innisfree Bija Cica Gel EX

innisfree Bija Cica Gel EX
5.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
3Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers

Review

Does innisfree Bija Cica Gel EX work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using innisfree Bija Cica Gel EX:

  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.
  • Some anti-wrinkle efficacy: innisfree Bija Cica Gel EX has an anti-wrinkle rating of 3.0 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Soothing: innisfree Bija Cica Gel EX contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.

Lightweight moisturizer ideal for oily skin and a humectant boost for any skincare routine

According to CreamScan analysis, innisfree Bija Cica Gel EX is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.1 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 maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Propanediol (est. ≈7.5%) and Panthenol (est. ≈5.0%).

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.

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.

Some anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, innisfree Bija Cica Gel EX has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 3.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Asiaticoside (est. ≈0.3%), 
 derived from the plant Centella asiatica, an ingredient with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy, as confirmed by a single clinical study involving 27 participants (Lee et al.). This study demonstrated that a cream containing 0.1% asiaticoside reduced the average wrinkle depth by 8% after 12 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without asiaticoside).
 
Among others, innisfree Bija Cica Gel EX also contains contains Madecassic Acid and Asiatic Acid, 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. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to 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.

Skin soothing and calming potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, innisfree Bija Cica Gel EX is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Panthenol (est. ≈5.0%).

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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
7.5
5
3
2.5
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
Est. %
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Tromethamine
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Madecassoside
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Torreya Nucifera Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Asiaticoside
Function:
Origin:
Madecassic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Asiatic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Achillea Millefolium Extract
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
14.8
7.5
5
1.3
1
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 14.8 10
10.0
7.5
5
1.3
1
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
7.5
5
1.3
1
All humectants 14.8 10
10
All humectants
14.8
7.5
5
1.3
1
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
3 /10 0.1 0.3 3
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
3
Asiaticoside
3
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
3 /10
when present at, %
0.1
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Madecassic Acid
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Asiatic Acid
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.6 3 No
All antioxidants
0.6
Asiaticoside
0.3
Madecassoside
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
5
0.3
0.3
All soothing 5.6 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
5.6
5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
Rosa Damascena Flower WaterA fragrant water that is leftover after the steam distillation of Damask rose petals. During this process, the essential oil floats to the surface of the water and is collected. The leftover water has a fresh, rosy scent.
Propanediol
Est. %7.5
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn 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.
Panthenol
Est. %5
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
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.
Carbomer
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
Tromethamine
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
TromethamineAn ingredient based on amino acids that is commonly used as a pH adjuster. It has a high pH, which means that it is basic (alkaline), so adding tromethamine to a skincare product will increase its overall pH level.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %1.3
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.

Pentylene Glycol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

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.
Madecassoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MadecassosideAn isolated Gotu Kola compound. It helps to increase collagen and hyaluronic acid production in the skin and assists in wound healing.
Sorbitan Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan IsostearateA mild yet powerful emulsifier primarily utilized to produce water-in-oil emulsions. It helps to create a particularly rich and substantial emulsion.
Polysorbate 60
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
Torreya Nucifera Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Torreya Nucifera Seed Oil
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Asiaticoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Asiaticoside

A Gotu Kola or Centella Asiatica derivative with confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Madecassic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Madecassic AcidAn isolated bioactive compound from Gotu Kola. It increases collagen and hyaluronic acid production in the skin and helps to treat wounds, scars, and burns.
Asiatic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Asiatic AcidA compound isolated from Gotu Kola, a promising anti-wrinkle medicinal plant from Southeast Asia. It is claimed to increase the production of collagen and help with the wound healing process.
Achillea Millefolium Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Achillea Millefolium ExtractAn extract obtained from the common yarrow. It is full of astringent and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals that help with inflamed skin and wound healing, have soothing and refreshing effects on the skin, and give the product a fresh, green, and spicy scent.