture barrier and helps stabilize other ingredients in the formula.
- Synergy: Works especially well alongside antioxidants, roughly doubling photoprotective effects.
- Bonus: Studies show improved skin water-binding capacity over 2β4 weeks.
30 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Propolis Extract, Artemisia Annua Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Allantoin, Beta-Glucan, Tromethamine, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Chlorphenesin, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dextrin, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Propanediol, Betaine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, 1,2-Hexanediol
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use right after cleansing as your first toning and exfoliating step. Best suited to evenings; limit BHA exfoliation to 3β4 times per week if your skin is sensitive, and always follow with SPF in the morning.
π How to Use
Cleanse
Wash your face and gently pat the skin dry.
Take a pad
Use the included tweezers to lift out one pad β this keeps the jar hygienic.
Embossed side first
Gently wipe the T-zone and the rest of the face, avoiding the eye and lip area, to exfoliate.
Smooth side to finish
Flip the pad and sweep across the face to tone, then pat any remaining essence into the skin.
Follow up
Layer your serum and moisturizer. In the morning, finish with broad-spectrum sunscreen.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination or acne-prone skin
- You want gentle daily chemical + physical exfoliation
- You like low-effort, multitasking toner pads
- Your skin needs calming for redness or post-acne marks
β Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or a compromised skin barrier
- You react to witch hazel or are allergic to bee/propolis
- You strictly avoid all fungal-acne triggers
- You follow a fully vegan routine
π― Skin Type Compatibility
BHA controls sebum and refines pores while the lightweight essence absorbs without adding shine.
Balances oily zones while the triple HA keeps drier areas comfortably hydrated.
BHA plus Centella clears and calms, though mild malassezia-feeding esters mean fungal-acne types should patch test.
Soothing cica helps, but witch hazel and BHA may irritate very reactive skin β patch test and use sparingly.
Hyaluronic acid adds hydration, but regular BHA exfoliation can feel drying β follow with a richer moisturizer.
π Results Timeline
Smoother, calmer skin
Skin feels refreshed and looks more even and balanced right after the first use.
80% noticedClearer texture
Fewer clogged pores and a smoother surface as the gentle exfoliation builds up.
65% noticedBalanced, refined skin
Reduced congestion, calmer redness and a more even, refined complexion with consistent use.
55% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Gentle yet effective dual exfoliation
- Soothing Centella visibly calms redness
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing, no sticky residue
- Fragrance- and alcohol-free formula
- Hygienic tweezer dispensing
- Excellent value for money
β Criticized
- Pads are on the small side
- Bottom pads can dry out over time
- Contains witch hazel (may irritate sensitive skin)
- Not vegan (contains propolis)
- Mild fungal-acne triggers present
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Single-texture BHA (betaine salicylate) pad with willow bark and tea tree. Similar pore-clearing at a comparable price, but offers less hydration and no dedicated cica complex.
Gentler, BHA-free option in a larger 180ml jar. Great soothing and hydration for sensitive skin, but without the exfoliating action of this VT pad.
Combines AHA, BHA and PHA with Truecica for more aggressive clearing. More clarifying but more drying β better for very oily, congested skin.
π Comparison with Competitors
VT Cica Mild Toner Pad (Featured)
$13.00Some By Mi Truecica Clear Pad
$18.00MediCube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
$25.00Mixsoon Centella Toner Pad
$17.00π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
Approximately 6 months after opening
Keep the lid sealed; store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Refrigerate for a cooling effect.
Round tub / jar with hygienic built-in tweezers
Bulky jar β decant a few pads into a smaller container for travel
β Frequently Asked Questions
It contains salicylic acid (BHA). Low-concentration topical BHA in a leave-on toner is generally considered low-risk, but many dermatologists and OB/GYNs advise caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Please consult your healthcare provider before use.
Not strictly. It contains polyglyceryl-10 laurate and polyglyceryl-10 myristate β fatty-acid esters that can potentially feed the malassezia yeast linked to fungal acne. If you are prone to fungal acne, patch test first or choose a trigger-free alternative.
These pads already contain BHA, so avoid layering them with strong acids or retinoids on the same night to prevent over-exfoliation and irritation. Alternate them on different evenings, and use vitamin C in your morning routine instead.
It shines on oily and combination skin and is a good fit for acne-prone or textured skin thanks to its BHA and soothing Centella complex. Very dry or sensitive skin can still use it, but less frequently and with a richer moisturizer to follow.
Skin usually feels refreshed and calmer immediately. Clearer texture and fewer clogged pores tend to appear within 1β2 weeks, with more balanced, refined skin around the 4-week mark of consistent use.
Use it right after cleansing as your first toning and exfoliating step, before essences, serums and moisturizer. In the morning, always finish with sunscreen.
It rates very low at around 1/5 on the comedogenic scale. The water-based, lightweight formula is unlikely to clog pores; in fact the BHA helps keep them clear.
About 6 months once opened (PAO). Keep the lid firmly sealed and always use the included tweezers rather than fingers to avoid introducing bacteria and to keep the remaining pads moist.
Verdict: A standout value in the K-beauty toner-pad category. The VT Cica Mild Toner Pad pairs gentle BHA exfoliation with a generous dose of soothing Centella 4X complex and triple hyaluronic acid, making it a smart daily multitasker for oily, combination and acne-prone skin. The dual-textured pads, fragrance-free formula and hygienic tweezer dispensing are real strengths. Minor drawbacks β smaller pads, occasional dry-out at the bottom, and witch hazel and propolis that may not suit very sensitive or vegan users β keep it just short of perfect, but for the price it is hard to beat.
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 skinβs 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 Β«promisesΒ» 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 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 8 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 2 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
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 4 |
Salicylic Acid
Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Antidandruff Agent, Antiacne Agent, Denaturant, Preservative, Exfoliant, Keratolytic, Corn/Callus/Wart Remover
|
Brightening
Ache-fighting
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing, Soothing, Tonic
|
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
|