A cica bb cream is a tinted base inspired by Centella asiatica (“cica”) skincare that softens the look of redness while providing light-to-medium coverage and a cushioned, skin-like finish. For many, it’s the sweet spot between a green corrector and a full foundation—gentle, quick, and natural-looking.
What Is a Cica BB Cream and Why Use One
BB creams combine pigment with skincare-style ingredients for a faster routine and a more forgiving finish than matte foundation. Many cica BBs are favored by redness-prone or easily irritated skin because they pair color with comforting actives and a dewy, flexible texture. Dermatology groups also note that green-tinted makeup or bases can help camouflage facial redness; if your flushing breaks through foundation, a cica base can be an easy everyday fix. AAD
Key Ingredients Behind Cica BB Creams
Centella asiatica & madecassoside. Centella’s bioactive compounds (such as madecassoside) are being studied for barrier support and calming effects after minor skin stressors. Emerging research explores mechanisms and delivery systems, though outcomes depend on concentration and formulation—so treat the soothing angle as a bonus alongside the cosmetic coverage. PMC+1
Panthenol, niacinamide, humectants, and lipids. Many popular cica BBs include panthenol and niacinamide with glycerin or other humectants for comfortable wear; some add ceramides or cholesterol to reinforce a soft barrier feel. Ingredient databases and brand materials for leading products like Purito’s BB reflect this mix. INCIDecoder+1
How to Choose a Cica BB Cream
Choose Purito Cica Clearing BB Cream if you want classic BB coverage in multiple shades and a moisturizing feel. The official page lists six shades (#13 through #31) and highlights Centella extract, panthenol, and niacinamide for a skin-cushioning finish in a 30 mL tube—useful for most daily routines. Purito Seoul
Consider Dr. Jart Cicapair Color Correcting Treatment if your priority is a green-to-beige redness-neutralizing effect with built-in SPF 30 for daytime. It’s positioned for sensitive, redness-prone skin and shifts from green to a light skin tone as you blend. (Note: some Cicapair SKUs are best for lighter skin tones, so test for a seamless match or layer under your true-match foundation.) Dr.Jart+ Skincare
What about SPF in BB creams? Some bases include sunscreen filters, but makeup is often applied too thinly to achieve labeled protection. Dermatology groups recommend using a separate broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily, then applying your BB thinly on top for tone. AAD
Shade & Undertone Guide (21 vs 23 and beyond)
K-beauty shade codes commonly reference depth and undertone. In Purito’s lineup, #21 Light Beige typically suits fair-light skin with neutral/yellow undertones, while #23 Natural Beige runs deeper and a touch warmer—good for light-medium tones. Purito now extends from #13 Neutral Ivory to #31 Deep Warm, so many users can find a closer match or mix two shades for seasonal shifts. If you’re bridging undertones, blend a dot of your everyday foundation into the BB for a perfect in-between. Purito Seoul
How to Apply for Natural-Looking Results
- Prep with moisturizer. Hydrated skin minimizes patchiness and looping into pores.
- Sunscreen first. Apply a separate, broad-spectrum SPF 30+; allow it to set for a minute. BB creams usually aren’t applied at the quantity needed for reliable SPF. AAD
- Dot, then shear. Apply small dots on the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. Spread outward with fingers or a brush to keep coverage light, then build a second thin layer only where redness persists.
- Target green when you need to. If flushing peaks on the cheeks or around the nose, layer a touch of green-tinted corrector under your BB. The AAD specifically notes that green-tinted cosmetics can help camouflage redness. AAD
- Set strategically. Press a little loose powder on areas that crease (sides of nose, smile lines) and use a mist to bring back a skin-like finish.
- For sensitive skin: patch-test first and avoid vigorous rubbing during removal; choose a gentle, non-fragranced cleanser.
FAQs
Is a cica BB cream good for oily skin?
Yes—look for lighter gel-cream textures and set the T-zone with powder. If you’re very oily, a matte primer under the BB can increase wear without turning heavy.
Does a cica BB replace my moisturizer and sunscreen?
It can replace light daytime moisturizer for many, but it should not replace dedicated sunscreen. Use a separate broad-spectrum SPF 30+ under makeup for dependable protection. AAD
What’s the difference between cica BB and Cicapair’s green treatment?
A BB is tinted in skin-tone shades and offers light-to-medium coverage across tones; Cicapair Color Correcting Treatment starts green to neutralize redness, shifts to beige (for lighter tones), and includes SPF 30—useful as a redness-first daytime product. Dr.Jart+ Skincare
Is Centella actually doing anything, or is it just marketing?
Evidence for madecassoside and related Centella compounds is promising in lab and small clinical contexts for supporting barrier recovery and calming irritation, but effects are formulation-dependent. Consider the coverage and wear you like first; treat the “cica” aspect as a helpful extra. PMC
Bottom Line
If you want coverage that’s kind to reactive, redness-prone skin, a cica bb cream offers a forgiving finish and a skin-care-forward ingredient mix. Choose a shade that matches (or mix two), use a separate SPF, and reach for a green-to-beige corrector like Cicapair when you need stronger neutralization. The goal is comfort and confidence—natural-looking skin that still looks like skin. Dr.Jart+ Skincare+2AAD+2
Outbound links used: Purito Cica Clearing BB (official), Dr. Jart Cicapair Color Correcting Treatment (official), AAD rosacea makeup tip, AAD sunscreen guidance, and peer-reviewed Centella/madecassoside research.
