Parnell Centella

The name Cicamanu combines "cica" - the Korean shorthand for centella asiatica extract - with "manu," suggesting a gentle, careful touch. Centella asiatica contains four main active compounds: asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid. These compounds signal the skin to produce ceramides and collagen, reduce inflammation at the receptor level, and form a light protective film over compromised skin. The Cicamanu line filters that benefit into everyday formats from cleanser to body mist, so the active ingredient stays in contact with skin throughout the day and night.

The Cicamanu 92 Serum lists centella asiatica leaf extract at 92% of its formula, which positions it among the higher-concentration cica serums available from Korean brands. At that concentration, the serum reads as a watery gel: it absorbs quickly without leaving residue and works both as a standalone treatment step and as a booster mixed into moisturizer. Parnell also offers this serum in a twin-pack (Shikamanu 92 Serum 30ml x 2), which is the same formulation extended to a body-and-face context under the Shikamanu sub-label. If your goal is targeted repair - post-breakout marks, razor irritation, or barrier damage from actives - the 92 Serum is the first piece to add.

The Cicamanu Toner 200ml delivers a hydrating, low-friction first layer after cleansing. Applied by hand it preps the skin for the serum; used with the Cicamanu Cotton Clear Pad (90 sheets, 160ml) it doubles as a gentle physical exfoliation pass without disrupting the acid mantle. The pad format is worth noting: each sheet is a three-layer pure cotton pad designed to hold toner well and release it gradually across the skin rather than in one saturated push. This reduces the chance of over-exfoliation on already sensitive skin. The set of toner plus pads is a common purchase in the Cicamanu line.

The Cicamanu Gel Cream 75ml closes the facial routine. Its gel-cream texture sits between a lightweight lotion and a standard cream: it sets to a semi-matte finish that doesn't pill under makeup and holds moisture without a heavy film. Centella extract remains the main functional ingredient, meaning the cream continues the anti-inflammatory signaling already introduced by the toner and serum steps. At 75ml the jar typically lasts two months of daily full-face use. The gel cream also works as an overnight sleeping mask for dry or compromised patches - applying a thicker layer over the serum locks in actives and gives the skin longer contact time.

The Cicamanu Serum Mist 50ml is a spray delivery for centella, sized for bags or gym kits. Unlike plain facial mists, which can draw moisture away from skin if left to air-dry, the Serum Mist carries a small amount of film-former and humectant so the centella extract stays where it lands rather than evaporating. It works after makeup as a setting step, during flights, or on skin that has had outdoor sun exposure. The compact 50ml size is intentional - it's a top-up product, not a replacement for the toner-serum-cream core steps.

The Cicamanu Clear Patch (68 patches, 20g) is a hydrocolloid sticker saturated with centella extract. Worn over a blemish, it creates a sealed, moist healing environment that draws out fluid from whiteheads and delivers the cica actives directly to the inflamed area. The clear material is transparent enough to wear during the day without being obvious under light makeup or tinted moisturizer. At 68 patches per pack, one box covers a typical treatment cycle. These patches work independently of the rest of the Cicamanu routine - they can be added to any existing Korean skincare lineup as a spot-treatment step.

Parnell extends the Cicamanu actives to body care with the Ph Balanced Body Wash 400ml and the Ph Balanced Body Mist 150ml. The Body Wash maintains the same weakly acidic formulation as the facial line, which is notable - most body washes lean alkaline and strip the skin barrier. For people with eczema-prone, keratosis pilaris, or generally dry body skin, switching to a pH-balanced body wash removes one recurring source of barrier disruption. The Body Mist applies the same centella-and-humectant format to larger skin surfaces post-shower. Both products use the same Cicamanu fragrance profile as the facial line, so layering them produces a consistent skin feel from face to body.

The standard layering order for the Cicamanu facial products runs: Gel Cleanser (or Ph Balanced Body Wash if you're treating body areas) → Toner or Toner-on-Pads → 92 Serum → Gel Cream → Clear Patch over individual blemishes. The Serum Mist slots in wherever needed for a moisture refresh. One practical note: the 92 Serum and Gel Cream layer without pilling, but allow 30 seconds for the serum to partially absorb before applying the cream. Mixing the serum into the gel cream rather than layering them separately is also effective for a thinner single-layer approach in summer. If you're adding the Cicamanu line alongside exfoliating actives (AHA/BHA), schedule the Cicamanu products on off-nights or as a separate morning routine to avoid unnecessary contact between the centella and the low-pH acid step.

The Cicamanu line is built for sensitive and combination-to-dry skin, but it works across a wider range. The pH-balanced formulation and gentle cleansing agents make the Gel Cleanser safe for daily double-cleansing on dry or sensitized skin. Oily skin types can use the Toner, 92 Serum, and Serum Mist as a full routine without the Gel Cream, which may feel heavier in high-humidity conditions. Post-acne and post-redness skin benefits most from the 92 Serum and Clear Patch combination. Reactive or post-laser skin can start with the Toner plus Gel Cream as a minimal two-step approach and add the serum once the barrier is stable. The products are fragrance-present but at cosmetic tolerance levels - patch testing is still advisable for diagnosed fragrance sensitivity.