TOCOBO CICA CALMING SERUM 50ml
TOCOBO CICA CALMING SERUM 50ml (Soothing Vegan Relief for Stressed Skin)
Values You Can Trust: Vegan-Friendly (Certified) • Cruelty-Free* • Dermatologist Tested* • 100% Authentic Guarantee
*Brand-stated; not certified by an independent body like Leaping Bunny/PETA. / *Brand-stated; test details (n, duration, protocol) not publicly disclosed.
Dealing with redness, irritation, or breakouts can be frustrating. This vegan, lightweight gel serum is your emergency response for calming stressed skin. Formulated with TOCOBO's specialized CICA-GO Complex, it delivers a concentrated dose of Centella Asiatica to soothe inflammation, reduce redness, and help strengthen your skin's delicate moisture barrier. Its fast-absorbing, non-sticky texture makes it perfect for Mauritius's humid climate, providing instant hydration without feeling heavy or greasy.
At-a-Glance (30s) (who it's for, what to expect)
- Who It's For: Anyone with sensitive, easily irritated, redness-prone, or acne-prone skin. It's especially helpful for calming skin stressed by environmental factors like heat and sun, or from using strong active ingredients like retinoids and acids.
- What It Does: Provides immediate soothing and cooling hydration, visibly reduces redness and irritation, and supports the long-term health of your skin barrier.
- Key Ingredients: Centella Asiatica Extract, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside (all part of the CICA-GO Complex), Panthenol (Vitamin B5).
- Texture & Finish: A lightweight, watery gel that absorbs quickly, leaving skin feeling refreshed, hydrated, and calm with no sticky residue.
- Best For Mauritius: Its feather-light, non-greasy formula is ideal for the hot and humid climate, providing soothing relief without clogging pores or feeling heavy.
Quick Start (60-second routine) (essentials for beginners)
- Cleanse: Start with a clean base using your favourite gentle cleanser.
- Apply Serum: Dispense 2-3 drops of the TOCOBO Cica Calming Serum and gently pat it onto your face and neck.
- Seal & Protect: In the morning, follow with sunscreen. In the evening, follow with a moisturiser.
Mindful Tip: Already own a similar soothing serum? Finish that first to avoid waste and give your current product a fair chance to work. Substitute, don't just stack.
AM Routine Guide (morning order) (how to use in the morning)
A morning routine with this serum focuses on calming overnight inflammation and preparing skin for the day.
- Cleanse: Wash with a gentle, low-pH cleanser.
- Tone (Optional): Apply a hydrating toner to damp skin to prep for the next steps.
- Treat with TOCOBO Serum: Apply 2-3 drops of the Cica Calming Serum to soothe and hydrate.
- Moisturise (If Needed): If your sunscreen isn't hydrating enough, apply a lightweight moisturiser.
- Protect: Finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher). This is non-negotiable, as sun exposure can worsen redness and sensitivity.
PM Routine Guide (evening order) (recommended for starting)
Your evening routine is the perfect time to focus on repair and barrier support.
- Double Cleanse: Start with an oil-based cleanser to melt away sunscreen and makeup, then follow with a water-based cleanser.
- Tone: Apply a hydrating or balancing toner.
- Exfoliate (1-3x/week, Optional): On nights you use a chemical exfoliant (AHA/BHA), you can still use this serum afterwards to help calm potential irritation.
- Treat with TOCOBO Serum: Apply 2-3 drops to your entire face to soothe daily stressors and support overnight repair.
- Moisturise: Lock everything in with a nourishing moisturiser suitable for your skin type.
How to Use (Beginner-friendly) (AM/PM amounts) (amount, frequency, and tips)
Daily Use — AM & PM:
- Amount: Use 2–3 drops (about a pea-sized amount) for the entire face and neck.
- Method: After cleansing and toning, dispense the serum into your palms. Gently pat it onto your skin until fully absorbed. Avoid rubbing, especially on irritated areas.
- Frequency: Safe for twice-daily use, morning and night. If your skin is extremely sensitive, start with PM use only for a week before incorporating it into your AM routine.
If-This / Then-That Scenarios:
- If your skin feels extra irritated or sun-exposed: Apply a slightly more generous layer and let it absorb, or soak cotton pads with the serum and use them as a DIY calming mask on red areas for 5 minutes.
- If you're using strong actives (like Retinol or AHAs): Apply this serum *before* your active to create a gentle buffer, or *after* to soothe any potential irritation.
- If you have oily skin: This serum is lightweight enough to provide hydration without feeling heavy. You can follow it with a gel-based moisturiser.
- If you have very dry skin: Use this serum for its calming benefits, but be sure to follow it with a richer, more occlusive cream to lock in the hydration.
Safety: Avoid applying directly to broken or wounded skin. Always conduct a patch test before first use. For teens, this is a great gentle option for soothing acne-related redness, used within a simple routine of cleanser, moisturiser, and sunscreen.
What to Expect (Results Timeline) (immediate → 8+ weeks)
Skincare is a journey, not a race. Here’s a realistic timeline for what you might experience with consistent use:
- Immediately: Skin feels instantly hydrated, cooler, and soothed. You may notice a slight reduction in the feeling of tightness or heat associated with irritation.
- Within 1-2 Weeks: Visible redness may start to appear less intense. Skin feels more comfortable and less reactive to daily stressors.
- After 4-8 Weeks: Your skin's moisture barrier should feel stronger and more resilient. You might notice fewer flare-ups of sensitivity, and the overall tone of your skin may look calmer and more even.
- Long-Term (8+ Weeks): With continued use, the skin maintains a state of calm and balance, making it better able to tolerate other active ingredients and environmental changes.
Compatibility Guide (what to pair it with)
This calming serum is designed to be a team player in your routine.
- ✅ Works Well With:
- Retinoids (Retinol, Tretinoin): Excellent for layering before or after to reduce irritation and dryness.
- Exfoliating Acids (AHAs, BHAs): Helps to soothe and hydrate the skin post-exfoliation, strengthening the barrier.
- Vitamin C: Can be used in the same routine. Apply Vitamin C first, let it absorb, then follow with the Cica Serum to add a calming, hydrating layer.
- Niacinamide: Pairs perfectly to enhance barrier support and further reduce redness.
- Hyaluronic Acid & Peptides: Complements these ingredients by adding a powerful anti-inflammatory dimension to your hydration and anti-aging efforts.
- ⚠️ Use With Caution:
- No major conflicts are known. This serum is designed to be compatible with most skincare ingredients. The primary caution is simply not to introduce too many new products at once, especially on sensitive skin.
- 🚫 Avoid:
- Do not apply to open wounds or severely broken skin. While Centella Asiatica aids healing, this is a cosmetic product, not a medical treatment.
Skin Type Compatibility (best fits and cautions)
- 🟢 Excellent for:
- Sensitive & Reactive Skin: This is its primary target. The formula is designed to minimize irritation and calm redness.
- Acne-Prone Skin: Helps to soothe the inflammation and redness associated with breakouts without clogging pores.
- Combination Skin: Provides lightweight hydration for drier areas without making the T-zone greasy.
- 🟡 Good for:
- Oily Skin: A great choice for a hydrating serum that won't add oil or heaviness.
- Normal Skin: A solid option for daily soothing and antioxidant protection.
- 🟠 Use with Care:
- Very Dry Skin: This serum provides excellent calming benefits, but it is not a standalone moisturiser. You must follow it with a rich, nourishing cream to prevent moisture loss.
Targeted Concerns (what it helps to solve)
This serum is specifically formulated to address the following issues:
- General Redness & Flushing: The core CICA-GO complex works to calm visible redness and soothe skin that easily flushes from heat, stress, or irritants.
- Compromised Skin Barrier: If your skin feels tight, stings with other products, or looks flaky despite being oily, this serum helps rebuild its defenses.
- Sensitivity & Irritation: Provides immediate relief for skin that feels uncomfortable, itchy, or stressed.
- Post-Acne Redness (PIE): By reducing inflammation, it can help speed up the fading of red marks left behind by breakouts.
- Dehydration: Infuses the skin with lightweight, watery hydration to combat tightness and dullness.
Product Identity & Provenance (official details)
- Official Korean Name: 토코보 시카 카밍 세럼 (Tocobo Cica Calming Serum)
- Country of Manufacture: South Korea
- Period After Opening (PAO): 12 months
- Authenticity: Sourced directly from the brand or their authorized distributors in South Korea. We guarantee 100% authenticity.
Conscious & Permissible Formulation (Halal, Vegan, Animal Testing)
- Halal Status: Halal-Friendly*. This product does not contain alcohol (ethanol, denatured alcohol) or any animal derivatives forbidden in a Halal lifestyle.
- Vegan Status: Certified Vegan. This product is officially certified by the Korea Agency of Vegan Certification and Services. It contains no animal-derived ingredients.
- Animal Testing Policy: Cruelty-Free*. TOCOBO states that it is a 100% cruelty-free brand and does not test on animals. Cosmetic animal testing is banned in South Korea.
*Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available ingredient data (no ethanol/denat.; no haram animal-derived ingredients detected). / *Brand-stated; not certified by an independent body like Leaping Bunny/PETA.
Complete Ingredient Transparency (key actives + full INCI)
Key Ingredients Explained:
- CICA-GO Complex (Centella Asiatica Extract, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid): This powerful blend is the core of the serum. Centella Asiatica and its purified compounds are scientifically recognized for their potent anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and barrier-strengthening properties. They work by soothing irritation, promoting collagen synthesis for skin repair, and reducing redness.
- Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5): A powerful humectant and moisturiser that attracts and holds water in the skin. It's also known for its ability to soothe irritation and support the skin's natural repair processes.
- Allantoin: A gentle, non-irritating ingredient that soothes and protects the skin. It has keratolytic properties, meaning it helps soften skin and shed dead cells, promoting a smoother texture while also being calming.
Full INCI List:
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, C12-14 Alketh-12, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Dextrin
Allergens & Fragrance Disclosure (scent profile and potential irritants)
- Fragrance: This product is formulated to be fragrance-free. It has no added artificial fragrances or essential oils, making it highly suitable for sensitive skin.
- Scent Profile: Any faint scent is naturally derived from the ingredients themselves and is generally described as neutral or very mild.
- EU Allergens: None of the 26 common allergens defined by the EU are listed in the official ingredient list.
Full Safety & Patch Test Protocol (important precautions)
While formulated for sensitivity, we always recommend taking precautions with any new product.
- Patch Testing: Before using for the first time, apply a small, pea-sized amount to a discreet area of skin, such as behind your ear or on your inner wrist. Wait 24-48 hours to check for any signs of irritation like redness, itching, or swelling. If a reaction occurs, discontinue use.
- General Safety: This product is for external use only. Avoid direct contact with eyes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: The ingredients in this serum are generally considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, we always recommend consulting with your doctor before introducing any new products into your routine during this time.
Sensory & Chemical Profile (texture, feel, and formulation)
- Texture: A clear, lightweight, watery gel-serum. It has a smooth slip and is not thick or sticky.
- Feel on Skin: Spreads easily and feels instantly cooling and hydrating. It absorbs within seconds, leaving no greasy or heavy film.
- Finish: Dries down to a natural, slightly plumped finish. Skin feels soft and hydrated, not matte or overly dewy.
- pH Level: Not officially disclosed by the brand, but formulated to be gentle and compatible with the skin's natural pH (typically in the 5.0 - 6.5 range for calming serums).
- Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safety: Based on an ingredient review, this formula appears to be free from common fungal acne triggers like polysorbates and most fatty acid esters, making it a potentially suitable option. However, individual responses can vary.
Climate Fit for Mauritius (local usage advice)
This serum is exceptionally well-suited for the Mauritian climate.
- Humid Summers: Its ultra-light, non-sticky, water-gel texture is perfect for hot and humid weather. It provides essential hydration and calming benefits without adding any greasiness, making it comfortable for daily wear, even for oily and combination skin types.
- Drier Winters & A/C Environments: During cooler, drier months or for those who spend a lot of time in air-conditioning, this serum provides a crucial layer of soothing hydration. Simply layer a more nourishing moisturiser on top to lock in its benefits and prevent dehydration.
- Post-Sun Soothing: After a day at the beach or outdoors, this serum is an excellent after-sun treatment for the face to calm heat-induced redness and replenish hydration lost from sun exposure.
Value, Cost-per-Use & Reorder Cadence (how long it lasts)
A little goes a long way, making this serum a cost-effective choice for daily soothing care.
- Bottle Size: 50ml
- Dosage per Use: Approx. 0.25ml (3-4 drops)
- Total Uses per Bottle: Approx. 200 uses
Estimated Duration:
- Using once daily (PM): The bottle should last approximately 6-7 months.
- Using twice daily (AM & PM): The bottle should last approximately 3-4 months.
This provides excellent value by delivering a highly concentrated calming formula that lasts for several months of consistent use.
Complete Your Routine (Recommended Pairings) (build an effective regimen)
Create a complete, barrier-friendly routine by pairing this serum with other gentle essentials from our catalog.
Starter Soothing Routine (AM/PM)
Perfect for beginners or those with highly sensitive skin.
- Cleanse: Anua HEARTLEAF PORE CONTROL CLEANSING OIL 200ML — A gentle first step to melt away impurities without stripping the skin.
- Treat: TOCOBO CICA CALMING SERUM 50ml — Your core step to soothe redness and hydrate.
- Moisturise: ETUDE SOONJUNG 2X BARRIER INTENSIVE CREAM 60ML — A cult-favourite cream to lock in moisture and repair the skin barrier.
- Protect (AM): Beauty of Joseon RELIEF SUN : RICE + PROBIOTICS 50ML — A hydrating, non-irritating sunscreen that won't cause a white cast.
Acne & Redness Control Routine (PM Focus)
For those managing breakouts while keeping skin calm.
- Double Cleanse: Anua HEARTLEAF PORE CONTROL CLEANSING OIL 200ML followed by COSRX LOW pH GOOD MORNING GEL CLEANSER 150ML — Thoroughly cleanses without compromising the skin's acid mantle.
- Treat: TOCOBO CICA CALMING SERUM 50ml — Soothes inflammation from active breakouts.
- Target: COSRX ACNE PIMPLE MASTER PATCH (24EA) — Use on individual pimples to speed up healing and prevent picking.
Is This the Best Choice for You? (Mindful Alternatives) (other options to consider)
This serum is an excellent choice if your primary goal is lightweight, vegan soothing for sensitive or redness-prone skin. However, depending on your specific needs, other options from our catalog might be a better fit.
-
For a Pure, Minimalist Centella Formula: SKIN1004 MADAGASCAR CENTELLA AMPOULE 55ML
Choose this if... you want a single-ingredient focus.
Why: It contains 100% Centella Asiatica Extract from Madagascar, offering pure, unadulterated calming and healing properties in a watery, fast-absorbing texture. -
For Acne-Prone Skin Needing Calming + BHA: SKIN1004 MADAGASCAR CENTELLA TEA-TRICA RELIEF AMPOULE 30ML
Choose this if... your redness is primarily caused by active breakouts.
Why: This formula combines Centella with Tea Tree and a gentle BHA (Salicylic Acid) to actively target acne bacteria and clogged pores while simultaneously soothing inflammation. -
For Intense Barrier Repair & Dryness: Dr.Althea 147 BARRIER CREAM 50ML
Choose this if... your primary concern is a severely damaged barrier with dryness and flaking, not just redness.
Why: This is a richer cream packed with ceramides, squalane, and other lipids designed to deeply replenish and fortify a compromised skin barrier, providing more intense moisturisation than a lightweight serum.
Mindful Use Reminder: If you already have a comparable soothing serum at home, we encourage you to finish it first to avoid waste and get a fair assessment of its results before trying something new.
Packaging, Sustainability & Practical Details (bottle, storage, and travel)
- Packaging: Comes in a 50ml glass bottle with a convenient and hygienic pump dispenser, which helps to control the amount of product used and prevents contamination.
- Sustainability: The glass bottle is recyclable. TOCOBO is a vegan and cruelty-free brand, reflecting a commitment to ethical and conscious practices.
- Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain the stability and efficacy of the active ingredients. A bathroom cabinet or drawer is ideal. No refrigeration is necessary.
- Travel: The 50ml bottle is travel-friendly and fits within most airline carry-on liquid limits. The pump has a secure cap to prevent leakage.
Genuine Community Experiences (unbiased, real-user feedback)
Here's a summary of what independent users are saying. (Note: This is aggregated sentiment and not a guarantee of results.)
"It has a really nice watery texture that absorbs very fast... I have sensitive and acne-prone skin and it has never irritated me. It's very calming and soothing."
- Paraphrased from a YesStyle review (2024-05)
"This is so calming. I use tretinoin and this helps a lot with the irritation. It's lightweight and hydrating without being sticky at all. It just sinks right in and immediately feels soothing."
- Paraphrased from Reddit, r/AsianBeauty (2024-03)
Fair Caveat: "It’s a nice hydrating serum, but I didn't see a dramatic difference in my redness. It feels good, but for my persistent rosacea flushing, it wasn't a miracle worker. Good for general sensitivity, though."
- Paraphrased from an Amazon customer review (2024-01)
About the Brand: TOCOBO (their philosophy)
TOCOBO is a modern K-beauty brand that prioritizes vegan formulas, effective ingredients, and transparency. Guided by the principle that "value is created when intuition and effectiveness are combined," they aim to create skincare that is both a pleasure to use and delivers real, science-backed results. They are known for their clean, minimalist packaging and commitment to developing products that are gentle yet powerful.
Glossary (key terms explained)
- Centella Asiatica (Cica):
- A medicinal herb known as "Tiger Grass," famous for its powerful soothing, healing, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Madecassoside, Asiaticoside:
- These are purified active compounds (saponins) found within Centella Asiatica that are responsible for most of its skin-calming and collagen-boosting benefits.
- Skin Barrier:
- The outermost layer of your skin (stratum corneum) that protects you from external irritants and prevents moisture loss. When it's damaged, skin becomes sensitive, red, and dry.
- Vegan-Friendly:
- The product is formulated without any ingredients derived from animals or animal by-products.
- Non-Comedogenic:
- Formulated in a way that is not likely to cause pore blockages (comedones) and breakouts.
The Final Verdict (At-a-Glance) (summary of pros and cons)
Best For: Individuals looking for a lightweight, vegan serum to calm everyday redness, soothe sensitivity, and provide gentle hydration, especially in a humid climate.
Key Benefits:
- Effectively reduces redness and irritation with a potent Cica complex.
- Fast-absorbing, non-sticky gel texture ideal for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone.
- Fragrance-free and certified vegan, making it a great choice for sensitive and conscious consumers.
Keep in Mind:
- While deeply hydrating, it's not a standalone moisturiser for dry skin types and should be followed by a cream.
- It provides excellent calming for general irritation but may not be sufficient to completely manage severe inflammatory conditions like persistent rosacea without other targeted treatments.
Delivery & Returns — Mauritius (At-a-Glance) (policies and links)
- Coverage: Island-wide delivery (Mauritius).
- Processing & Timing: Orders process in 1–2 business days. After pickup by our partners, delivery typically takes 1–5 business days.
- Express: May be available. Please request on WhatsApp: +230 5 778 2336.
- Liquids/Sensitive Items: Serums like this are eligible for door-to-door delivery or pickup only.
- Pickup: Available at Citadelle Mall, Port Louis.
- Returns: No change-of-mind exchanges on skincare for hygiene reasons.
Source of Truth: This is a quick snapshot. For full details, please refer to our official policy pages.
- Refunds & Returns Policy: https://adilsons.mu/policies/refund-policy
- Shipping Policy: https://adilsons.mu/policies/shipping-policy