Pine Tree Calming Cica Toner
Pine Tree Calming Cica Toner
Product Description
Product overview
A soothing, mildly acidic toner infused with 41% Pine Cica Activer™ and three types of Hyaluronic Acid that instantly calms irritated skin while gently exfoliating with PHA and LHA for a refined, balanced complexion.
Pine Cica Activer™ Complex
Patented blend of 41% Pine Leaf Extract combined with 5 Centella-derived ingredients to rapidly calm and soothe irritated skin.
Texture & feel
SENSORYPine Cica Activer™ Complex
Patented blend of 41% Pine Leaf Extract combined with 5 Centella-derived ingredients to rapidly calm and soothe irritated skin.
Triple Hyaluronic Acid
Three molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid penetrate different skin layers for deep, multi-level hydration.
Gentle Exfoliation
PHA (Gluconolactone) and LHA gently remove dead skin cells and refine texture without irritation.
pH-Balanced Formula
Mildly acidic pH 4-6 restores skin's natural balance and supports the protective acid mantle.
Safety & compatibility
SAFETopical Centella Asiatica is generally considered safe during pregnancy. Free from retinoids, salicylic acid (contains gentle LHA instead), and other concerning ingredients.
Formula contains no ferments, fatty acids, esters, or polysorbates that feed Malassezia yeast. Verified FA-safe by ingredient analysis.
Comedogenic rating 0-1. Free from pore-clogging oils and heavy emollients. Suitable for acne-prone skin.
Completed skin irritation test. Alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free formulation.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSPinus Densiflora Leaf Extract 41%Key Active
Korean Red Pine leaf extract, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Pine-derived compounds like Pycnogenol have been studied for their ability to calm chronic inflammation and protect against environmental stressors.
- Antioxidant Power: Rich in polyphenols that neutralize free radicals and protect skin from UV and pollution damage.
- Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce redness and calm irritated skin quickly.
- Antimicrobial: Natural antimicrobial properties help maintain a healthy skin microbiome.
Centella Asiatica Extract 1.07%Proven
The legendary "Tiger Grass" used in traditional medicine for centuries. Contains four key compounds: Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassoside, and Madecassic Acid (collectively called centellosides).
- Wound Healing: Stimulates collagen synthesis and accelerates skin repair.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Madecassoside significantly reduces inflammation and redness.
- Hydration: Stimulates GAG (glycosaminoglycan) production including natural hyaluronic acid.
Triple Hyaluronic Acid ComplexProven
Three molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid work synergistically: High-molecular-weight HA hydrates the surface, low-molecular-weight penetrates deeper, and Sodium Hyaluronate provides lasting moisture retention.
- Hyaluronic Acid: High-molecular-weight surface hydrator that creates a moisture barrier.
- Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid: Smaller molecules penetrate deeper into the epidermis.
- Sodium Hyaluronate: Salt form with excellent stability and water-binding capacity (up to 1000x its weight).
Gluconolactone (PHA)Gentle Exfoliant
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) often called "next-generation AHA." Provides gentle exfoliation without the irritation of traditional acids, while also moisturizing and strengthening the skin barrier.
- Gentle Exfoliation: Removes dead skin cells gradually without irritation.
- Moisturizing: Unlike AHAs, PHAs attract water and help repair impaired skin barrier.
- Antioxidant: Provides antioxidant protection and doesn't increase sun sensitivity.
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA)Gentle Exfoliant
A lipophilic derivative of Salicylic Acid developed by L'Oréal. Gentler than traditional BHA with slower release for reduced irritation while maintaining pore-unclogging benefits.
- Pore Clearing: Oil-soluble to penetrate and unclog pores effectively.
- Less Irritating: Larger molecule size means gentler, slower penetration.
- Sebum Control: Helps regulate excess oil production.
24 ingredients
Water, Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract (400,196ppm), Propanediol, Glycerin, Centella Asiatica Extract (10,699ppm), 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycoproteins (8.1800ppm), Ethylhexylglycerin, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Asiaticoside (0.4090ppm), Asiatic Acid (0.4090ppm), Madecassoside (0.4090ppm), Madecassic Acid (0.4090ppm), Gluconolactone, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse morning and evening after cleansing. Can be layered for extra hydration or used as a soothing mask with cotton pads.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse First
Start with a clean face. Complete your double cleansing routine with an oil cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser.
Apply Toner
Dispense an appropriate amount onto a cotton pad or directly into your palms. Gently wipe or pat across your entire face, avoiding the eye area.
Pat to Absorb
Gently pat with your fingertips until fully absorbed. The watery texture absorbs quickly without stickiness.
Layer or Continue
For extra hydration, apply 2-3 layers using the "7-skin method." Or continue with your essence, serum, and moisturizer.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive, easily irritated skin
- You experience redness, inflammation, or post-acne marks
- You want gentle exfoliation without harsh acids
- You need a fungal acne safe toner
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need safe skincare
- You want lightweight hydration that doesn't feel heavy
- You have combination to oily skin that gets congested
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry skin that needs rich, creamy textures
- You want strong active exfoliation (AHA/BHA)
- You prefer completely unscented products (this has subtle herbal notes)
- You need intense anti-aging actives like retinol
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight, watery texture absorbs instantly without adding shine. PHA and LHA help control sebum and refine pores.
Balances well across different face zones. Hydrates dry areas while controlling oil in T-zone.
Specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, passed skin irritation testing.
Non-comedogenic, fungal acne safe. LHA helps unclog pores while Centella calms inflammation.
Triple Hyaluronic Acid provides hydration, but very dry skin may need a richer moisturizer on top.
Great daily maintenance toner that keeps skin balanced, hydrated, and calm.
Results timeline
8+ WEEKSInstant Soothing & Cooling
Skin feels immediately refreshed, calmed, and hydrated. Noticeable cooling sensation that soothes irritation.
98% noticed soothing effectReduced Redness & Improved Hydration
Visible reduction in redness and inflammation. Skin appears more balanced with improved moisture levels.
77% noticed less irritationRefined Texture & Smoother Skin
PHA and LHA gently exfoliate over time, revealing smoother texture and refined pores. Skin barrier strengthened.
64% noticed improved textureHealthier, More Resilient Skin
Long-term use leads to a stronger skin barrier, less reactive skin, and overall healthier-looking complexion.
58% noticed increased resilienceRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Instantly soothes irritated, red, and inflamed skin
- Lightweight, watery texture absorbs quickly without stickiness
- Fungal acne safe and non-comedogenic formula
- Gentle exfoliation with PHA and LHA that doesn't irritate
- Generous 250ml size offers great value
- Clean, minimal ingredient list with no harsh chemicals
- Versatile: works as toner, essence, or soothing mask
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
Criticized
- May not be hydrating enough for very dry skin alone
- Subtle herbal/pine scent not fragrance-free
- Plastic bottle not the most eco-friendly packaging
- Price point higher than some drugstore alternatives
- Results take time - not an overnight miracle
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES83.2% Centella Asiatica in a simpler formula. Less exfoliation (no PHA/LHA), but excellent for pure calming. Smaller 150ml size.
Contains Centella + PHA + Niacinamide for added brightening. Similar gentle exfoliation approach. 210ml size.
Focus on hydration with Centella. No exfoliating acids but excellent for dry, sensitive skin. 200ml size.
Same brand, different focus. Uses deep sea water for mineral-rich hydration. Great for dehydrated skin, less calming focus.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration optional for enhanced cooling effect.
Plastic bottle with flip-top cap for hygienic dispensing
No - 250ml exceeds 100ml carry-on limit. Decant for travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, the Round Lab Pine Calming Cica Toner is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The formula contains Centella Asiatica which is safe for topical use during pregnancy. It does not contain retinoids, high-concentration salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or other ingredients commonly avoided during pregnancy. The LHA (Capryloyl Salicylic Acid) is a gentler derivative used at low concentrations. However, always consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
Yes, this toner is fungal acne safe. The formula does not contain fermented ingredients, fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, or other ingredients that feed Malassezia yeast. It has been verified as FA-safe by ingredient analysis on platforms like SkinSort and folliculitis databases.
Yes, you can use this toner with other actives, but with caution. Since it contains gentle exfoliants (PHA and LHA), you may want to alternate days when using strong AHAs or BHAs to avoid over-exfoliation. It pairs well with retinol as the soothing Centella can help calm retinol irritation. Vitamin C can be layered after this toner. Always listen to your skin and reduce frequency if you notice irritation.
This toner is excellent for sensitive, combination, oily, and acne-prone skin types. It's particularly beneficial for those with redness, irritation, or inflammation. The lightweight, watery texture works well for oily skin without adding shine, while the triple Hyaluronic Acid provides hydration. Very dry skin types may find it not hydrating enough on its own and should layer with a richer moisturizer.
You'll notice immediate soothing and hydrating effects after the first use. Reduction in redness and improved skin calm typically becomes visible within 1-2 weeks of consistent use. For texture improvement from the gentle exfoliation, expect 4-6 weeks. Long-term barrier strengthening and increased skin resilience develop over 8+ weeks of regular use.
Apply this toner as step 3 in your routine: after double cleansing (oil cleanser + water cleanser) and before essence, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. It can be used both morning and evening. For extra hydration, you can layer it 2-3 times using the "7-skin method" or use soaked cotton pads as a soothing mask for 5-10 minutes.
No, this toner has a comedogenic rating of 0-1 out of 5, meaning it's non-comedogenic and very unlikely to clog pores. The formula is oil-free, silicone-free, and contains pore-clearing ingredients like LHA. It's specifically designed to be safe for acne-prone skin and has passed non-comedogenic testing.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal freshness and efficacy. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The 250ml bottle typically lasts 3-4 months with twice-daily use, well within the recommended timeframe.
Verdict: The Round Lab Pine Calming Cica Toner is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a gentle yet effective toner that soothes, hydrates, and refines skin without irritation. The unique combination of 41% Pine Cica Activer™ with triple Hyaluronic Acid and gentle PHA/LHA exfoliants makes it stand out from simpler Cica toners. It's particularly impressive for sensitive, acne-prone, and fungal acne-prone skin, with a clean formula that's safe during pregnancy. The generous 250ml size offers great value. While very dry skin types may need additional hydration and the subtle herbal scent isn't for everyone, this toner delivers on its promises of calming, hydrating, and improving skin texture over time.
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 |
Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial, Antioxidant
|
|
|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
1,2-Hexanediol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|







