Editor's Pick: L'Oreal Paris RevitaLift Cica Cream Review

Are you asking yourself 'what is cica cream'? Find out what sets this anti-aging moisturizer apart from others ahead in our review of the L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Cica Cream! 

It’s a challenge to think of anything beauty editors love more than the chance to test out new products, especially when it’s a formulation that’s not entirely standard. That’s precisely why we were incredibly eager to get our hands on the new L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Cica Cream. The brand sent over a complimentary sample to the Skincare.com offices, and we immediately gave it a-go. Read on for our review of the newly-launched L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Cica Cream—plus, we share exactly what a cica cream is for those who are scratching their heads.

 

What Is Cica Cream?

No matter how much you fancy yourself a skin care expert, there’s always something new to learn. New technologies and products pop up, then suddenly they’re the talk of the town before you even have a chance to figure out what the hype is about. So, as popular as cica creams are becoming, don’t fault yourself if you aren’t familiar (yet). As it turns out, they aren’t what you might assume. Despite possessing similar names, they aren’t a variant of another popular beauty product, CC creams. There’s no relation, except that we’re fast becoming fans of both.

Cica cream is something all its own, according to Dr. Rocio Rivera, L’Oreal Paris’ Head of Scientific Communications. The name comes from an ingredient that’s found in the formula, centella asiatica (also known as tiger grass), which is used in traditional Chinese medicine. If you survey the ingredient list and don’t spot centella asiastica, it’s not a product with cica as an ingredient. It’s just that simple. As for what you really want to know—what these creams can do—when formulated for the face, they can help repair the skin barrier to resist the effects of an advancing age.

“Any formula that adds centella asiatica or tiger grass can help repair the skin barrier function,” says Dr. Rivera. She explains that the skin barrier, which can be altered by environmental factors and internal stressors such as lack of sleep, helps your skin retain hydration and moisture while protecting it some toxins and bacteria—like a protective shield of sorts. Dr. Rivera notes that an unhealthy barrier can lead to many skin issues, including dryness and irritation, so it’s extremely important to take care of it.

 

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Cica Cream Review

Now, that you’re thoroughly caught up on what cica cream is in general, let us get more specific. L’Oreal Paris’ Revitalift Cica Cream is formulated with not just centella asiatica, but also powerful Pro-Retinol. The lightweight cream hydrates the skin, all the while strengthening the skin barrier to help fend off visible signs of aging over time. Dr. Rivera says that the L’Oreal Revitalift Cica Cream has been formulated with two things in mind: to help correct signs of aging and to resist new ones.

 “The formula is what we call a base that has been created to cocoon your skin,” Dr. Rivera says. “To protect your skin don’t think of a wall, don’t think of something that wraps your skin in a way that it doesn’t breathe.” Instead, this cica cream acts as a lightweight barrier to help nourish your skin while allowing it to breathe. How does the formula help to correct the appearance of signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines, over time? Through its incorporation of Pro-Retinol. Retinol is an essential to any anti-aging regimen, and helps reduce the look of many of your skin-aging issues. To find out more on retinol’s anti-aging power, check out our retinol guide! 

When you combine Centella Asiatica and Pro-Retinol, you have the perfect storm to correct and resist new signs of aging.Recommended For: If you’ve begun to notice any of the common visible signs of aging—moisture loss, prominent wrinkles, and a loss of firmness —this cica cream is just what you need. In case you’re concerned about how it’ll suit your skin, the formula, which is free of fragrance, parabens, colorants, dyes, and skin-stripping alcohols, is gentle on sensitive skin. That means as long as you’re ready to begin an anti-aging skin care regimen, a good place to start is with this cica cream.

Why We Love It: Here at Skincare.com we’re all about products that really work, and this cica cream does not disappoint. Immediately, skin feels healthier, softer, smoother and more supple. But that’s not all. With continued use up to four weeks, our fine lines and wrinkles appeared visibly reduced, firmness and elasticity looked noticeably improved, and clarity and tone improved, with our complexions exuding luminosity. 

How to Use It: Make this anti-wrinkle, protective cream an everyday—twice a day—staple in your routine. Every morning and night, after cleansing, smooth it onto skin until thoroughly absorbed. Don’t step away from your vanity just yet. You’ll want to follow with a moisturizer that matches the time of day. Dr. Rivera also suggests using an SPF after applying it in the morning. For best results, use Cica Cream in conjunction with other Revitalift products.

Editor’s tip: On days when you can’t fit in a full face of makeup, wear the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Cica Cream on its own. You can skip face powder and still not worry about shine, thanks to the non-greasy finish. 

L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Cicacream Face Moisturizer Pro Retinol & Centella Asiatica, $17.99 MSRP