Sidmool Houttuynia Cordata Cica Essential Review

Sidmool Houttuynia Cordata Cica Essential
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
3Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does Sidmool Houttuynia Cordata Cica Essential Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Sidmool Houttuynia Cordata Cica Essential has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Sidmool Houttuynia Cordata Cica Essential has an anti-wrinkle rating of 3.0 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Soothing: Sidmool Houttuynia Cordata Cica Essential contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Sidmool Houttuynia Cordata Cica Essential

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Sidmool Houttuynia Cordata Cica Essential:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Sidmool Houttuynia Cordata Cica Essential 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, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈9.0%) and Panthenol (est. ≈6.0%).

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.

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.

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Sidmool Houttuynia Cordata Cica Essential has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 3.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Asiaticoside (est. ≈2.5%), 
 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, Sidmool Houttuynia Cordata Cica Essential also contains some ingredients marketed often as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, and Beta-Glucan. 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.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Sidmool Houttuynia Cordata Cica Essential is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Houttuynia Cordata Extract (est. ≈65.0%), Madecassoside (est. ≈4.0%) and Asiaticoside (est. ≈2.5%).

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.

Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Sidmool Houttuynia Cordata Cica Essential is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Houttuynia Cordata Extract (est. ≈65.0%), Panthenol (est. ≈6.0%) and Madecassoside (est. ≈4.0%).

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: Sidmool Houttuynia Cordata Cica Essential

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Sidmool Houttuynia Cordata Cica Essential to your skincare routine:
 

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

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 Sidmool Houttuynia Cordata Cica Essential 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.

Pros & Cons of Sidmool Houttuynia Cordata Cica Essential

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Sidmool Houttuynia Cordata Cica Essential 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
  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • 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: 

  • Needs occlusives to seal in humectants if used as a standalone moisturizer

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
9
6
4
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. %
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Madecassoside
Function:
Origin:
Madecassic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Asiaticoside
Function:
Origin:
Asiatic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Oligopeptide-123 rh-Oligopeptide-1
Function:
Origin:
Polypeptide-1
Function:
Origin:
Oligopeptide-2
Function:
Origin:
Beta-Glucan
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Arginine
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
17.1
9
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 17.1 10
10.0
9
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
9
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 17.1 10
10
All humectants
17.1
9
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
3 /10 0.1 2.5 3
n/a
- 3 -
n/a
- 2 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
3
Asiaticoside
3
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
3 /10
when present at, %
0.1
in this formula, est. %
2.5
Madecassic Acid
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
3
Asiatic Acid
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
2
Beta-Glucan
-
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
65
4
2.5
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 72.1 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
72.1
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
65
Madecassoside
4
Asiaticoside
2.5
Beta-Glucan
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
65
6
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 75.9 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
75.9
65
6
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Est. %65
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.
Glycerin
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Panthenol
Est. %6
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.
Madecassoside
Est. %4
Function
Origin
MadecassosideAn isolated Gotu Kola compound. It helps to increase collagen and hyaluronic acid production in the skin and assists in wound healing.
Madecassic Acid
Est. %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.
Asiaticoside
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Asiaticoside

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

Asiatic Acid
Est. %2
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.
Oligopeptide-123 rh-Oligopeptide-1
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Oligopeptide-123 rh-Oligopeptide-1
Polypeptide-1
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Polypeptide-1
Oligopeptide-2
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Oligopeptide-2
Beta-Glucan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Beta-GlucanA special polysaccharide obtained from cereals, mushrooms, yeast, bacteria, and some species of seaweed. It is a promising anti-wrinkle, wound healing, antioxidant, and moisturizing ingredient.
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.

Carbomer
Est. %0.3
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.
Arginine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ArginineA humectant amino acid used to attract water to the skin’s surface. It is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Arginine can also be used as a pH adjuster.
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.
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.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %0.3
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.
Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
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.

1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
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.