According to CreamScan analysis, Aromatica Cica Calming Gel is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, due to the high content of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (est. ≈7.5%) and Propanediol (est. ≈5.0%).
This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.
Tip: Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.
But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.
Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.
We estimate that Aromatica Cica Calming Gel is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Centella Asiatica Extract (est. ≈80.0%) and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (est. ≈7.5%).
A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.
Based on the ingredient list analysis, Aromatica Cica Calming Gel is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Centella Asiatica Extract (est. ≈80.0%) and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (est. ≈7.5%).
When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.
Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.
While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.
One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.
If you’re using Aromatica Cica Calming Gel as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.
If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.
If one of your main reasons for choosing Aromatica Cica Calming Gel is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.
It contains Centella Asiatica Extract, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Centella Asiatica Extract provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that Centella Asiatica Extract may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.
Therefore, this ingredient does not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.
Est. %
The Estimated % is our algorithm-based assumption about an ingredient's concentration in a formula. Learn more The Estimated % is our algorithm-based assumption about an ingredient's concentration in a formula. Learn more | Ingredient | Origin | Functions | |
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80 | Centella Asiatica Extract An extract from the leaves of the Gotu kola. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. It increases the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin. Centella Asiatica Extract An extract from the leaves of the Gotu kola. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. It increases the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin. | Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. | Antioxidant, Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals and prevent accelerated skin aging. Antioxidant, Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals and prevent accelerated skin aging. Anti-Wrinkle, Anti-wrinkle ingredients prevent the formation or reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Anti-Wrinkle, Anti-wrinkle ingredients prevent the formation or reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Soothing, Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics. Soothing, Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics. Cleansing Cleansing ingredients, also known as surfactants, clear dirt and buildup from the skin. Cleansing Cleansing ingredients, also known as surfactants, clear dirt and buildup from the skin. | |
7.5 | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract Derived from Aloe vera leaves, this moisturizing humectant, soothing, and antioxidant extract is commonly used in products targeting eczema, sunburn, or dermatitis. It soothes the skin and reduces the signs of inflammation and sensitivity. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract Derived from Aloe vera leaves, this moisturizing humectant, soothing, and antioxidant extract is commonly used in products targeting eczema, sunburn, or dermatitis. It soothes the skin and reduces the signs of inflammation and sensitivity. | Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. | Moisturizing (Humectant), Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Moisturizing (Humectant), Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Antioxidant, Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals and prevent accelerated skin aging. Antioxidant, Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals and prevent accelerated skin aging. Soothing, Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics. Soothing, Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics. Emollient Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients. Emollient Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients. | |
5 | Propanediol An excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness. Propanediol An excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness. | Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Biotech, The biotech origin of the ingredient implies that it was made in a lab using cultured microorganisms (bacteria or fungi) and a substrate (e.g. through the fermentation process), and then extracted and/or purified. Biotech, The biotech origin of the ingredient implies that it was made in a lab using cultured microorganisms (bacteria or fungi) and a substrate (e.g. through the fermentation process), and then extracted and/or purified. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. | Moisturizing (Humectant), Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Moisturizing (Humectant), Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Formula helper
Formula helper
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3 | 1,2-Hexanediol A multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula. 1,2-Hexanediol A multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula. | Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. | Preservative, Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Preservative, Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Formula helper
Formula helper
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2.5 | Sodium Carbomer Like Carbomer, only pre-reacted so that no neutralization is required. Carbomer based gels are clear and have a non-sticky smooth feel. Many high end cosmetics will use carbomers as part of their formula to build body without making a product feel heavy. Sodium Carbomer Like Carbomer, only pre-reacted so that no neutralization is required. Carbomer based gels are clear and have a non-sticky smooth feel. Many high end cosmetics will use carbomers as part of their formula to build body without making a product feel heavy. | Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. | Formula helper
Formula helper
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2 | Phenethyl Alcohol A multifunctional ingredient that primarily serves as a preservative. Derived from the Chinese cinnamon tree, it provides broad-spectrum protection for skincare products through its antimicrobial efficacy. Phenethyl Alcohol A multifunctional ingredient that primarily serves as a preservative. Derived from the Chinese cinnamon tree, it provides broad-spectrum protection for skincare products through its antimicrobial efficacy. | Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. | Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Preservative, Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Preservative, Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Formula helper
Formula helper
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1.5 | Maltodextrin A formula helper manufactured from starch. It has a sweet flavor and is often used in rinse-off products to support their foaming structure. Maltodextrin is also used to stabilize emulsions and to absorb and bind other ingredients in the formula. Maltodextrin A formula helper manufactured from starch. It has a sweet flavor and is often used in rinse-off products to support their foaming structure. Maltodextrin is also used to stabilize emulsions and to absorb and bind other ingredients in the formula. | Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. | Formula helper
Formula helper
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80 Centella Asiatica Extract Function: Antioxidant, Antioxidant Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals and prevent accelerated skin aging. Antioxidant, Antioxidant Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals and prevent accelerated skin aging. Anti-Wrinkle, Anti-Wrinkle Anti-wrinkle ingredients prevent the formation or reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Anti-Wrinkle, Anti-Wrinkle Anti-wrinkle ingredients prevent the formation or reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Soothing, Soothing Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics. Soothing, Soothing Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics. Cleansing Cleansing Cleansing ingredients, also known as surfactants, clear dirt and buildup from the skin. Cleansing Cleansing Cleansing ingredients, also known as surfactants, clear dirt and buildup from the skin. Origin: Botanical Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. |
7.5 Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract Function: Moisturizing (Humectant), Moisturizing (Humectant) Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Moisturizing (Humectant), Moisturizing (Humectant) Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Antioxidant, Antioxidant Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals and prevent accelerated skin aging. Antioxidant, Antioxidant Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals and prevent accelerated skin aging. Soothing, Soothing Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics. Soothing, Soothing Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics. Emollient Emollient Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients. Emollient Emollient Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients. Origin: Botanical Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. |
5 Propanediol Function: Moisturizing (Humectant), Moisturizing (Humectant) Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Moisturizing (Humectant), Moisturizing (Humectant) Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Formula helper Formula helper
Formula helper Formula helper
Origin: Botanical, Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Biotech, Biotech The biotech origin of the ingredient implies that it was made in a lab using cultured microorganisms (bacteria or fungi) and a substrate (e.g. through the fermentation process), and then extracted and/or purified. Biotech, Biotech The biotech origin of the ingredient implies that it was made in a lab using cultured microorganisms (bacteria or fungi) and a substrate (e.g. through the fermentation process), and then extracted and/or purified. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. |
3 1,2-Hexanediol Function: Preservative, Preservative Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Preservative, Preservative Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Formula helper Formula helper
Formula helper Formula helper
Origin: Botanical, Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. |
2.5 Sodium Carbomer Function: Formula helper Formula helper
Formula helper Formula helper
Origin: Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. |
2 Phenethyl Alcohol Function: Fragrance, Fragrance Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Preservative, Preservative Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Preservative, Preservative Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Formula helper Formula helper
Formula helper Formula helper
Origin: Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. |
1.5 Maltodextrin Function: Formula helper Formula helper
Formula helper Formula helper
Origin: Botanical Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. |