Cicaterol Moisturizer
Cicaterol Moisturizer
Product Description
Product overview
A lightweight gel-cream moisturizer from Beplain that delivers intense soothing and barrier repair through 67.8% Centella Asiatica Extract paired with Phytosterol (Beta-Sitosterol) — the first in Korea to use Phytosterol extracted directly from Centella. Designed for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin, this 1st Place Hwahae Trend Awards winner absorbs instantly without greasiness while strengthening the skin barrier with madecassoside, panthenol, and 2-3% niacinamide.
67.8% Centella Asiatica
One of the highest cica concentrations in K-beauty moisturizers, delivering all four centellosides (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic & madecassic acid).
Texture & feel
SENSORY67.8% Centella Asiatica
One of the highest cica concentrations in K-beauty moisturizers, delivering all four centellosides (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic & madecassic acid).
Phytosterol-Powered Barrier
Industry-first use of Phytosterol (Beta-Sitosterol) extracted from Centella Asiatica to soothe, protect and reinforce a compromised skin barrier.
Cooling Gel-to-Cream
Lightweight enough for oily skin yet nourishing like a cream — absorbs in seconds with no sticky or greasy after-feel.
Award-Winning Vegan
1st Place winner of the 2022 Hwahae Trend Awards for Best Vegan Cream — vetted by 10M+ Korean reviewers.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy and nursing.
Contains Hydrogenated Lecithin and Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, which can feed Malassezia yeast. Avoid if you have confirmed fungal acne.
Non-comedogenic formula with no high-comedogenic oils. Suitable for acne-prone and oily skin types.
Independent science-based reviews assess this formula as having low irritation potential. Free of common irritants and allergens.
Compatible with retinol, vitamin C, AHA/BHA, and peptides. Its calming profile actually buffers irritation from strong actives.
Officially vegan-certified and never tested on animals. Brand uses sustainable sourcing and PCR plastic packaging.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSCentella Asiatica Extract 67.8%Proven
The headline ingredient and the entire reason this moisturizer exists. Also known as Cica or Gotu Kola, Centella delivers four bioactive compounds — asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid — that calm inflammation, accelerate barrier recovery, and stimulate hyaluronic acid synthesis in the skin.
- Clinical evidence: A 4-week study on 25 participants confirmed measurable skin moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects from topical Centella.
- Wound healing: Madecassoside has been shown to accelerate burn-wound healing by boosting antioxidant activity and collagen synthesis.
- Industry context: 67.8% places this product among the highest cica-content moisturizers on the market — most competitors use 1–10%.
Niacinamide ~2.2-3.3%Proven
Vitamin B3 at a clinically meaningful concentration. This multi-tasker strengthens the skin barrier, regulates sebum, fades post-acne marks, and improves overall tone — making it a perfect partner for the cica system.
- Concentration: Independent ingredient analysis estimates 2.2–3.3%, within the proven effective range (2–5%) without irritation risk.
- Barrier support: Stimulates ceramide and free fatty acid production in the stratum corneum.
- Acne control: Solid clinical evidence for reducing breakouts and clogged pores.
Beta-Sitosterol (Phytosterol) <1%Promising
Beplain's industry-first signature ingredient — a Phytosterol extracted from Centella Asiatica itself. This pro-vitamin D compound mimics cholesterol in the skin barrier, helping to reinforce the lipid matrix and reduce trans-epidermal water loss.
- Brand exclusive: First and only Korean brand to extract Phytosterol directly from Centella for skincare use.
- Mechanism: Acts as an anti-inflammatory and barrier-replenishing lipid for compromised, atopic, or eczema-prone skin.
Madecassoside + Centellosides ~0.4-1.5%Proven
The cica family is broken out and listed separately on the INCI — a sign of formulation transparency. These purified actives deliver targeted anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects beyond what the whole-plant extract alone provides.
- Madecassoside: Estimated 0.15–0.60%; reduces inflammation and supports collagen synthesis.
- Asiaticoside, Asiatic & Madecassic Acid: Each at roughly 0.10–0.45%; together provide the full spectrum of Centella's wound-repair benefits.
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) ~0.45-1%Proven
A humectant that converts into pantothenic acid in the skin, where it improves hydration, reduces water loss, and calms inflammation. At this concentration, it actively contributes to barrier repair rather than just sitting in the formula as a marketing claim.
- Hydration: Increases stratum corneum water content and softens rough texture.
- Wound support: Used in pharmaceutical creams for post-procedure recovery and minor burns.
Adenosine ~0.35-0.85%Proven
A Korean-MFDS-approved anti-aging active that signals skin cells to boost collagen production. Its inclusion here gives the moisturizer a quiet anti-aging benefit on top of its primary soothing role.
- Clinical data: A high-quality clinical trial showed topical adenosine improved expression-line wrinkles (forehead, eye corners).
Sodium Hyaluronate + Glycerin HighProven
Two of skincare's most reliable humectants pulling water into the upper layers of the skin. Glycerin sits in the second slot of the INCI list, indicating a substantial concentration that supports the gel-cream's lightweight hydration claim.
- Glycerin: A 2016 study found it more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
- Sodium Hyaluronate: Lower-molecular-weight form of HA that penetrates more efficiently than standard HA.
31 ingredients
Centella Asiatica Extract (67.8%), Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Water, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Niacinamide, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Isononyl Isononanoate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Allantoin, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Adenosine, Beta-Sitosterol, Glucose, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Pentylene Glycol, Madecassoside, Cynanchum Atratum Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply as the final hydrating step in the morning before sunscreen, or as the last skincare step at night. The lightweight texture means it can also be layered under heavier night creams in winter.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Tone
Start with clean, slightly damp skin — humectants like glycerin and HA work best when there's water to bind to.
Apply Treatments
Layer any actives (vitamin C, retinol, niacinamide serums, peptides) before this moisturizer to lock them in.
Dispense a Pearl-Sized Amount
Squeeze about a pea to pearl-sized drop onto your fingertips. A little goes a long way — start small and build up.
Pat & Press
Gently pat onto skin instead of rubbing. The brand specifically recommends pressing it into the skin for full absorption.
Follow With SPF (AM)
Always finish daytime routines with broad-spectrum sunscreen — Centella is photo-protective but not a substitute for SPF.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive, redness-prone or reactive skin
- Your skin barrier is compromised from over-exfoliation or actives
- You have oily or combination skin and dislike heavy creams
- You experience seasonal flare-ups, eczema, or post-acne irritation
- You want a fragrance-free, vegan, clean-beauty option
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need a gentle moisturizer
Consider alternatives if:
- You have confirmed fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You have very dry or mature skin needing rich occlusion
- You prefer scented or luxury-textured creams
- You have a known allergy to Centella Asiatica
- You need an active anti-aging cream with peptides or retinoids
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESGel-cream texture absorbs in seconds without adding shine. Niacinamide helps regulate sebum.
Hydrating but lightweight — very dry skin may want to layer a richer cream or facial oil on top.
Balances hydration without overwhelming oily zones — works as a single all-face moisturizer.
Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and built around centella's anti-inflammatory profile — designed for reactive skin.
Non-comedogenic with niacinamide for blemishes. Soothes irritation from acne treatments like retinol or BHA.
Adenosine offers some anti-aging benefit, but mature skin typically needs more occlusive textures or peptides.
Results timeline
8+ WEEKSCooling & Calming Sensation
The gel-cream feels noticeably cooling on application — irritation, heat and visible redness start to settle within minutes. Skin feels plumped and refreshed.
90%+ noticed instantlySmoother, Less Reactive Skin
Tightness and rough patches soften as the humectant + emollient system rebuilds hydration. Reactive skin becomes more tolerant of other products.
~75% noticedVisible Barrier Recovery
Background redness fades, post-acne marks lighten thanks to niacinamide, and the skin barrier feels visibly stronger and more resilient to weather changes.
~65% noticedImproved Tone & Texture
Long-term users report a more even tone, fewer breakouts, reduced sensitivity flare-ups, and a subtle "glass skin" glow from sustained barrier health.
~55% noticedRatings by platform
13K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Industry-leading 67.8% Centella Asiatica concentration
- Genuinely lightweight gel-cream — fast absorption with no greasiness
- Effective at calming redness and barrier irritation
- Niacinamide at 2–3% is a clinically meaningful dose
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and EWG green-grade ingredient profile
- Hwahae 2022 1st Place Best Vegan Cream
- Sustainable PCR-plastic packaging
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding safe
Criticized
- 60ml tube is small for committed twice-daily users
- Not fungal acne (malassezia) safe
- Subtle herbal cica scent isn't loved by everyone
- Too lightweight for very dry or mature skin in winter
- Limited brick-and-mortar availability outside Korea
- Price-per-ml is higher than budget cica creams
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESCentella-focused barrier cream from another clean-beauty Korean brand. Lower cica concentration but more occlusive texture — better for drier skin types.
Uses 53% wild-harvested Madagascar Centella. Slightly thinner finish; cleaner shorter ingredient list but no phytosterol component.
Cult-favorite cica cream at half the price. Thicker, slightly oilier finish and no madecassoside listed separately — less science-forward formulation.
Different category (serum, not moisturizer) but similar barrier-soothing intent. Pair it with a basic gel cream for a DIY dupe at half the cost.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
PURITO Centella Green Level Recovery Cream
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration is optional but enhances the cooling sensation.
100% PCR (post-consumer recycled) plastic squeeze tube — sustainable and hygienic.
Yes — 60ml is well under the 100ml TSA / airline carry-on liquid limit.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters — all of which are typically flagged during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Its core actives (Centella Asiatica, niacinamide, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, allantoin) are all considered safe for use during these periods. As always, consult your OB-GYN if you have specific concerns or sensitivities.
No. The formula contains Hydrogenated Lecithin and Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, both of which can feed Malassezia yeast and trigger fungal acne flare-ups. If you have confirmed malassezia folliculitis (small uniform bumps on forehead, chest or back), this is not the right pick — look for fully fungal-acne-safe alternatives instead.
Yes — and this is actually one of its strongest use cases. The high-cica, fragrance-free, low-irritation formula is ideal for buffering and soothing the irritation that often comes with strong actives. Apply your retinol, vitamin C, AHA or BHA serum first, let it absorb, then layer this moisturizer on top. It pairs especially well with retinol routines for sensitive skin.
It's formulated specifically for sensitive, oily, combination, and acne-prone skin — these types will benefit most from the lightweight gel-cream texture, calming centella complex, and oil-balancing niacinamide. Dry and mature skin types can still use it but may need to layer something richer on top, especially in colder months.
Most users feel the cooling and calming effect immediately upon application. Visible reduction in redness and improved skin softness typically shows within 3–7 days of consistent twice-daily use. Deeper barrier recovery, fading of post-acne marks (from niacinamide), and tone improvements usually become apparent at the 2–4 week mark and continue through 8+ weeks.
Use it as your moisturizer step — after cleansing, toner, essence and serums, but before sunscreen in the morning. At night, it's the final hydrating step (or you can layer a sleeping mask or facial oil on top if your skin is very dry). Apply a pea-to-pearl-sized amount to slightly damp skin and pat to absorb.
No. It rates approximately 1 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale and is officially labeled non-comedogenic. The formula avoids high-pore-clogging oils and was specifically designed for acne-prone skin. The base is built around water, glycerin, butylene glycol and centella — none of which are known pore-blockers.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months — indicated by the 12M symbol on the tube. Because it's packaged in a hygienic PCR-plastic squeeze tube (rather than an open jar), the formula stays stable and protected from contamination. Store at room temperature out of direct sunlight, and discard if you notice any change in color, texture, or scent.
Verdict: Beplain's Cicaterol Moisturizer is one of the smartest cica gel-creams in K-beauty right now. With67.8% Centella Asiatica, a clinically meaningful dose of niacinamide, and Korea's first centella-derived phytosterol, it delivers genuine science-backed barrier soothing in a featherweight texture. It's vegan, fragrance-free, pregnancy-safe, and award-winning — ideal for sensitive, oily, combination and acne-prone skin, especially anyone using strong actives. The two real caveats: it's not fungal-acne safe, and the 60ml tube empties faster than committed users would like. For everyone else, it's a near-perfect daily moisturizer at a fair K-beauty price point.
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 skin’s 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 «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.
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
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.