Retinol Cica Serum with Salicylic Acid 30ml
What it's good for
Key actives from our research database. Click any to read the full evidence dossier.
Another cica (centella) compound. This one specifically pushes collagen production, so the benefit is more about firmness than calming.
Good for: Anti-aging, Anti-inflammatory
A polyphenol from green tea that calms UV-triggered redness and reinforces your sunscreen as a second line of antioxidant defense.
Good for: Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Sun protection
Speeds up how fast your skin renews itself so old, dull cells shed faster and fresher skin shows through. Builds collagen over time, smoothing fine lines.
Good for: Anti-aging
A heavy-duty hydrator that also reduces irritation. Often called "better than hyaluronic acid" for sensitive skin.
Good for: Hydrating, Anti-inflammatory
Goes into your pores and dissolves the oil and dead skin clogging them. Best for blackheads, whiteheads, and oily, acne-prone skin.
Good for: Anti-acne, Exfoliating
A multitasker that calms redness, evens out skin tone, and helps oily skin balance out. One of the safest do-a-little-of-everything ingredients.
Good for: Brightening, Barrier repair, Anti-inflammatory
Evidence behind the ingredients
Real citations from our research database, one per tracked active in this product. Click any ingredient name to read its full evidence dossier.
Another cica (centella) compound. This one specifically pushes collagen production, so the benefit is more about firmness than calming.
Bandopadhyay S et al., Therapeutic properties and pharmacological activities of asiaticoside and madecassoside: A review, Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine 2023;27(5):593-608 — asiaticoside and madecassoside have wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and dermatological potential
Park KS, Pharmacological Effects of Centella asiatica on Skin Diseases: Evidence and Possible Mechanisms, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2021;2021:5462633 — documents asiaticoside efficacy across wound healing, scarring and inflammatory dermatoses
Peng Q et al., Transdermal characteristics and mechanism of asiaticoside nanoemulsions and asiaticoside nanoemulsions-based gels, Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi (China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica) 2018;43(9):1857-1863 — asiaticoside nanoemulsions achieved 6-7x greater drug permeation and 5-6x greater skin deposition vs commercial cream
A polyphenol from green tea that calms UV-triggered redness and reinforces your sunscreen as a second line of antioxidant defense.
Detudom P, Kamanamool N, Paichitrojjana A, Udompataikul P, Udompataikul M, Efficacy of anti-sebum moisturizing cream containing 2% l-carnitine and 5% epigallocatechin gallate in seborrhea, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2023;22(11):3058-3064 — Thai RCT showed EGCG-containing cream significantly reduced sebum and improved hydration in seborrhea
Ud-Din S et al., A Double-Blind, Randomized Trial Shows the Role of Zonal Priming and Direct Topical Application of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate in the Modulation of Cutaneous Scarring in Human Skin, Journal of Investigative Dermatology 2019;139(8):1680-1690 — topical EGCG reduced scar thickness weeks 1-3 and increased elasticity at week 4 vs placebo
Kim YR et al., Clinical Evaluation of a New-Formula Shampoo for Scalp Seborrheic Dermatitis Containing Rosa centifolia + EGCG: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Study, Annals of Dermatology 2014;26(6):733-8 — EGCG-containing shampoo matched ketoconazole and zinc pyrithione efficacy; faster erythema response than 1% zinc pyrithione
Speeds up how fast your skin renews itself so old, dull cells shed faster and fresher skin shows through. Builds collagen over time, smoothing fine lines.
SCCS Revision of the Scientific Opinion on Vitamin A (Retinol, Retinyl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate), SCCS/1639/21, final version adopted 24-25 October 2022
Chien AL et al. Biomarkers of Tretinoin Precursors and Tretinoin Efficacy in Patients With Moderate to Severe Facial Photodamage: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Dermatology. 2022;158(8):892-900. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.1891 — RCT comparing topical retinol precursors vs tretinoin for photoaging; both showed equivalent wrinkle reduction at week 24 with retinol formulation causing 6x less erythema than tretinoin.
MFDS Approved Functional Cosmetic Active — Retinol (anti-wrinkle). Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cosmetic Functional Active Ingredient List — listed alongside Adenosine, Retinyl Palmitate, and Polyethoxylated Retinamide in the Korean Functional Cosmetics Codex anti-wrinkle category
+−3 more ingredients
A heavy-duty hydrator that also reduces irritation. Often called "better than hyaluronic acid" for sensitive skin.
Feng X et al., Exploring the Properties and Application Potential of beta-Glucan in Skin Care, Food Science and Nutrition 2025;13(4):e70212 — review concludes beta-glucan exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, barrier repair, and moisturizing bioactivities
Kussie HC et al., Avenanthramide and beta-Glucan Therapeutics Accelerate Wound Healing Via Distinct and Nonoverlapping Mechanisms, Advances in Wound Care 2024;13(4):155-166 — in vivo: beta-glucan accelerated wound closure with increased angiogenesis
Cao Y et al., Improving the outcome of treating striae gravidarum by combined therapies using topical β-glucan and 1565-nm non-ablative fractional laser, Journal of Dermatology 2022;49(9):829-836 — RCT; topical beta-glucan twice daily for 12 weeks on stretch marks
Goes into your pores and dissolves the oil and dead skin clogging them. Best for blackheads, whiteheads, and oily, acne-prone skin.
Liu Y et al., Clinical Efficacy of a Salicylic Acid-Containing Gel on Acne Management and Skin Barrier Function: A 21-Day Prospective Study, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(7):e70353 — salicylic acid gel reduced acne lesions, regulated sebum, improved hydration and barrier function
Ye R et al., 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel vs. adapalene gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: multicenter, randomized, evaluator-blind, parallel-controlled trial, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2024;23(6):2125-2134 — 2% SSA hydrogel was equally effective as adapalene gel for mild-to-moderate acne
Brumley C et al. Allergic contact dermatitis to salicylic acid: A case series of relevant sensitization. Contact Dermatitis. 2024;91(2):133-138. doi:10.1111/cod.14573 — Case series of 489 patch-tested patients (2020-2024): 21 positive reactions to salicylic acid. Documents that ACD to SA is likely underreported; testing at 5% concentration feasible.
A multitasker that calms redness, evens out skin tone, and helps oily skin balance out. One of the safest do-a-little-of-everything ingredients.
Moro F et al., Skin Cancer Prevention and Antiaging: Role of Nicotinamide, International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2026
Passeron T et al., An Investigator-Blinded, Randomized Trial of a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Containing Sclareolide and Niacinamide, Dermatology and Therapy (Heidelberg) 2026
Vergilio MM et al., Topical Formulation with Niacinamide Combined with 5 MHz Ultrasound for Improving Skin Ageing, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2025
Sources: 10 clinical journals and regulatory databases across the US, EU, Korea, Japan, and China. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for the full list and what each outcome label means.
Layering conflicts
Ingredients in this product that can react with common actives. Avoid stacking unless noted.
- Glycolic Acidhigh
Retinol + glycolic acid is a classic barrier-buster. Use on different nights.
- Tretinoinhigh
Tretinoin + salicylic acid — major irritation risk. Strict separation required.
- Lactic Acidmedium
Retinol + lactic acid is gentler than glycolic but still alternate nights to be safe.
- Mandelic Acidmedium
Retinol + mandelic acid — alternate nights to preserve barrier integrity.
- Benzoyl Peroxidemedium
Benzoyl peroxide can break down retinol. Use one in the morning and the other at night, or pick a stabilized formula made to combine them.
- Vitamin Clow
Vitamin C and retinol work best at different pH levels. Use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night.
Similar comparisons
Not medical advice. GlowPal is educational. Patch-test new products and talk to a qualified healthcare professional before changing your routine, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or have a diagnosed skin condition. See our terms.