Collection: 4C Cica Infused Skincare Products

What is 4C Cica and What Does "4C" Mean?

Cica is one of the most powerful restorative actives in skincare and takes its name from the Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) plant. Also known in Asia as "tiger grass," this plant has been used for centuries in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine for wound healing and skin repair. According to legend, when tigers were injured, they would rub themselves against this plant to heal their wounds—modern science confirms this plant’s restorative effect on the skin.

So, what does "4C" mean? The NewLab's 4C Cica formula offers four fundamental active components of the Centella Asiatica plant together. This complex of four, each targeting a different repair mechanism, delivers the full-spectrum effect of the plant to your skin:

Skincare Products Containing The NewLab 4C Cica

The NewLab offers the 4C Cica complex in two different formulas: an intensive moisturizing cream and a portable stick cream. Together, they form the foundation of a barrier repair + hydration routine.

Intensive Moisturizing Cica Cream 50 ml

The main care cream meeting the daily barrier repair and deep hydration needs of sensitive and dry skin. 4C Cica (Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid) supports the skin's repair process, soothes redness, and strengthens the barrier. Hyaluronic Acid deeply hydrates and plumps the skin. Sodium PCA is the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF)—it provides long-term hydration by mimicking the skin's own moisture-retaining mechanism. Ceramide-3 strengthens the lipid structure of the skin barrier and prevents moisture loss (transepidermal water loss — TEWL). Bisabolol (a soothing agent derived from chamomile) offers extra anti-inflammatory support.

Active Ingredients: 4C Cica (Centella Asiatica), Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium PCA, Ceramide-3, Bisabolol

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Restorative and Moisturizing Stick Cream (4C Cica + 4D Hyaluronic Acid)

A practical stick formula for post-sun repair and on-the-go hydration. 4C Cica repairs skin damage caused by the sun and environmental factors, soothes redness, and increases elasticity. 4D Hyaluronic Acid contains hyaluronic acid in four different molecular sizes—providing multi-layered hydration from the surface to the deep layers and plumping fine lines. Ceramide NP strengthens the barrier. Murumuru Butter nourishes the skin with rich fatty acids. Thanks to its stick form, it offers hygienic and easy application—you can carry it in your bag and provide moisture and repair support whenever you need it during the day.

Active Ingredients: 4C Cica, 4D Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide NP, Murumuru Butter, Bisabolol

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How Does 4C Cica Affect the Skin? Scientific Mechanisms

The effect of Centella Asiatica on the skin stems from its triterpenoid compounds targeting multiple mechanisms simultaneously:

1. Collagen Synthesis and Wound Healing: Asiaticoside and asiatic acid stimulate fibroblast cells, increasing type I and type III collagen production. This effect accelerates the skin's structural repair—supporting the healing process of cuts, acne scars, sun damage, and micro-injuries. At the same time, it provides an anti-aging effect by increasing skin firmness and elasticity.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Effect: Madecassoside suppresses cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) that trigger inflammation in the skin, reducing redness, swelling, and sensitivity. This mechanism soothes the skin in cases of post-sun irritation, active acne inflammation, rosacea symptoms, and sensitivity due to external factors. Together with allantoin and aloe vera, it creates a powerful soothing synergy.

3. Skin Barrier Strengthening: Madecassic acid and asiatic acid strengthen the skin's lipid barrier (stratum corneum). A robust lipid barrier prevents moisture loss, provides protection against external factors (pollution, UV, harsh cleansers), and maintains the skin's pH balance. Combined with the ceramides in The NewLab formulas, a dual-layer barrier support is created—while cica repairs the barrier, ceramide rebuilds it.

4. Antioxidant Protection: Centella Asiatica has a powerful antioxidant effect due to its rich triterpenoid and flavonoid content. It reduces oxidative skin damage by neutralizing free radicals produced by UV rays, air pollution, and environmental stress factors. This protective effect delays premature skin aging.

5. Melanin Regulation and Tone Evening: Asiaticoside contributes to evening out skin tone by regulating melanin production. It reduces the appearance of post-acne hyperpigmentation (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), sun spots, and red marks. A comprehensive tone-evening routine can be created alongside niacinamide and alpha arbutin.

Benefits of 4C Cica for the Skin

Repairs and Strengthens the Skin Barrier: Rebuilds a weakened or damaged skin barrier. Repairs barrier damage caused by harsh cleansers, excessive peeling, cold weather, or retinol use. The NewLab cica cream multiplies its barrier-strengthening effect with ceramides and panthenol (Vitamin B5).

Soothes Redness and Sensitivity: Reduces inflammation in the skin, alleviating redness, burning sensations, and sensitivity. Relieves skin in cases of post-sun irritation, rosacea symptoms, allergy-induced reactions, and active acne inflammation. Bisabolol (chamomile extract) in The NewLab cica cream formula provides additional soothing support.

Deep and Long-Lasting Hydration: While 4C Cica strengthens the barrier to lock in moisture, the hyaluronic acid and sodium PCA in The NewLab formulas provide deep moisture supplementation. Sodium PCA in the Cica Cream mimics the skin's natural moisturizing factor, while the 4D Hyaluronic Acid in the Stick Cream provides hydration in four different layers.

Reduces the Appearance of Acne Scars and Wound Marks: Accelerates the renewal of damaged tissue by supporting collagen synthesis. Gradually softens the appearance of post-acne marks, minor wounds, and tissue irregularities caused by sun damage. Used alongside retinol or bakuchiol, the scar repair and skin renewal effect is strengthened.

Post-Sun Repair: Repairs redness, dryness, and skin barrier weakening caused by UV damage. The NewLab cica stick cream is a practical solution for emergency post-sun care—you can carry it in your bag for instant repair support at the beach or while outdoors.

Anti-Aging Support: Increases skin firmness and elasticity by supporting collagen and elastin production. Delays premature aging with its antioxidant effect. When used with argireline and multi-peptide, it forms a comprehensive anti-aging routine.

Best Combinations: Which Actives Should 4C Cica Be Used With?

4C Cica + Hyaluronic Acid: The essential barrier repair + hydration duo. While Cica strengthens the barrier, hyaluronic acid provides water-based hydration. The NewLab offers this duo in both products—with classic hyaluronic acid in the Cica Cream and a 4D Hyaluronic Acid formula in the Stick Cream.

4C Cica + Ceramide: Dual-layer barrier strengthening. While Cica activates the skin's repair process, ceramide rebuilds the building blocks of the lipid barrier. The NewLab includes ceramides in both products.

4C Cica + Niacinamide: Barrier strengthening + pore tightening + tone evening. Both are safe for all skin types and compatible with all actives.

4C Cica + Panthenol (Vitamin B5): Soothing + moisture-locking synergy. While panthenol increases the skin's moisture retention capacity, cica supports the repair process. An ideal combination for sensitive and dry skin types.

4C Cica + Retinol or Bakuchiol: Retinol provides a powerful anti-aging effect but can be challenging to the skin barrier. 4C Cica increases retinol tolerance by soothing the dryness, redness, and peeling that retinol may cause. You can use retinol in the evening and the cica cream morning and evening to support the barrier.

4C Cica + Vitamin C: Antioxidant + repair. While Vitamin C provides antioxidant protection and brightening during the day, cica provides repair and soothing support.

4C Cica + Salicylic Acid / AHA: Post-exfoliation repair. AHA/BHA use can temporarily sensitize the skin barrier—4C Cica rapidly repairs and soothes this sensitivity. Applying cica cream after peeling supports fast barrier recovery.

4C Cica + Copper Peptide: Dual repair mechanism. While copper peptide stimulates cell renewal, cica reduces inflammation and provides collagen support. A powerful duo for fast recovery of damaged skin.

Which Skin Types and Conditions Is 4C Cica Suitable For?

All skin types: Cica is one of the best-tolerated actives in skincare. It can be used safely on dry, oily, combination, normal, and sensitive skin.

Sensitive and reactive skin: The area where Cica is strongest. Soothes skin experiencing redness, burning, or stinging sensations. Can be used safely even on skin prone to rosacea.

Skin experiencing barrier damage: Repairs a barrier weakened by excessive peeling, harsh cleansers, retinol side effects, or climate change. Effective for the dryness and tight sensation caused by cold and dry air in winter months.

Acne-prone skin: With its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, it soothes active acne inflammation and reduces the appearance of acne scars. Its non-comedogenic structure does not clog pores. Can be used as support in an acne routine alongside Zinc PCA and salicylic acid.

Post-sun care: Repairs redness and barrier weakening caused by UV damage. The NewLab Stick Cream is ideal for emergency post-sun care.

Post-procedure care: Supports the skin's repair process after dermatological procedures such as laser, chemical peeling, or micro-needling (with doctor approval).

Pregnancy period: With its plant-based and gentle structure, it is one of the actives that can be safely used during pregnancy. Still, it is recommended to consult your doctor.

How to Use 4C Cica? Routine Suggestions

Morning routine: Cleansing → Toner → Serum (e.g., Vitamin C or hyaluronic acid serum) → Intensive Moisturizing Cica Cream → Sunscreen. The cica cream is applied over the serum as a moisturizer and barrier protector.

Evening routine: Cleansing → Toner → Active serum (e.g., retinol, copper peptide, argireline) → Intensive Moisturizing Cica Cream. Following active serums, cica cream provides hydration, barrier protection, and soothing.

On-the-go refresh: You can carry the Restorative Stick Cream in your bag and add moisture and repair support throughout the day. You can apply it instantly after sun exposure, after long flights, in air-conditioned environments, or whenever your skin feels dry.

Common Mistakes Regarding Cica Cream

"Cica cream is only for troubled skin": False. 4C Cica is also beneficial in the daily care of healthy skin due to its barrier-strengthening and antioxidant protective effects. Keeping the barrier strong before problems arise is more effective than repairing it after issues emerge.

"All cica products have the same effect": No. Many products on the market contain only general Centella Asiatica extract—this means the plant's active components are not standardized. The NewLab's 4C Cica formula guarantees that each of the four active components (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, madecassic acid) is in the formula by listing them individually in the INCI list.

"Cica cream is not used on oily skin": False. The NewLab Cica Cream has a lightweight texture that provides hydration without feeling heavy and can be used on all skin types.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 4C Cica and what does it do?

4C Cica is a formula that offers the four fundamental active components of the Centella Asiatica plant (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, madecassic acid) together. It repairs and strengthens the skin barrier, soothes redness and sensitivity, supports collagen production, and nourishes the skin with deep hydration.

Which skin types is cica cream suitable for?

Cica is a gentle active that can be used safely on all skin types. It is effective on dry, oily, combination, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. It provides the most powerful results, especially on sensitive, irritated skin and skin experiencing barrier damage.

How many times a day should cica cream be used?

You can use it twice a day—morning and evening—as the moisturizing step of your skincare routine. It is applied after serum application and before sunscreen (in the morning).

What is the difference between 4C Cica and normal Centella Asiatica extract?

Most cica products contain only general Centella Asiatica extract—active component amounts are not standardized. The 4C Cica formula, however, contains the plant's four main active components (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, madecassic acid) individually. This guarantees that each component is present in the formula and ensures a full-spectrum effect.

Can cica cream be used with retinol?

Yes, cica and retinol work together perfectly. While retinol provides a powerful anti-aging effect, it can challenge the skin barrier—cica cream soothes this side effect and repairs the barrier. You can apply retinol as an evening serum and the cica cream over it as a moisturizer.

Is cica cream good for acne?

Yes, 4C Cica has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It soothes active acne inflammation and reduces the appearance of acne scars. Its non-comedogenic structure does not clog pores. It can be used as support in an acne routine alongside salicylic acid and niacinamide.

Can cica cream be used after sun exposure?

Yes, cica is one of the most effective actives for after-sun care. It soothes redness caused by UV damage and repairs the barrier. The NewLab Repairing Stick Cream is a practical solution for emergency after-sun care.

Can cica cream be used during pregnancy?

With its plant-based origin and gentle nature, Centella Asiatica is considered one of the generally safe actives during pregnancy. Nevertheless, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before starting any new product.

Can cica cream and hyaluronic acid be used together?

Yes, cica + hyaluronic acid is one of the most powerful hydration + repair duos. While hyaluronic acid plumps the skin with moisture, cica strengthens the barrier, ensuring this moisture remains locked in. The NewLab's both cica products contain hyaluronic acid.