The Pure Jeju Cica 100 Toner
The Pure Jeju Cica 100 Toner
Product Description
Product overview
Pretty Skin The Pure Jeju Cica 100 Toner is a single-ingredient, watery K-beauty toner powered by 100% Centella Asiatica Extract (700,000ppm) sourced from pristine Jeju Island. Designed to calm redness, soothe stressed skin, and reinforce the moisture barrier without irritation — fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and hypoallergenic-tested for the most sensitive skin.
700,000ppm Centella
The hero formula delivers Centella Asiatica Extract at 700,000ppm (70%) — one of the highest cica concentrations in any K-beauty toner.
Texture & feel
SENSORY700,000ppm Centella
The hero formula delivers Centella Asiatica Extract at 700,000ppm (70%) — one of the highest cica concentrations in any K-beauty toner.
Calms Redness Fast
Madecassoside, asiaticoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid work together to soothe visible redness and irritation.
Lightweight Hydration
Sodium hyaluronate, panthenol, and allantoin deliver instant moisture without any tackiness or heavy residue.
Barrier Support
Tea tree, houttuynia cordata, ginseng, and propolis extracts reinforce the skin barrier and add antioxidant defense.
Multi-Use Format
Use as a daily toner, soak a cotton pad for a 5-minute soothing pack, or decant into a mist bottle for refreshing throughout the day.
Vegan & Cruelty-Free
Plant-based formulation with no animal-derived ingredients and no animal testing — verified vegan.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. The cica-based formula is widely considered safe during pregnancy and nursing.
Contains Polysorbate 60, Polysorbate 80, and PEG-100 Stearate, which can feed Malassezia yeast. Not strictly fungal-acne safe despite being gentle.
The mild pH and antioxidant cica complex pair beautifully with morning vitamin C serums to reduce irritation potential.
Excellent buffer for retinol routines — cica is clinically shown to ease retinoid-induced redness, dryness, and barrier stress.
Contains tea tree extract and propolis — generally well tolerated, but those with bee allergies or essential-oil sensitivity should patch test.
Contains no oxybenzone, octinoxate, or microplastic exfoliants — safe for ocean-conscious users.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSCentella Asiatica Extract 70% (700,000ppm)Proven
The single hero ingredient and the entire reason this toner exists. Sourced from Jeju Island, this extract makes up the overwhelming majority of the formula and delivers the four key centellosides — asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid — which are clinically proven to soothe inflammation and accelerate skin repair.
- Source: A 2014 review in theIndian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences documented Centella Asiatica's anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and collagen-stimulating activity.
- Mechanism: Centellosides stimulate glycosaminoglycan and hyaluronic acid synthesis in skin, which improves long-term moisture retention.
- Clinical evidence: A 4-week, 25-participant study confirmed measurable improvements in skin moisture and barrier function with topical Centella Asiatica extract.
- Antioxidant: Rich in flavonoids and triterpene saponins that neutralize free radicals from UV and pollution exposure.
Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Asiatic & Madecassic Acid Active CompoundsProven
The four bioactive triterpenoid saponins isolated from Centella, listed individually at the end of the INCI to amplify the soothing effect beyond the whole-extract activity.
- Source: Madecassoside has been studied in a 2008Phytomedicine paper for its anti-inflammatory activity in skin barrier damage models.
- Function: Boost collagen I & III synthesis, reduce TEWL (transepidermal water loss), and quiet inflammatory cytokines.
Tea Tree, Houttuynia, Ginseng, Propolis Extracts Botanical ComplexPromising
A supporting cast of Korean herbal extracts that adds antibacterial, antioxidant, and adaptogenic benefits — a typical K-beauty "skin-soothing" botanical blend.
- Tea Tree: Mild antimicrobial against acne-causing bacteria.
- Houttuynia Cordata: Studied in a 2010 paper fromAnnals of Dermatology for anti-inflammatory effects on atopic-dermatitis-like skin lesions.
- Panax Ginseng: Antioxidant and circulation-supporting saponins.
- Propolis: Bee-derived antimicrobial with wound-healing tradition.
Sodium Hyaluronate + Panthenol + Allantoin Hydration TrioProven
The hydration backbone behind cica — humectants and skin conditioners that hold water in the skin and reduce sting from any active routine.
- Sodium Hyaluronate: Holds up to 1000× its weight in water, plumps surface dehydration lines.
- Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5): Strengthens barrier lipids and reduces redness.
- Allantoin: Keratolytic and skin-soothing at low concentrations.
53 ingredients
Centella Asiatica Extract (700,000ppm), Water, Methylpropanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycereth-26, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Crataegus Oxyacantha Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Propolis Extract, Benzyl Glycol, PEG-100 Stearate, Dimethicone, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Polysorbate 60, Carbomer, Arginine, Betaine, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 80, Panthenol, Sorbitan Oleate, Propanediol, Asiaticoside, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Sodium Hyaluronate, Gelatin, Gellan Gum, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse morning and evening as the second step after cleansing. The watery texture is perfect as a "first treatment" base layer that prepares skin for everything that follows.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse First
Wash your face with a low-pH cleanser and pat dry — or leave skin slightly damp for better toner absorption.
Apply Generously
Dispense 3–5 drops into clean palms or onto a cotton pad. Press gently across the entire face, neck, and décolletage.
Pat to Absorb
Lightly pat with fingertips to encourage absorption. Skin should feel cool, hydrated, and never sticky within seconds.
Optional Cica Pack
For redness emergencies, soak two cotton pads and place them on irritated areas for 5–10 minutes before continuing your routine.
Layer Your Routine
Follow with essence, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). The toner pairs especially well with retinol or vitamin C as a calming buffer.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive, reactive, or easily flushed skin
- You're recovering from over-exfoliation or barrier damage
- You use retinoids, AHAs, or vitamin C and need a soothing buffer
- You want a fragrance-free, alcohol-free K-beauty toner
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need gentle products
- You experience post-acne redness or rosacea-like flare-ups
Consider alternatives if:
- You have active fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You're allergic to bee products (contains propolis)
- You're sensitive to tea tree or essential-oil derivatives
- You want an exfoliating toner (this has no AHA/BHA/PHA)
- You need stronger anti-aging actives like peptides or retinol
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESHypoallergenic-tested, fragrance-free, and built around the gold-standard soothing botanical. Ideal for reactive skin.
Cica reduces inflammation around active breakouts and helps fade post-acne redness. Comedogenicity rated 1/5.
Watery, balancing texture works across both oily and dry zones without disrupting either.
Lightweight and non-greasy. The trace shea butter and emulsifiers may feel slightly cushioned for very oily skin.
Provides decent surface hydration via HA and panthenol, but very dry skin will need richer follow-up steps.
Cica supports collagen synthesis, but mature skin will benefit from pairing with peptide or retinol products.
Results timeline
WEEKS 4–8Cooling, Calming Sensation
Skin feels instantly soothed and refreshed within seconds of application. Visible flushing begins to settle.
88% noticedReduced Redness
Daily use noticeably calms general redness and post-cleansing irritation. Skin feels more comfortable layering actives.
76% noticedSmoother, More Even Texture
Cumulative cica activity supports barrier repair. Skin tone looks more even, post-acne marks fade faster, and texture feels softer.
68% noticedStronger Skin Barrier
Long-term use leaves skin more resilient to environmental stressors, less reactive to actives, and better hydrated overall.
61% noticedRatings by platform
4K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Highest cica concentration in its price range (700,000ppm)
- Genuinely calms redness and post-acne marks
- Watery, fast-absorbing, layers beautifully under serum
- Generous 250ml size lasts 3–4 months daily
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and reef-safe
- Excellent value compared to premium cica toners
- Works as toner, mist, or 5-minute soothing pack
Criticized
- Not fungal-acne safe due to polysorbates and PEG-100
- Contains propolis — not friendly for bee-allergic users
- Plastic bottle packaging feels basic
- "100%" branding refers to "single ingredient" not 100% concentration
- May not be hydrating enough alone for very dry skin
- No fragrance or scent — fans of luxe-feeling toners may miss it
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Single-ingredient cica toner from Madagascar (vs Jeju). Slightly lower extract concentration but very similar soothing performance and hydration profile.
Uses Houttuynia Cordata as the hero (also in this Pretty Skin formula) instead of cica. Excellent for sensitive, oily skin and slightly more astringent finish.
Lower cica concentration but adds niacinamide for brightening. Slightly thicker, more essence-like texture. Great for combo skin who want mild brightening too.
Hybrid micellar-toner with centella. Better for the cleansing step than skin treatment. Works as a different stage in your routine rather than a true dupe.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Purito Centella Green Level Calming Toner
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening — use within one year for full efficacy of the cica actives.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration is optional and adds an extra cooling, de-puffing effect.
Frosted plastic bottle with a flip-top cap. Standard skincare packaging — practical but not airless.
The full 250ml bottle exceeds carry-on liquid limits. Decant into a 100ml or 50ml travel bottle for flights.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes — it is widely considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters. The hero ingredient, Centella Asiatica, is non-hormonal and has a long history of safe topical use. As always, consult your OB-GYN before adding any new product to your routine if you have specific concerns.
Use with caution. The formula contains Polysorbate 60, Polysorbate 80, and PEG-100 Stearate, which are emulsifiers that can potentially feed Malassezia yeast. While the cica itself is anti-inflammatory and helpful, anyone with diagnosed fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis) should patch-test on a small area first or choose a stricter fungal-acne-safe alternative.
Absolutely — this is one of the toner's strongest use cases. Cica is well-documented to reduce the irritation, redness, and dryness caused by retinoids and acids. Apply the toner first to calm and prep the skin, then layer your active. It pairs beautifully with vitamin C in the morning and retinol or exfoliating acids at night.
It performs best on sensitive, acne-prone, redness-prone, and combination skin. Sensitive and acne-prone skin benefit most from the high cica concentration. Oily and dry skin still get good results, but very oily skin may want a more astringent toner, and very dry skin will need a richer follow-up moisturizer.
Most users report a calming, cooling sensation within seconds of the first application. Visible reduction in general redness and irritation typically becomes noticeable within 1–2 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. Improvements in barrier resilience, post-acne mark fading, and overall texture build over 4–8 weeks of continuous use.
It belongs in step 2, immediately after cleansing and before essence/serum. The watery texture acts as a "first treatment" base layer that hydrates and preps skin so that following products absorb more evenly. Use it both morning and night.
No — it has a comedogenicity rating of 1 out of 5, which is considered very low risk. The formula contains a small amount of shea butter and some emollient esters, but they are present at low percentages and the overall texture is watery. The vast majority of acne-prone users report no breakouts, and many report fewer breakouts thanks to the soothing cica complex.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use it within one year for the best efficacy of the centella actives. Unopened bottles typically last 24–36 months from the manufacture date. Store in a cool, dry place — refrigeration is optional but extends freshness and adds a cooling effect on application.
Verdict: Pretty Skin's The Pure Jeju Cica 100 Toner is one of the best-value, highest-concentration cica toners on the K-beauty market. The 700,000ppm Centella Asiatica Extract genuinely calms redness, supports the moisture barrier, and pairs beautifully with strong actives like retinol and vitamin C. Sensitive, acne-prone, and reactive skin will love it. The two minor downsides are the "100%" branding (which refers to single-ingredient focus, not literal concentration) and the inclusion of polysorbates that exclude it from strict fungal-acne routines. For everyone else, it's an easy daily staple — and at roughly $9 per 100ml, it punches well above its 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
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 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 |
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing, Soothing, Tonic
|
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
|