1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
VT Cosmetics
Cica Reti-a Essence 0.1
face essence
VT Cosmetics
face essence
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
See how this fits your skin
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Take the skin testIntroducing VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1, your gentle yet powerful ally for smooth, youthful skin. This expertly formulated essence harnesses the benefits of 0.1% pure retinol, designed to improve skin texture, minimize the appearance of fine lines, and promote a brighter complexion. Infused with centella asiatica extract (Cica), it soothes potential irritation while reinforcing the skin barrier, making it an ideal introduction to retinol-based skincare for sensitive or first-time users. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, this essence seamlessly integrates into your nightly routine without leaving a greasy residue.
Cica Reti-a Essence 0.1 is a lightweight essence from VT Cosmetics, a brand based in Korea. The formula is built mainly around hydration and soothing. The ingredient list runs to 43 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Silicones in the formula tend to give a smooth, blurred finish and help it grip under makeup. Hydration is handled by Butylene Glycol, Betaine and Ethylhexylglycerin, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Butylene Glycol, Betaine, Ethylhexylglycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate.
Soothing: High. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate and Centella Asiatica Extract.
Brightening: Moderate. Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks, and here that comes from Niacinamide, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Gluconolactone and Bakuchiol.
Barrier support: Moderate. Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity, and here that comes from Niacinamide, Ceramide NP and Madecassoside.
On richness alone it suits Balanced skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.
The formula contributes little or nothing on antioxidant protection and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
Reading the full list, the formula is essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, microplastic-free, sulfate-free and dye-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging. It does contain fragrance, worth knowing if your skin reacts to any of them.
It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after cleansing, before serums. Apply to slightly damp skin so the humectants have water to hold on to.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Targets breakouts by reducing bacteria and unclogging pores
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
Tightens and refines the look of enlarged pores
Helps unclog pores and reduce blackheads for clearer skin
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Hexadecyl 2-ethylhexanoate
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
2,2-bis[[(2-Ethyl-1-oxohexyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl bis(2-ethylhexanoate)
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Stearic acid, monoester with glycerol
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Oils, vegetable, hydrogenated
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Docosan-1-ol
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Dimethicone
14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Alcohols, C16-18
15th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Stearic acid
16th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Methanaminium, 1-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Parfum
Dimethicone
Propolis Extract
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
This product is the "Toning" step.
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 43 ingredients on the label.
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Forms a film that slows water loss
Dissolves and carries everything else
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Calms visible redness and irritation
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
Changes how the product smells or looks
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
C6-14-alkenes, homopolymers, hydrogenated
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Hexadecyl 2-ethylhexanoate
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
2,2-bis[[(2-Ethyl-1-oxohexyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl bis(2-ethylhexanoate)
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
1,4:3,6-Dianhydro-2,5-di-O-methyl-D-glucitol
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Stearic acid, monoester with glycerol
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Methyl-D-glucopyranoside, ethers with 1,2,3-propanetriol homopolymer, octadecanoates (1:1:2) (3 mol glycerol average molar ratio)
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Oils, vegetable, hydrogenated
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Docosan-1-ol
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Dimethicone
14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Alcohols, C16-18
15th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Stearic acid
16th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Methanaminium, 1-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt
17th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Propenoic acid, polymer with 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol 2-propenyl ether
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Copolymer of acrylic acid, acrylamide, sodium acrylate, sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate monomers
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Centella Asiatica Extract is the extract of the whole plant Hydrocotyl, Centella asiatica L., Apiaceae
23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
6-Amino-9-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-9H-purine
24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Homopolymer of 2-methyl-1 propene
25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt
26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-
27th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract is the extract of the seeds of Moringa oleifera, Moringaceae.
28th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
D-Glucono-1,5-lactone
29th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Bakuchiol (babchi seed extract) is a plant-based retinol alternative that softens wrinkles and fades dark spots with less irritation. IUPAC name: 4-[(1E,3S)-3,7-dimethyl-3-vinylocta-1,6-dien-1-yl]phenol
30th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Benzoic acid, 2-octanoyloxy-
31st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sorbitan, monododecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs.
32nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sorbitan, isooctadecanoate
33rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ceramide NP,1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-Octadecanamide,Stearoyl-C18-Phytosphingosine,Stearoyl-4-Hydroxysphinganine
34th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Retinol; vitamin A
35th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2,6-Di-tert-butyl-p-cresol
36th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Extract of propolis wax
37th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
O-6-Deoxy-α-L-mannopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl (2α,3β,4α,6β)-2,3,6,23-tetrahydroxyurs-12-en-28-oate
38th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Urs-12-en-28-oic acid, 2,3,23-trihydroxy-, O-6-deoxy-alpha-L-mannopyranosyl-(1->4)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (2alpha, 3beta, 4alpha)-
39th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
(2.alpha.,3.beta.,4.alpha.)-2,3,23-Trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid
40th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Urs-12-en-28-oic acid, 2,3,6,23-tetrahydroxy-, (2alpha,3beta,4alpha,6beta)-
41st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenol
42nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Disodium dihydrogen ethylenediaminetetraacetate
43rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Parfum is a term for ingredient labelling used to identify that a product contains a material or a combination of materials normally added to a cosmetic to produce or to mask a particular odour. According to Article 19 of the Cosmetics Regulation, 'Perfume and aromatic compositions and their raw materials shall be referred to by the terms ‘parfum’ or ‘aroma’. '
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
Missha
Shares 10 key ingredients with Cica Reti-a Essence 0.1: Water, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Niacinamide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Missha
Shares 10 key ingredients with Cica Reti-a Essence 0.1: Water, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Niacinamide, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Dimethicone
Numbuzin
Shares 10 key ingredients with Cica Reti-a Essence 0.1: Water, Butylene Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Dimethicone, Niacinamide
SKIN1004
Shares 8 key ingredients with Cica Reti-a Essence 0.1: Water, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate
Haruharu Wonder
Shares 6 key ingredients with Cica Reti-a Essence 0.1: Water, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Ceramide NP
NEOGEN
Shares 6 key ingredients with Cica Reti-a Essence 0.1: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Water, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate
WATER, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, HYDROGENATED POLY(C6-14 OLEFIN), 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, NIACINAMIDE, CETYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRAETHYLHEXANOATE, DIMETHYL ISOSORBIDE, GLYCERYL STEARATE, POLYGLYCERYL-3 METHYLGLUCOSE DISTEARATE, HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OIL, BEHENYL ALCOHOL, DIMETHICONE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, STEARIC ACID, BETAINE, HYDROXYPINACOLONE RETINOATE, CARBOMER, TROMETHAMINE, POLYACRYLATE-13, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT, ADENOSINE, POLYISOBUTENE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, ALLANTOIN, MORINGA OLEIFERA SEED EXTRACT, GLUCONOLACTONE, BAKUCHIOL, CAPRYLOYL SALICYLIC ACID, POLYSORBATE 20, SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE, CERAMIDE NP, RETINOL, BHT, PROPOLIS EXTRACT, MADECASSOSIDE, ASIATICOSIDE, ASIATIC ACID, MADECASSIC ACID, BHA, DISODIUM EDTA, PARFUM.
NIACINAMIDE, HYDROXYPINACOLONE RETINOATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, GLUCONOLACTONE, BAKUCHIOL, CERAMIDE NP, RETINOL.
Use in the evening on cleansed, dry skin. Apply a pea-sized amount to your face, avoiding the eye and lip areas. Follow with a moisturizer to lock in hydration and support the skin barrier. Start with 2–3 times per week, gradually increasing frequency as your skin builds tolerance. Always use broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day when using retinol products. Avoid combining with other strong actives (like AHAs, BHAs, or vitamin C) in the same routine unless advised by a professional.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
4 ingredients could feed malassezia: Glyceryl Stearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.
It contains Retinol, BHA, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, which are usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife before using it.
No — it contains Parfum.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
No — it contains Dimethicone.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
It layers well with Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides, Signal peptides. Take more care combining it with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide, Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Azelaic acid — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.
Use it morning and evening, after cleansing, before serums.
It lists 43 ingredients, of which 7 are recorded as actives.
VT Cosmetics, a brand based in Korea.
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