“I never knew exfoliants could be so hydrating!”
I had just swiped one of the Neogen Dermalogy Real Cica Pads on my face for the first time and now I couldn’t stop touching it. It was THAT soft.
A couple of days later, I caught my reflection in the mirror. “Look at that glow,” I thought. “My skin’s behaving so well lately. Am I doing something different? Oh yeah, I’ve just started using the Neogen pads!”
This is an exfoliant on steroids, I tell you. If you’ve got dry skin, you’re in for a treat…
What’s In Neogen Dermatology Real Cica Pad?
LACTOBIONIC ACID AND GLUCONOLACTONE TO EXFOLIATE SKIN
Lactobionic acid and gluconolactone are two members of the Polyhydroxy Acids (PHA) family. Rumour has it, they’re as effective as Alpha Hydroxy Acids (think glycolic and lactic acids) but less irritating. Is that true?
Like AHAs, PHAs dissolve the “glue” that hold skin cells together so they can slough off. Once those old cells are off your face, your whole complexion looks smoother and brighter.
The difference? PHAs have a larger molecular structure, so they can’t penetrate skin as deeply. That’s not a bad thing. Less penetration = less chance of irritation.
FYI, Gluconolactone isn’t much smaller than glycolic acid. It’s a little less likely to cause irritation, but if your skin’s sensitive, that’s still a possibility.
I also don’t recommend PHAs for oily skin. I don’t care what Neogen says, your skin needs an exfoliant that can penetrate into your pores. That’s a job for salicylic acid.
But if you’ve got dry skin and want something a little gentler than glycolic acid? PHAs – and Neogen Dermalogy Real Cica Pad – may just be your new BFF.
Related: How To Choose The Right Exfoliator For Your Skin Type
CENTELLA ASIATICA TO SOOTHE SKIN
Cica is the Korean nickname for Centella Asiatica, also know as Gotu Kola and Indian pennyworth. Seriously, how many names does this plant have?!
Centella Asiatica is loaded with antioxidants and healing agents. The main ones are:
- Asiaticoside
- Asiatic Acid
- Madecassic Acid
- Madecassosside
These 4 ingredients give Cica its cicatrising and healing abilities. Studies show they help speed up wound healing, heal scars, prevent hyperpigmentation and reduce crow’s feet. They also help soothe any potential irritation from the exfoliation.
Neogen Dermalogy Real Cica Pad contains a huge dollop of Centella Asiatica. It also gives you Asiaticoside & co. Look at the ingredient list. The whole crew is there!
HYALURONIC ACID TO HYDRATE SKIN
Hyaluronic acid is a moisture magnet on steroids: it literally attracts moisture from the air and binds it to your skin. It’s so powerful, it can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water.
Can you imagine how happy your skin is with all that extra moisture? It plumps up, so fine lines and wrinkles look smaller. It gets softer to the touch. And it just glows!
P.S. Neogen Dermalogy Real Cica Pad has 3 forms of Hyaluronic Acid. That’s moisture galore!
Related: Why You Should Add Hyaluronic Acid To Your Skincare Routine, No Matter Your Skin Type
Struggling to put together a skincare routine that banishes dryness and makes your skin supple and dewy? Download your FREE “Best Skincare Routine For Dry Skin” to get started (it features product recommendations + right application order):
Texture
Neogen Dermalogy Real Cica Pad are just that: textured pads soaked in hydrating essence. One side is slightly more textured than the other but they’re literally dripping with so much essence, you’ll hardly notice the difference.
The essence itself is thick and gel-like. It takes a minute or so to absorb, but once it does, it leaves no sticky residue behind.
Fragrance
Technically, they’re fragrance-free. But there’s a drop of bergamot oil here that gives them a slight citrusy scent.
How To Use Them
Two or three nights a week, after cleansing. Don’t use on the same days as retinoids.
Performance & Personal Opinion
Neogen Dermalogy Real Cica Pad are textured, but you won’t feel it. The pads feel so smooth when I swipe them all over my face. FYI, I’m using the plural here, but you only need one pad for each application. They’re not too big but more than enough to cover the entire face.
I can tell the difference immediately. Straight after application my skin feels super soft and intensely hydrated. Then I go to bed (for me, exfoliation is a night job only).
When I wake up in the morning, my skin has a dewy glow that lasts well into the evening. I just look healthy and radiant for the whole day.
And that’s just the exfoliation part! These pads are so gentle, you can use them daily (I alternate them with retinol because I don’t like to use too many actives at once).
While I wouldn’t recommend them for acne-prone skin (get salicylic acid!), they’re great for soothing post-breakout redness… or any type of redness, for that matter.
Who Is This For?
They’re best suitable for dry skin.
Who Is This NOT For?
If you’ve got oily skin, acne, or blackheads, you’re better off with a salicylic acid exfoliant.
Related: Why Salicylic Acid Is A Must For Acne-Prone Skin
Packaging
The white and fuchsia jar is huge. You’ll find 90 pads inside! That’s enough to last you for 3 months if you use them daily – way longer if you don’t.
Does Neogen Dermatology Real Cica Pad Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| NEOGEN DERMALOGY A fine microfiber pad that contains abundant highly enriching essence containing cica complex and tea tree leaf extract that aids irritated skin resulting from the external environment. | True. |
| It provides gentle exfoliation while soothing the exfoliated skin leaving it moist and smooth. | True. |
Price & Availability
Available at: $20.00/£19.01 at Soko Glam and Yes Style
Do You Need It?
Yes. I don’t use the word “must” lightly but these pads have really blown me away.
Dupes & Alternatives
- I haven’t found a good dupe/alternative for this yet.
Ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Madecassoside, Lactobionic Acid, Gluconolactone, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Octyldodecanol, Ceramide NP(Ceramide 3), Hydrogenated Lecithin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Allantoin, Betaine, Panthenol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tromethamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Propanediol, Diglycerin, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Disodium EDTA
I’ve been PHA curious and I think your review of these pads has put me over the edge! Is the pH of these going to affect the hands that are holding it? Or is it not as acidic as regular chemical exfoliators? I’m assuming that PHAs need to be in the 2-3 range (or is it 3-4?) to be effective exfoliators.
A-L, if you touch the pads, you’ll get a little exfoliation there, too. But I didn’t experience any side effects at all, so I wouldn’t worry about this.