VT Cosmetics launched their Cica Skincare line last year in early 2020 and so many things have happened since then! Just for transparency, VT Cosmetics Korea did send me the products I will be talking about here but their PR parcel was held in customs due to the lockdown. I thought it was never going to arrive so I purchased everything in Shopee too, and then my PR parcel arrived, haha! So anyway that's the story of how I ended up giving some VT Cosmetics Cica Skincare products in my Instagram huge skincare giveaway.
Now that we got that cleared up, let me introduce you to the Cica Skincare line from VT Cosmetics!
Good NEWS! VT Cosmetics official Shopee Store is now open HERE https://shope.ee/5KXSuH4wi1 Buy HERE to avail of discounts and faster shipping
VT Cosmetics Cica Skincare! They Got A Cleanser, Smoother, Essence Sun Care, Mask, and Cream!
Cica Benefits for Skincare? Is It the Same As Centella Asiatica?
But first, what are Cica benefits for skincare and why has it become such a popular skincare ingredient? Is it the same skincare ingredient as Centella Asiatica or is it something else?
Cica or Centella Asiatica is a popular skincare ingredient, especially in Korean skincare. It also gained popularity in European skincare for those who have eczema as it has skin soothing and skin healing properties that work well for a variety of skin conditions. If you are from the US, you've probably seen Cica or Centella Asiatica listed as an ingredient in some wound care cream because it minimizes irritation and itchiness plus improves tissue healing. Board Certified American dermatologist Dr. Shainhouse says that
Cica Benefits include treatment for colds, eczema, psoriasis, leprosy, lupus, wounds, and syphilis! Who would have thought, right?
Cica Benefits for skincare include:
- skin soothing effect
- hydrating effect
- anti-aging effect
Do you know that Centella Asiatica or Cica is a plant that is also called Gotu Kola, Indian pennywort, Tiger Grass, Asiatic pennywort, or Brahmi? After finding that out, this popular and new skincare ingredient is not unfamiliar anymore! I've known it as a medicinal herb that's used for both traditional medicine as well as cooking. As a kid, I've had soup with Gotu Kola after my surgery because it's also used as a tonic.
I can geek out about this for hours so I will just write a separate post about Cica Benefits for skincare. I've been meaning to do this since 2017 (it is 2021 now so 4 years!) but someone else started a blog series on popular asian skincare ingredients after we talked about my plans so I lost interest because I didn't want to look like I was merely copying although it was my idea in the first place...Okay, enough of the personal tea and let's talk about VT Cosmetics Cica Skincare!
VT Cosmetics Cica Skincare Review Summary BELOW
- VT Cosmetics Cica Mild Foam Cleanser
- VT Cosmetics Cica Smoother
- VT Cosmetics Cica Essence Sun
- VT Cosmetics Cica Mask Pack
- VT Cosmetics Cica Cream
These are the products I will talk about today. I've used them for 4 weeks to more than 6 months so my review will be more of a summary type.
VT Cosmetics Cica Mild Foam Cleanser and Cica Smoother
These are what I would recommend if you have very sensitive skin and do not want to use a lot of products. I also feel that you get the most bang for buck with these because you get the most amount of product for a reasonable price. It took me a long time to use up both and I will post individual reviews at the YeyAndie Blog too but I got you below if you can't wait for that.
What is VT Cosmetics Cica Mild Foam Cleanser and How to Use?
VT Cosmetics Cica Mild Foam Cleanser is a skin-friendly foam cleanser formulated for acne-prone and sensitive skin. It features a combination of CicaHyalon and CicaLiao to effectively cleanse while not drying the skin. In my experience, it does reduce skin inflammation and gently cleanses dead skin, oil, dirt, and other impurities. Please note that this is not a makeup remover. This a foaming skin cleanser for daily use and all skin types. You get 300ml per tube and it lasts a lonngggggg time.
To use, apply a pearl-size amount to moistened face and massage in circular motions to create a lather. Rise and pat dry.
VT Cosmetics Cica Mild Foam Cleanser Ingredients
I got no complaints about this cleanser and I also used this when I got breakouts on my neck and chest. Recommended! 4.75/5!
What is VT Cosmetics Cica Smoother and How to Use?
The VT Cosmetics Cica Smoother is a soothing gel that soothes both the face & body while moisturizing it. I think of this as a light gel moisturizer so perfect for oily skin or for the Philippine climate. The gel feels very refreshing and glides and absorbs easily. The key ingredients include 3 types of hyaluronic acid which draw moisture from the air into the skin. This soothing gel also features Green Propolis Extract which is known as a powerful ingredient for skin protection against irritants.
To use, I simply apply directly on cleansed skin like a normal soothing gel. Can also be used as a quick 5-minute mask pack if applied generously.
VT Cosmetics Cica Smoother Ingredients
I also give this a 4.5/5. Smells a bit earthy and sweet so it doesn't bother me.
What is VT Cosmetics Cica Essence Sun How To Use
VT Cosmetics Cica Essence Sun is a lightweight sunscreen. This reminds me a lot of the formulation for Japanese sunscreens. You know, the light and watery but effective sunscreens that do not leave a white cast. The good news is that VT Cosmetics Cica Essence Sun costs less than half of the Japanese sunscreens that it performs the same as. You get 60 ml too so a bit more than the standard size for other brands plus features SPF50+ PA++++ which makes this a strong sun essence that protects against UV rays.
To use, just spread on your skin as the last part of skincare routine. This can be used for the face, neck, arms, and legs and should be reapplied every 2 hours or if you go swimming.
VT Cosmetics Cica Essence Sun Ingredients
I love that some of the ingredients also got skincare extracts that are good for the skin so this is like sunscreen with extra benefits.
I score this 4.0/5 because this feels a bit sticky on the legs and arms. I suggest that if you live in a tropical place, just use for the face and neck so you can set with a bit of translucent powder.
What is VT Cosmetics Cica Capsule Mask and How to Use?
VT Cosmetics Cica Capsule Mask is a skin-freshening calming mask that makes tired skin feel and look fresh. The Cicario is the secret for this mask. In combination with cream clay, this mask controls oil while removing impurities. I love this for skin pampering every week. I also like that this comes in 10-gram capsule mask so nothing is wasted and there is less contamination as compared to masks in jars. You get 10 mask capsules per box.
To use, just apply on the face thinly and rinse.
VT Cosmetics Cica Capsule Mask Ingredients
This is a water-based clay mask so no heavy feel. There are a lot of skin clearing and anti-inflammatory ingredients to as you can see in the photo above.
This gets 4.5/5 for me.
What is VT Cosmetics Cica Cream and How to Use?
VT Cosmetics Cica Cream is a skin calming and skin moisturizing cream that has a skin-lightening effect. You can say that this is a good moisturizer for sensitive skin and for acne-prone skin.
To use, apply on the skin like a moisturizer and spread evenly until absorbed. I usually use this at night.
VT Cosmetics Cica Cream Ingredients
The ingredients are full of anti-inflammatory ingredients, hydrating skincare ingredients, and skin-healing ingredients.
I have a love-hate relationship with this cica cream. This does not work well with makeup in tropical weather because this makes the makeup fade fast so just use at night. When used at night, this gives me refreshed and happy-looking skin in the morning. I know it is weird but maybe just find your own way of maximizing the results. I give this a 4.0/5.
VT Cosmetics products are available worldwide! Just search any big international beauty store in your country and it's likely that it is available. In the Philippines, they are available in BeautyMNL, Shopee, resellers etc and you can also buy directly from VT Cosmetics Korea.
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