Dr. Althea Cica Skin Calming Toner Review

Dr. Althea Cica Skin Calming Toner
4.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
8.2 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does Dr. Althea Cica Skin Calming Toner Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Dr. Althea Cica Skin Calming Toner has to offer:
 
  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.2 out of 10.
  • Soothing: Dr. Althea Cica Skin Calming Toner contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Dr. Althea Cica Skin Calming Toner

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Dr. Althea Cica Skin Calming Toner:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Dr. Althea Cica Skin Calming Toner is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.2 out of 10 and a very high humectancy of 8.2 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈4.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈2.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

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.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Dr. Althea Cica Skin Calming Toner is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Centella Asiatica Extract (est. ≈80.0%).

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.

Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Dr. Althea Cica Skin Calming Toner is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Centella Asiatica Extract (est. ≈80.0%).

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.

Things to Be Aware Of: Dr. Althea Cica Skin Calming Toner

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Dr. Althea Cica Skin Calming Toner to your skincare routine:
 

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Dr. Althea Cica Skin Calming Toner 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 and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their 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, these ingredients do 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.

Pros & Cons of Dr. Althea Cica Skin Calming Toner

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Dr. Althea Cica Skin Calming Toner to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing boost for any skincare routine
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution
  • Contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help reduce irritation and soothe the skin

Cons: 

  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
80
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Centella Asiatica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Spirulina Maxima Extract
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Cholesterol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
8.2
4
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 8.2 10
8.2
4
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 8.2 10
8.2
All humectants
8.2
4
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 80 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Centella Asiatica Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
80
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
80
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 82.7 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
82.7
Centella Asiatica Extract
80
Spirulina Maxima Extract
1.5
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
0.3
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
80
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 82.2 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
82.2
80
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Centella Asiatica Extract
Est. %80
Function
Origin
Centella Asiatica ExtractAn 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.
Water
Est. %6
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Glycerin
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Spirulina Maxima Extract
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Spirulina Maxima ExtractA dark green emollient and antioxidant extract derived from spirulina - a dried mass of tiny blue-green algae. It is rich in proteins, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins (namely B1 and B2).
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateA licorice root derivative with powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing activities. It is often used as a flavoring agent in lip products.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP CopolymerA polymeric ingredient that creates lightweight and refreshing gel textures. It also works as a viscosity controlling agent.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Allantoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AllantoinA fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Sodium Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium CitrateA salt of citric acid that has a salty and tart flavor and is used as a fragrance. It is mildly basic, meaning that its addition to a skincare product can adjust the pH upward.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Houttuynia Cordata ExtractAn extract from a herbaceous plant fish leaf. It contains various antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. It shows interesting antimicrobial potential due to its unique phytochemical composition.
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) ExtractAn extract derived from rosemary leaves. It contains a fragrant essential oil and is a strong antioxidant with astringent tannins.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated LecithinA version of plain lecithin that has been saturated with hydrogen atoms. This ingredient can be derived from plants, like soy or sunflower, from egg yolks, or made synthetically. Its major function is to emulsify water and oils.
Ceramide NP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NPAlso known as ceramide 3, it is the most common ceramide in our skin. It helps to restore the skin’s lipid barrier and alleviate the symptoms of dry and cracked skin. Research has shown that skin suffering from conditions such as AD lacks ceramides.
Cholesterol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CholesterolAn emollient and important barrier repairing lipid, effective when combined with fatty acids and ceramides. Around 25% of the skin’s lipid layer is made up of cholesterol and it is found in the membrane of every single cell in our body.