Medicube

Medicube Super Cica Deep Cleansing Balm

Name: Medicube - Super Cica Deep Cleansing Balm
Brand: Medicube

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Exfoliation

Capryloyl salicylic acid

Works well

What the product description says

“DESCRIPTION Medicube Super Cica Deep Cleansing Balm is a vegan cleansing balm exfoliates away sebum and impurities in pores while removing makeup.”

Source: Lila Beauty

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: capryloyl salicylic acid.

Capryloyl salicylic acidKey activeEffect: High~0.35–0.8%

Anti-blemish

Capryloyl salicylic acid, Centella asiatica leaf extract + 1 more

Not delivered

What the product description says

“DESCRIPTION Medicube Super Cica Deep Cleansing Balm is a vegan cleansing balm exfoliates away sebum and impurities in pores while removing makeup.”

Source: Lila Beauty

This product contains ingredients (capryloyl salicylic acid) that could help reduce blemishes and clogged pores in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.

Capryloyl salicylic acidEffect: Medium~0.35–0.8%

Centella asiatica leaf extractEffect: LowA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. It can be irritating to sensitive skin. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It could, however, itself be irritating.~1–1.5%

Centella asiatica extractEffect: LowA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~0.4–0.9%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Centella asiatica extract, Madecassoside + 2 more

Works well

This product contains antioxidants (asiaticoside, madecassoside) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

The following ingredients - centella asiatica extract also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

Centella asiatica extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~0.4–0.9%

MadecassosideKey activeEffect: HighAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations~0.35–0.8%

AsiaticosideKey activeEffect: HighAn active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid), asiaticoside has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating~0.3–0.7%

RutinEffect: LowAn antioxidant that might help neutralize free radicals in skin~0.15–0.55%

Moisturizing

Side benefit · Madecassoside, Ethylhexyl palmitate + 13 more

Works well

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, butylene glycol.

When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: madecassoside

MadecassosideHeroEffect: HighAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations~0.35–0.8%

Ethylhexyl palmitateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture~23–34%

IsododecaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture~5.3–8%

Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)Key active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~4–6.1%

Olea europaea fruit oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation~1.3–1.9%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~0.45–1.05%

Centella asiatica extractKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~0.4–0.9%

Polyglyceryl-10 oleateKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.4–0.9%

Madecassic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (asiaticoside, madecasosside and asiatic acid), madecassic acid has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating~0.35–0.8%

Prunus amygdalus dulcis seedKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.85%

Asiatic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (asiaticoside, madecasosside and madecassic acid) asiatic acid has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating~0.35–0.85%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.9–1.4%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~0.45–1.05%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.4–0.95%

Anti-aging

Side benefit · Centella asiatica leaf extract, Centella asiatica extract + 2 more

May help

This product contains asiaticoside, centella asiatica extract, centella asiatica leaf extract, madecassoside. There is some human evidence that these ingredients help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin elasticity and firmness, though it is smaller or less consistent than the evidence for the best anti-aging ingredients.

Centella asiatica leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. It can be irritating to sensitive skin. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It could, however, itself be irritating.~1–1.5%

MadecassosideKey activeEffect: MediumAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations~0.35–0.8%

AsiaticosideKey activeEffect: MediumAn active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid), asiaticoside has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating~0.3–0.7%

Evens skin tone

Side benefit · Capryloyl salicylic acid, Madecassoside

May help

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: capryloyl salicylic acid, madecassoside.

Capryloyl salicylic acidKey activeEffect: Medium~0.35–0.8%

MadecassosideEffect: LowAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations~0.35–0.8%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

4 strong irritants: Parfum, Gardenia florida fruit extract + 2 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 16 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~1.4–2.1%est.

Gardenia florida fruit extractUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritating.High~0.5–1.15%est.

Coptis japonica extract—High~0.45–1.05%est.

Capryloyl salicylic acid—High~0.35–0.8%est.

Chamomilla recutita flower oilPlant oil that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains volatile compouunds that are potential allergens and can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.7%est.

Hydroxycinnamic acid—High~0.15–0.55%est.

Peg-20 glyceryl triisostearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~5.4–8.1%est.

Olea europaea fruit oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammationMedium~1.3–1.9%est.

Centella asiatica leaf extractA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. It can be irritating to sensitive skin. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It could, however, itself be irritating.Medium~1–1.5%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.4–0.95%est.

Centella asiatica extractA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.Medium~0.4–0.9%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.4–0.95%est.

MadecassosideAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulationsMedium~0.35–0.8%est.

Asiatic acidAn active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (asiaticoside, madecasosside and madecassic acid) asiatic acid has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritatingMedium~0.35–0.85%est.

Madecassic acidAn active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (asiaticoside, madecasosside and asiatic acid), madecassic acid has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritatingMedium~0.35–0.8%est.

AsiaticosideAn active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid), asiaticoside has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritatingMedium~0.3–0.7%est.

Comedogenic

1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

1 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Ethylhexyl palmitateAn emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture3/5~23–34%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Ethylhexyl palmitate~23–34%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Ethylhexyl palmitate

Peg-20 glyceryl triisostearate~5.4–8.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Peg-20 glyceryl triisostearate

Isododecane~5.3–8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture

More about Isododecane

Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)~4–6.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)

Synthetic wax~3–4.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to stabilize product formulations and thicken product consistency

More about Synthetic wax

Peg-10 isostearate~2.2–3.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Peg-10 isostearate

Silica dimethyl silylate~1.8–2.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Silica dimethyl silylate

Parfum~1.4–2.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Olea europaea fruit oil~1.3–1.9%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation

More about Olea europaea fruit oil

Centella asiatica leaf extract~1–1.5%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-agingAnti-blemish

A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. It can be irritating to sensitive skin. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It could, however, itself be irritating.

More about Centella asiatica leaf extract

Glyceryl stearate~0.9–1.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

Water~0.55–1.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Gardenia florida fruit extract~0.5–1.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating.

More about Gardenia florida fruit extract

Carthamus tinctorius flower extract~0.45–1.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Carthamus tinctorius flower extract

Butylene glycol~0.45–1.05%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol

Coptis japonica extract~0.45–1.05%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Coptis japonica extract

Glycerin~0.45–1.05%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

1,2-hexanediol~0.4–0.95%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Dipropylene glycol~0.35–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying

More about Dipropylene glycol

Polyglyceryl-10 oleate~0.4–0.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Polyglyceryl-10 oleate

Centella asiatica root extract~0.35–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Centella asiatica root extract

Centella asiatica extract~0.4–0.9%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessReduces irritationAnti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-blemish

A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.

More about Centella asiatica extract

Pentylene glycol~0.4–0.95%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol

Madecassoside~0.35–0.8%

Hero · MoisturizingIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-agingEvens skin tone

An antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations

More about Madecassoside

Capryloyl salicylic acid~0.35–0.8%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

ExfoliationEvens skin toneAnti-blemish

More about Capryloyl salicylic acid

4-terpineol~0.35–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about 4-terpineol

Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed~0.35–0.85%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed

Propanediol~0.35–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol

Asiatic acid~0.35–0.85%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

An active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (asiaticoside, madecasosside and madecassic acid) asiatic acid has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating

More about Asiatic acid

Madecassic acid~0.35–0.8%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingReduces irritation

An active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (asiaticoside, madecasosside and asiatic acid), madecassic acid has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating

More about Madecassic acid

Asiaticoside~0.3–0.7%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-agingReduces irritation

An active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid), asiaticoside has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating

More about Asiaticoside

Chamomilla recutita flower oil~0.3–0.7%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Plant oil that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains volatile compouunds that are potential allergens and can be irritating

More about Chamomilla recutita flower oil

Indigofera tinctoria extract~0.2–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Indigofera tinctoria extract

Cynanchum atratum extract~0.15–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Cynanchum atratum extract

Hemerocallis fulva flower extract~0.15–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Hemerocallis fulva flower extract

Myosotis sylvatica flower/leaf/stem extract~0.15–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Myosotis sylvatica flower/leaf/stem extract

Hydroxycinnamic acid~0.15–0.55%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Hydroxycinnamic acid

Rutin~0.15–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidation

An antioxidant that might help neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Rutin

Ingredient list view

Ethylhexyl palmitate, Peg-20 glyceryl triisostearate, Isododecane, Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin), Synthetic wax, Peg-10 isostearate, Silica dimethyl silylate, Parfum, Olea europaea fruit oil, Centella asiatica leaf extract, Glyceryl stearate, Water, Gardenia florida fruit extract, Carthamus tinctorius flower extract, Butylene glycol, Coptis japonica extract, Glycerin, 1,2-hexanediol, Dipropylene glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 oleate, Centella asiatica root extract, Centella asiatica extract, Pentylene glycol, Madecassoside, Capryloyl salicylic acid, 4-terpineol, Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed, Propanediol, Asiatic acid, Madecassic acid, Asiaticoside, Chamomilla recutita flower oil, Indigofera tinctoria extract, Cynanchum atratum extract, Hemerocallis fulva flower extract, Myosotis sylvatica flower/leaf/stem extract, Hydroxycinnamic acid, Rutin

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🇦🇺 Lila Beauty (AU)100 ml

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	MedicubeSuper Cica Deep Cleansing BalmYOUR PRODUCT	LANEIGEKeep It Simple	TONYMOLYPHA + LHA Apple Peel Zero Pore Ampoule	EyenlipBlack Sugar Scrub Pack
Match	—	33%	29%	25%
Price	—	$33.07	$27.20	$14.40
Shared key ingredients	—	4 of 9	2 of 9	2 of 9
Key difference	—	Euphorbia Cerifera Cera	Lactobionic Acid	Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Irritancy	High	High	High	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	Contains drying alcohol	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"Medicube - Buy Medicube Super Cica Deep Cleansing Balm in Australia - Korean Skincare Online" is effective for: Exfoliation and Moisturizing

This product could be helpful for: Anti-aging and Evens skin tone, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

Actives derived from an extract of the Centella Asiatica plant (also known as Gotu Kola) - asiaticoside 0.30% - 0.70%, madecassic acid 0.35% - 0.80%, asiatic acid 0.35% - 0.85% and madecassoside 0.35% - 0.80% The Centella Asiatica Actives, even in low concentration, can help reduce inflammation in skin, strengthen the skin barrier and reduce photodamage. They can also help to decrease scarring.
Humectants (glycerin 0.45% - 1.05%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.