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Madecassoside Cream 2x

Madecassoside Cream 2x

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A powerful soothing cream featuring 2X concentrated Madecassoside (0.2%) and 50% Centella Asiatica Leaf Water. This all-in-one moisturizer calms irritated, sensitive, and damaged skin while strengthening the moisture barrier. Enriched with a 5-CICA Complex and Niacinamide for brighter, healthier-looking skin.

Fungal Acne Safe Alcohol-Free Paraben-Free Sulfate-Free Cruelty-Free Reef Safe 2X Madecassoside 5-CICA Complex
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
Yes
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
50ml / 1.69 fl oz
Type
Cream
pH Level
Mildly Acidic
Concern
Sensitivity
Key Active
Madecassoside 0.2%
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

5-CICA Complex

Contains 5 forms of Centella: Extract, Leaf Extract, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, and Madecassic Acid for comprehensive soothing benefits.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Rich Gel-Cream
Scent
Light Floral-Citrus
Absorption
30-60 seconds
Finish
Semi-Matte Dewy

5-CICA Complex

Contains 5 forms of Centella: Extract, Leaf Extract, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, and Madecassic Acid for comprehensive soothing benefits.

2X Concentrated Formula

Double the Madecassoside (0.2%) compared to the original formula for enhanced calming and barrier repair effects.

50% Cica Water

Formulated with 500,000ppm Centella Asiatica Leaf Water as the first ingredient for intensive soothing hydration.

Brightening Niacinamide

Includes Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) to help brighten skin tone and improve overall skin texture.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy Safe

Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Topical Centella Asiatica is considered safe during pregnancy and may help prevent stretch marks.

Breastfeeding Safe

Low systemic absorption through skin makes topical use compatible with breastfeeding. Avoid applying directly on breast area.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Free from fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates, and fermented ingredients that feed Malassezia yeast.

Low Comedogenic Rating

Rated 1/5 on the comedogenic scale. Silicone-based emollients provide moisture without clogging pores.

Contains Essential Oil Fragrances

Contains Ylang-Ylang, Grapefruit, Juniper, and Lemongrass oils. EU allergens listed: Limonene, Citral, Geraniol. Patch test if you have fragrance sensitivity.

Retinol Compatible

Works well as a soothing moisturizer after retinol application. Can help reduce retinol-induced irritation and dryness.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Madecassoside 0.2%Proven

The star ingredient derived from Centella Asiatica. This triterpene saponin is one of four active compounds responsible for Cica's legendary soothing properties.

  • Study: At 0.2%, reduces redness and peeling in light atopic dermatitis (Seppic research)
  • Mechanism: Blocks inflammatory pathways and stimulates GAGs/hyaluronic acid synthesis
  • Benefit: Inhibits UV-induced melanin synthesis, helping with hyperpigmentation
Works synergistically with Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, and Madecassic Acid in the 5-CICA Complex

Centella Asiatica Leaf Water 50%Proven

The first ingredient listed, making up half of the formula. This hydrating base delivers gentle Centella benefits while providing immediate soothing relief.

  • Source: Distilled from fresh Centella Asiatica leaves
  • Benefit: Provides hydration while delivering bioactive compounds
  • Effect: Creates a soothing, cooling sensation upon application

Niacinamide ~2-3%Proven

A multitasking form of Vitamin B3 that strengthens skin barrier, controls sebum, and brightens skin tone without irritation.

  • Benefit: Reduces appearance of pores, uneven tone, and fine lines
  • Mechanism: Boosts ceramide production to strengthen barrier
  • Synergy: Works well with Centella for enhanced soothing effects

Adenosine ~0.04%Proven

A naturally occurring compound in every living organism with proven anti-aging benefits when applied topically.

  • Benefit: Smooths fine lines and wrinkles
  • Mechanism: Cell-signaling role that promotes skin repair
  • Regulation: Approved anti-wrinkle ingredient in Korea at 0.04%

31 ingredients

Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Water, Glycerin, Phenyl Trimethicone, Propanediol, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sodium Chloride, Hydroxyacetophenone, Madecassoside, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Adenosine, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Disodium EDTA, Asiaticoside, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Limonene, Citral, Geraniol

FREE FROM: Parabens, Sulfates, Harsh Alcohols, Mineral Oil, Artificial Colors, Phthalates, Formaldehyde
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser
2
Toner
3
Essence/Serum
4
This Cream
5
Sunscreen (AM)

Use as your final moisturizing step. Apply AM and PM. Can be layered over treatments like retinol or vitamin C to soothe skin. Also great for dry patches on elbows and knees!

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Cleanse & Prep

After cleansing and applying toner/essence/serum, ensure skin is still slightly damp for better absorption.

2

Dispense Cream

Squeeze a pea-sized to nickel-sized amount onto fingertips. A little goes a long way with this rich formula.

3

Apply Gently

Dot cream onto forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Using palms, gently press and pat the cream into skin until fully absorbed.

4

Follow with SPF (AM)

In the morning, wait 1-2 minutes for full absorption, then apply sunscreen. At night, this can be your final step.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have sensitive, irritated, or reactive skin
  • You're recovering from chemical peels or laser treatments
  • You use retinol and need a soothing follow-up moisturizer
  • You experience redness, sunburn, or environmental damage
  • You have acne-prone or blemish-prone skin
  • You want a fungal acne-safe moisturizer
  • You're pregnant or breastfeeding
  • You have combination to oily skin needing lightweight hydration

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have very dry skin needing heavy occlusion
  • You're extremely sensitive to essential oil fragrances
  • You prefer completely fragrance-free products
  • You need a thick, balm-like texture for harsh winters
  • You dislike silicone-based products
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Lightweight gel-cream absorbs quickly without adding shine. Lemongrass oil helps regulate sebum. Dries to a semi-matte finish.

Dry Skin
Good

Provides solid hydration but may need a heavier moisturizer or facial oil on top for very dry skin, especially in winter.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Balances perfectly across different face zones. Hydrates dry areas without making T-zone oily. Ideal for this skin type.

Sensitive Skin
Excellent

Specifically formulated for sensitive skin with 5-CICA Complex. Mildly acidic pH protects compromised barrier. Patch test if fragrance-sensitive.

Acne-Prone Skin
Excellent

Non-comedogenic, fungal acne-safe formula. Helps calm active breakouts and reduces post-inflammatory redness without clogging pores.

08

Results timeline

8+ WEEKS
Immediately

Instant Soothing & Cooling

Feel immediate relief as the Centella-rich formula cools and calms irritated skin upon application. Redness visibly reduced.

95% noticed instant comfort
1-2 Weeks

Improved Hydration & Texture

Skin feels softer, smoother, and more resilient. Dry patches diminish. Post-acne redness begins to fade.

80% saw reduced redness
4-6 Weeks

Strengthened Barrier & Healing

Visible improvement in skin barrier function. Reduced sensitivity to irritants. Acne scars and blemishes appear less prominent.

70% reported fewer breakouts
8+ Weeks

Brighter, Calmer Complexion

Niacinamide delivers cumulative brightening. Skin tone evens out. Overall healthier, more resilient skin with reduced reactivity.

85% would repurchase
09

Ratings by platform

1K+ REVIEWS
iHerb
4.5
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Tube size feels small for the price; can feel too dewy for very oily skin in humid weather
YesStyle
4.6
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Light fragrance from essential oils may bother some sensitive users
Amazon
4.4
Rating
300+
Reviews
Main complaint: May not be moisturizing enough for very dry skin types in winter
SkinSort
4.0
Rating
84
Routines
Main complaint: Contains EU allergens (Limonene, Citral, Geraniol) from essential oils
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Exceptional soothing for irritated and sensitive skin
  • Fungal acne safe formula - rare find!
  • Absorbs quickly without sticky residue
  • Works beautifully after retinol application
  • Calms redness and post-acne marks
  • 2X concentrated formula delivers results
  • Affordable K-beauty option
  • Great for combination and oily skin
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe

Criticized

  • 50ml tube may feel small for daily use
  • Contains essential oil fragrances
  • May be too light for very dry skin
  • Dewy finish not ideal for extremely oily skin
  • Some silicone sensitivity possible
  • Metal tube can be hard to squeeze at the end
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
90% Match
Madecassoside Cream 2x
$12-15
Budget Pick

Same product line with 0.1% Madecassoside (half the concentration). Contains panthenol and urea. Better for those who find 2X too rich. 120ml jumbo size available.

85% Match
Madagascar Centella Cream
$16-18
Similar Price

Features 72% Centella extract (higher concentration) plus ceramides for extra barrier support. Lighter gel texture. 75ml size. Fragrance-free option available.

75% Match
Centella Blemish Cream
$16-20
Similar Price

Contains zinc oxide for anti-bacterial benefits. Thicker, white-cast texture better for nighttime spot treatment. Medical-grade Centella extract. 30ml size.

70% Match
Purito Centella Green Level Recovery Cream
$18-22
Similar Price

49% Centella extract with shea butter for richer texture. Contains squalane for extra moisture. Better for dry skin types. 50ml size. EWG-verified safe formula.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Madagascar Centella Soothing Cream
Key Active 72% Centella Extract
Centella Content Higher (72%)
Size 75ml
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Texture Light Gel

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream

Key Active Centella Complex
Centella Content Not Disclosed
Size 50ml
Fungal Acne Safe No
Fragrance Light Herbal
Texture Rich Cream
Cicaplast Baume B5+
Key Active Panthenol 5%
Centella Content Madecassoside (Low)
Size 40ml
Fungal Acne Safe No
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Texture Thick Balm
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening. Check the PAO symbol on packaging for exact timeframe.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration not required but can enhance cooling sensation.

Packaging

Aluminum tube with screw cap. Hygienic squeeze tube design protects formula from air and contamination.

Travel Friendly

Yes - 50ml is under TSA liquid limit (100ml/3.4oz). Sturdy metal tube won't leak or break in luggage.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes, this cream is considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Centella Asiatica is actually recommended during pregnancy as it may help prevent stretch marks. The topical application has low systemic absorption, making it compatible with lactation. However, avoid applying directly on the breast area when breastfeeding, and always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Yes! This is one of the few moisturizers that is verified fungal acne safe. The formula is free from fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates, and fermented ingredients that feed Malassezia yeast. Many users with fungal acne have successfully used this cream without triggering flare-ups. The silicone-based emollients provide moisture without feeding the fungus.

Absolutely! This cream is actually ideal for use with active ingredients. Apply after retinol to help soothe potential irritation and support barrier repair. With vitamin C, use the cream after the serum has absorbed. For AHA/BHA, this cream helps calm any tingling or redness. The Centella and Niacinamide work together to counteract the sensitizing effects of these actives while supporting skin recovery.

This cream is most suitable for sensitive, combination, oily, and acne-prone skin types. The lightweight gel-cream texture absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. It's particularly excellent for those with reactive skin, rosacea tendencies, or anyone recovering from treatments. Very dry skin types may want to layer a heavier moisturizer or facial oil on top, especially in winter months.

You'll feel immediate soothing and cooling effects upon application. Within 1-2 weeks, expect improved hydration and reduced redness. By 4-6 weeks, you should notice a stronger skin barrier with less sensitivity to irritants. For brightening and scar fading benefits from the Niacinamide, allow 8+ weeks of consistent use. Results vary based on individual skin concerns and consistency of use.

Apply this cream as the last step of your skincare routine (before sunscreen in the morning). The order is: Cleanser → Toner → Essence/Serum → Treatment (retinol, vitamin C, etc.) → This Cream → Sunscreen (AM only). Use it twice daily, morning and night. Can also be used as a spot treatment for irritated areas or dry patches on the body.

No, this cream has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5. The silicone-based formula (cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone) provides a breathable moisture barrier without clogging pores. It's non-comedogenic and suitable for acne-prone skin. Many users report it actually helps calm active breakouts rather than causing them. Always patch test if you have extremely reactive skin.

The cream is good for 12 months after opening (12M PAO). The aluminum tube packaging helps protect the formula from air and light exposure, maintaining efficacy. For best results, always close the cap tightly after use. The 50ml tube typically lasts 2-3 months with twice-daily facial application. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.5 / 5 ★★★★★

Verdict: A'PIEU Madecassoside Cream 2X is an exceptional value in the K-beauty Cica cream category. With its 2X concentrated Madecassoside formula (0.2%), 50% Centella Leaf Water, and fungal acne-safe formulation, it delivers serious soothing benefits at a budget-friendly price. Perfect for sensitive, combination, oily, and acne-prone skin types. The only drawbacks are the essential oil fragrances and the relatively small 50ml tube. If you need heavy-duty moisture for very dry skin or are extremely fragrance-sensitive, consider alternatives. Otherwise, this cream punches well above its weight class against premium competitors like Dr. Jart+ at 3x the price.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 6 ingredient(s):
Madecassoside Adenosine Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract Madecassic Acid Centella Asiatica Extract Niacinamide
brightening Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Disteardimonium Hectorite Niacinamide
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 7 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Madecassoside Adenosine Asiaticoside Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract Centella Asiatica Extract Niacinamide
ache Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
Niacinamide
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
2
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1 1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
64% 12% 22%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 31 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
0 Unknown
Centella Asiatica Leaf Water
Skin Conditioning
Redness
Irritation
3 A
Cyclopentasiloxane
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 A
Phenyl Trimethicone
Antifoaming Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning
1 Unknown
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS