TOCOBO CICA CALMING SERUM 5ml

Values You Can Trust: Vegan-Friendly* • Cruelty-Free* • 100% Authentic Guarantee

*Brand-stated; not certified by an independent body.

A concentrated rescue serum designed to calm sensitive, irritated, and breakout-prone skin. This lightweight, watery formula sinks in quickly to deliver the soothing power of Centella Asiatica, helping to reduce visible redness and strengthen your skin's natural defences. This 5ml trial size is perfect for testing the serum or for travel.

Dealing with redness, sensitivity, or breakouts can be frustrating. This serum is formulated as a gentle, targeted solution to bring comfort back to your skin.

• Who It's For: Ideal for individuals with sensitive, acne-prone, combination, or oily skin experiencing redness, irritation, or a compromised skin barrier.
• What It Does: Intensely soothes inflammation, reduces visible redness, hydrates without heaviness, and helps repair the skin's protective barrier.
• What to Expect: An immediate feeling of calm and hydration. With consistent use, skin appears less red and feels more resilient and balanced.

1. Cleanse: Start with a clean base using your favourite gentle cleanser.
2. Treat: Apply 2-3 drops of the CICA Calming Serum to your face and gently pat until absorbed.
3. Seal & Protect: Follow with a moisturiser (PM) or sunscreen (AM) to lock in the serum and protect your skin.

Note: Already have a similar calming product? Finish that first to avoid waste and see true results.

Daily Use — AM and/or PM:

• Amount: Use 2-3 drops for the entire face. A little goes a long way.
• Apply to: A cleansed, preferably toned, face and neck. Avoid direct contact with eyes.
• Method: Dispense onto fingertips and gently pat into the skin until fully absorbed. Avoid rubbing on irritated areas.
• Frequency: Safe for daily use, both morning and night. If you have very sensitive skin, start with PM use only for a week before using twice daily.

If-This / Then-That:

• If your skin is very irritated: Use this serum as your primary treatment step and follow with a simple, fragrance-free barrier cream.
• If you use strong actives (like Retinoids or AHAs): Apply this serum *before* your active to create a soothing buffer, or *after* to calm any potential irritation.
• If your skin feels tight after use: You may have very dry or dehydrated skin. Always follow up with a more substantial moisturiser to lock in the hydration this serum provides.

Safety First: For external use only. Stop using if a rash or lasting irritation occurs. Always perform a patch test before introducing any new product into your routine.

This is a gentle, daily-use serum. It can be used every morning and evening to consistently calm skin and strengthen your barrier.

• Daily Use: Apply AM and PM after cleansing and toning, before your moisturiser.
• With Actives: It's an excellent "buffer" serum. On nights you use exfoliants (AHAs/BHAs) or retinoids, you can apply this Cica serum beforehand to reduce potential irritation, or afterwards to soothe the skin. It does not conflict with other actives.

AM/PM Cheat-Sheet:

• Vitamin C: AM Daily. You can layer this Cica serum over it.
• Niacinamide: AM and/or PM. Compatible with this Cica serum.
• AHAs/BHAs: PM, 1–3 times a week. Use this Cica serum on the same night to calm skin.
• Retinoids: PM, 2–4 times a week (on non-exfoliating nights). This Cica serum is a perfect partner to reduce sensitivity.

Mauritius Note: Its lightweight texture makes it ideal for daily AM use under sunscreen in our humid climate, as it won't feel heavy or greasy.

Skincare is a journey that requires patience. While this serum offers immediate comfort, its true benefits unfold with consistent use.

• Immediately: Skin feels soothed, hydrated, and calmer. Any immediate tightness or heat from cleansing or irritation may feel relieved.
• Within 2-4 Weeks: You may notice a visible reduction in day-to-day redness and sensitivity. Breakouts may appear less inflamed and heal more quickly.
• After 8+ Weeks: The skin's barrier function should be noticeably improved. Your skin may feel stronger, less reactive to triggers, and look more balanced and even-toned.

Results are cumulative. Consistent daily use, paired with diligent sun protection, is key to achieving and maintaining these benefits.

Myth: "For red, angry pimples, you should use harsh, drying spot treatments like alcohol or toothpaste to 'zap' them away."

Reality (Why This is Better): While harsh treatments can dry out the surface of a pimple, they often cause significant irritation, damage the surrounding skin barrier, and can lead to worse post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots), especially in melanin-rich skin. This Cica Calming Serum takes a healthier approach. Instead of attacking the skin, it uses the anti-inflammatory power of Centella Asiatica to soothe the redness and inflammation from within, promoting faster, gentler healing without collateral damage. It supports your skin's healing process, rather than fighting against it.

This serum is designed to be a team player in almost any skincare routine.

✅ Works Well With:

• Hydrators: Excellent when layered with Hyaluronic Acid, Snail Mucin, or Panthenol to boost both calming and hydration.
• Actives: Can be used in the same routine as Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Retinoids, and exfoliating acids (AHAs/BHAs) to help minimize potential irritation.
• Barrier Repair Ingredients: Pairs perfectly with products containing Ceramides, Peptides, and fatty acids to accelerate barrier recovery.

⚠️ Use Carefully With:

• This is a very gentle serum with no major conflicts. The only caution is to avoid layering it with too many other new products at once to ensure your skin doesn't get overwhelmed.

❌ Avoid On:

• Do not apply directly onto open wounds or broken skin, although it is excellent for calming the skin around a healing blemish.

• ✔️ Sensitive Skin: An absolute hero product. Formulated specifically to soothe reactivity and redness.
• ✔️ Acne-Prone Skin: Excellent. Helps calm the inflammation associated with breakouts without clogging pores. Also beneficial for reducing redness from past pimples (PIE).
• ✔️ Oily & Combination Skin: Perfect. Its lightweight, watery texture provides calming hydration without adding any grease or shine.
• ✔️ Normal Skin: A great addition to have on hand for days when skin feels a little stressed or irritated from sun, wind, or new products.
• 🟡 Dry Skin: Beneficial for its calming properties, but it is not a standalone moisturiser. Dry skin types must follow up with a nourishing cream to provide adequate moisture and occlusion.

This serum is expertly formulated to address the following common skin concerns:

• General Redness & Irritation: Its primary function is to calm inflammation and reduce visible redness, whether from sensitivity, environmental triggers, or post-procedure.
• Compromised Skin Barrier: If your skin feels tight, stings with other products, or is flaky and reactive, this serum helps to repair and strengthen its protective barrier.
• Acne-Related Inflammation: Helps soothe red, angry pimples and reduces the post-inflammatory erythema (lingering redness) after a breakout has healed.
• Sensitivity from Actives: An ideal companion for users of retinoids or chemical exfoliants, helping to mitigate the dryness and irritation they can cause.

• Official Product Name: TOCOBO CICA CALMING SERUM
• Size: 5ml | Trial / Travel Size
• Country of Manufacture: South Korea
• Period After Opening (PAO): Typically 12 months (check packaging for exact PAO symbol).
• Date Markings: Korean products often print the manufacturing date (제조) or the expiration date (까지). Always check the label.

• Halal Status: Halal-Friendly*. This product does not contain alcohol (ethanol/denat.) or any animal derivatives forbidden in Islam.
• Vegan Status: Vegan-Friendly*. Formulated without any animal-derived ingredients like honey, snail mucin, or animal-based collagen.
• Animal Testing Policy: Cruelty-Free*. TOCOBO states that it does not test on animals. Note that animal testing on finished cosmetic products 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.

• MFDS Classification: General Cosmetic. This product is not classified as a "functional cosmetic" by the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) for specific claims like wrinkle-improvement or brightening, but its ingredients are well-documented for their cosmetic soothing and hydrating properties.
• Medical Disclaimer: This product is a cosmetic intended for skincare and is not a medical treatment for any disease. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition like clinical rosacea or eczema. For persistent skin conditions, please consult a qualified dermatologist.

Key Actives Explained:

• Centella Asiatica (Cica) Complex: The star ingredient. This is not just one compound, but a blend of powerful actives derived from the Centella Asiatica plant, including Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, and Asiatic Acid. Together, they are scientifically recognized for their potent anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and antioxidant properties, helping to soothe redness and repair the skin barrier.
• Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5): A powerful humectant that attracts and holds moisture in the skin. It is also known for its ability to soothe irritation and support the skin's healing processes.
• Hyaluronic Acid: A hydration hero that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, instantly plumping the skin and relieving tightness associated with dehydration.

Note: A full INCI list is not available from the provided sources. Always refer to the product packaging for the complete, up-to-date ingredient list.

• Fragrance Status: This serum is generally formulated to be free of artificial fragrances to cater to sensitive skin. It may have a very faint, natural herbal scent from its botanical ingredients. Scent Intensity: 0.5/5.
• Potential Allergens: Formulated to be hypoallergenic. However, as with any product containing botanical extracts, individuals with specific plant allergies should perform a patch test. It does not contain common EU-listed fragrance allergens.

Who Should Use With Caution:

• While designed for sensitive skin, anyone with known allergies to Centella Asiatica or other specific botanicals should exercise caution.
• This is a gentle formula suitable for teenagers and adults. For children, consult a paediatrician.
• There is insufficient published data on the use of this specific formula during pregnancy or breastfeeding; please consult your doctor.

Patch Test Protocol:

1. Apply a pea-sized amount of the serum to a clean, small area of skin, such as behind your ear or on your inner jawline.
2. Wait 24 hours to observe for any signs of irritation like redness, itching, or burning.
3. If no reaction occurs, the product is likely safe for you to use on your face. If irritation develops, discontinue use.

• Texture: A lightweight, watery-gel texture that spreads easily.
• Feel on Skin: Absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a sticky or greasy residue. It feels instantly cooling and hydrating.
- Finish: Dries down to a natural, skin-like finish, leaving the skin feeling soft and comfortable.
• pH Level: Formulated at a slightly acidic pH (typically ~5.5-6.5) to be compatible with the skin's natural acid mantle.
• Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Suitability: Generally formulated to be free of common fungal acne triggers like heavy oils and esters, making it a suitable choice for those with FA-prone skin. Always check the final INCI list.

• "My skin still feels a bit red after using it."
  Calming inflammation takes time. This serum helps manage the response, but the underlying trigger may still be present. Ensure the rest of your routine is gentle (no harsh cleansers or over-exfoliation) and be consistent with sunscreen. Results for redness reduction are typically seen after 2-4 weeks of consistent use.
• "It feels slightly tacky on my skin."
  You might be using too much product. 2-3 drops are sufficient for the whole face. Applying to slightly damp skin can also help it spread and absorb more effectively.
• "It's not moisturising enough for me."
  This is a lightweight hydrating serum, not a moisturiser. Its main job is to deliver calming actives and water-based hydration. It is essential, especially for dry skin types, to follow up with a cream-based moisturiser to lock everything in.

This serum is exceptionally well-suited for the hot and humid climate of Mauritius.

• Humid Summers: Its lightweight, non-greasy texture is perfect for our humid conditions. It provides essential hydration and calming benefits without feeling heavy, sticky, or contributing to clogged pores. It's an excellent step before a light gel moisturiser or a mattifying sunscreen.
• Drier Winters/AC Environments: During the slightly cooler, drier winter months or if you spend a lot of time in air-conditioning, this serum helps combat dehydration. Simply layer a richer moisturiser on top to seal in the hydration and protect your skin from the dry air.
• Sun & Heat Exposure: It is an ideal product to use after a day in the Mauritian sun to soothe heat-induced redness and calm any irritation. Keep it in the fridge for an extra cooling effect.

At Adilsons, your skin's health and trust are our highest priorities. We guarantee that every TOCOBO product we sell is 100% authentic.

• Direct Sourcing: We source our products directly from the brand or their authorised distributors in South Korea. We do not engage with unofficial third-party resellers.
• Authenticity Cues: Look for the high-quality packaging, correct holographic seals (if applicable), and clear batch code/expiration date printing characteristic of genuine TOCOBO products.
• Need Help? If you have any doubts about a product's authenticity, please contact us immediately on WhatsApp at +230 5 778 2336 with a photo, and we will assist you.

The effectiveness of this serum is rooted in the well-documented properties of its key ingredients, particularly Centella Asiatica.

• Ingredient Rationale (Centella Asiatica): Independent scientific studies have confirmed that the active compounds in Centella Asiatica (Madecassoside, Asiaticoside) possess significant anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. Research shows they can modulate the immune response by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (the signals that cause redness and swelling) and stimulate collagen synthesis, which is crucial for skin repair. This makes it an evidence-based choice for calming irritated and acne-prone skin.
• Ingredient Rationale (Panthenol): Clinical data supports Panthenol's role as a moisturiser and skin barrier repair agent. It helps reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and has been shown to alleviate symptoms of irritation, such as redness and itching.

Note: The claims for this product are based on the established scientific functions of its ingredients, not on brand-published clinical trials for the final formula.

This 5ml bottle is a trial or travel size, designed to let you experience the serum before committing to a full size.

• Total Doses: Approximately 33-50 uses (based on 2-3 drops per application).
• Estimated Duration:
  • Once Daily Use: Will last approximately 4-7 weeks.
  • Twice Daily Use: Will last approximately 2-3 weeks.
• Reorder Cue: This size is perfect for determining if the serum works for your skin. If you see positive results after 2-3 weeks, consider purchasing the full-size version to continue the benefits without interruption.

No in-catalog pairings available today—this product works well solo with your current cleanser and daily sunscreen.

This calming serum is an excellent choice if your primary concerns are redness, sensitivity, and calming breakouts. However, your skin is unique, and other options might be a better fit depending on your goals.

• If your main concern is fading dark spots (PIH): Consider a serum formulated with Niacinamide and Tranexamic Acid, which are powerful ingredients that specifically target melanin production to even out skin tone.
• If your primary goal is intense hydration: Look for a serum with a multi-molecular Hyaluronic Acid complex or Snail Mucin, which are exceptionally effective at drawing and holding moisture in the skin for a plump, dewy look.
• If you need both calming and anti-aging benefits: A serum combining Centella Asiatica with Peptides or a gentle Retinoid alternative like Bakuchiol could offer a more comprehensive solution for mature, sensitive skin.

Mindful Use: If you already have a comparable calming product at home, finish it first to avoid waste and get a fair read on its results before trying something new.

• Packaging: This serum comes in a 5ml glass or plastic bottle with a dropper applicator for hygienic and precise dispensing.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to maintain the stability of the active ingredients. Storing it in a hot car or a steamy bathroom is not recommended.
• Travel-Friendliness: The 5ml size is under the 100ml liquid limit for air travel, making it perfect for your carry-on luggage.
• Recycling (Mauritius): Please rinse the bottle thoroughly after use. Glass bottles can be recycled with other glass items. Check with your local council for specific guidelines on recycling small plastic components like the dropper cap.

Aggregated sentiment from real users on platforms like Reddit and Amazon.

"This was a lifesaver for my skin after I over-exfoliated. It calmed the redness down literally overnight. It's so lightweight and doesn't feel sticky at all."
- Paraphrased from Reddit, r/AsianBeauty (2024)

"I have oily, acne-prone skin and this serum helps soothe my breakouts without making me greasy. My pimples look less angry when I use it. The 5ml size was perfect to test it out."
- Paraphrased from an Amazon customer review (2024)

Fair Caveat: "It's nice and calming, but it's not a moisturiser. My dry cheeks definitely need a proper cream on top of this, otherwise they still feel tight after an hour."
- Paraphrased from a YesStyle review (2024)

TOCOBO is a modern Korean skincare brand that champions intuition and clarity. With a motto of "Follow your intuition," they create effective, vegan-certified formulas that are both gentle on the skin and aesthetically pleasing. They focus on using essential, high-quality ingredients to deliver visible results, blending the best of nature and science in beautifully designed, user-friendly products.

CICA (Centella Asiatica)

A medicinal herb, also known as Gotu Kola or Tiger Grass, famed for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties.

Madecassoside

One of the main active compounds within Centella Asiatica, known for its powerful antioxidant and skin-soothing benefits.

Skin Barrier

The outermost layer of your skin (stratum corneum) which acts like a protective wall, keeping moisture in and irritants out. A healthy barrier is key to calm, hydrated skin.

Non-Comedogenic

A term for a product formulated to not block pores, making it suitable for acne-prone or oily skin.

• Official Retailer: Adilsons
• WhatsApp Support: +230 5 778 2336
• Email: info@adilsons.mu

At Adilsons, we believe in skincare that is both effective and trustworthy. We are committed to bringing you 100% authentic K-beauty products, sourced directly from brands and their authorised distributors in South Korea. Our curation process is rigorous, focusing on formulations that are backed by science and loved by real users, ensuring you receive only the best for your skin.

Can I use this serum on active acne?

Yes, absolutely. Its anti-inflammatory properties are excellent for calming the redness and swelling of active pimples. It will not, however, treat the underlying cause of acne in the way that an ingredient like Salicylic Acid would. It is best used as a supportive product to manage inflammation.

Is this suitable for rosacea-prone skin?

Many individuals with rosacea-prone skin find Centella Asiatica-based products very helpful for managing redness and sensitivity. However, rosacea is a medical condition. While this cosmetic serum may help with symptoms, it is not a treatment. Please consult a dermatologist for managing rosacea.

Is 5ml enough to see if it works?

This 5ml size should last 2-3 weeks with twice-daily use. This is typically enough time to determine if your skin likes the product, feels calmer, and shows an initial reduction in redness. It's an ideal way to test for compatibility and short-term effects before investing in the full size.

Best For: Those needing a lightweight, gentle serum to quickly calm redness, soothe irritation, and support a compromised skin barrier.

Key Benefits:

• Effectively reduces visible redness and inflammation.
• Lightweight, non-sticky texture is perfect for all skin types, especially in humid climates.
• Strengthens the skin barrier, making skin less reactive over time.

Keep in Mind:

• This is a targeted calming serum, not a primary moisturiser; dry skin types will need to layer a cream over it.
• The 5ml size is for trial and travel, offering about 2-4 weeks of use.

• 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, toners, and other liquids are available for pickup or door-to-door delivery only.
• Returns: Change-of-mind exchanges are not permitted. Refunds are available for defective/damaged items reported within 48h, wrong items, or manufacturing defects within 6 months. Opened skincare is non-returnable unless damaged on arrival.

Source of Truth: This is a quick snapshot. For full details, please refer to our official policy pages.

• Refunds & Returns: https://adilsons.mu/policies/refund-policy
• Shipping: https://adilsons.mu/policies/shipping-policy