Versus

The Plant Base AC Clear Magic Cica Cream Versus The Plant Base AC Clear Moisture Cica Cream

General Moisturizer
General Moisturizer
Korean Brand South Korea
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on May 30, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 15 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain niacinamide

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances, oils and silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
AC Clear Magic Cica Cream

Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract 55%

Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Dipropylene Glycol

Masking

Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cyclopentasiloxane

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Squalane

Emollient
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Glyceryl Stearate Se

Emulsifying
3 / 2 Bad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Trimethylolpropane Triisostearate

Emollient

Beeswax

Emulsion Stabilising
0-2 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Niacinamide

Smoothing
Niacinamide IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking

Cyclohexasiloxane

Emollient
Silicon Icon

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning

Cetyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 2 Fatty Alcohol Icon

Glyceryl Stearate

Emollient
1 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil

Skin Conditioning
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Water

Skin Conditioning

Lauryl Alcohol

Emollient
Fatty Alcohol Icon

Stearyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 2 Fatty Alcohol Icon

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying

Stearic Acid

Cleansing
2-3 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate

Skin Conditioning

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Palmitic Acid

Emollient
2 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder

Exfoliating
Exfoliant Icon

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate

Cleansing

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

PEG-100 Stearate

0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Tromethamine

Buffering

Myristyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 4 Fatty Alcohol Icon

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconFragrance IconOil IconGood for Oily Skin IconMay worsen Eczema Icon

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract

Bleaching
Good for Dark Spots Icon

Disodium EDTA

Adenosine

Skin Conditioning
Good for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Polysorbate 80

Emulsifying
0 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Propylene Glycol

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Morus Alba Bark Extract

Skin Conditioning

Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract

Skin Protecting

Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Salix Nigra Bark Extract

Skin Protecting

Propanediol

Solvent

Saccharum Officinarum Extract

Moisturising

Capryloyl Glycine

Cleansing

Capryloyl Salicylic Acid

Exfoliating
Exfoliant Icon

Allium Cepa Bulb Extract

Skin Conditioning

Carbomer

Emulsion Stabilising
1 / 0

Sodium Tocopheryl Phosphate

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract

Emollient
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract

Masking

Citrus Medica Limonum Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Chenopodium Quinoa Extract

Skin Conditioning

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Salix Alba Bark Extract

Astringent
Good for Oily Skin Icon

Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Arachidic Acid

Cleansing
2 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Acer Saccharum Extract

Skin Conditioning

Myristic Acid

Cleansing
3 / 0 Bad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hydrogenated Lecithin

Emulsifying

Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract

Astringent

Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract

Antimicrobial
Antioxidant IconFragrance Icon

Portulaca Oleracea Extract

Skin Conditioning

Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract

Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Sh-Decapeptide-9

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract 55%, Dipropylene Glycol, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Cyclopentasiloxane, Squalane, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Trimethylolpropane Triisostearate, Beeswax, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Niacinamide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyclohexasiloxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Water, Lauryl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Phenoxyethanol, Palmitic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate, Butylene Glycol, PEG-100 Stearate, Tromethamine, Myristyl Alcohol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Polysorbate 80, Propylene Glycol, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Salix Nigra Bark Extract, Propanediol, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Capryloyl Glycine, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Allium Cepa Bulb Extract, Carbomer, Sodium Tocopheryl Phosphate, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum Fruit Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Extract, Tocopherol, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Arachidic Acid, Acer Saccharum Extract, Myristic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Sh-Decapeptide-9

AC Clear Moisture Cica Cream

Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract 76%

Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Cyclopentasiloxane

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning

Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract comes from the leaves of an herb plant native to Southeast Asia. Centella Asiatica is rich in antioxidants and amino acids. It can help reduce irritation and soothe the skin.

Many active components found in centella asiatica, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside, encourage the skin to naturally produce hyaluronic acid. This helps keep our skin hydrated. Many of these components also show antioxidant activity and may help reduce the signs of aging.

Research shows centella asiatica can help increase Type I collagen production by increasing fibroblast production. Fibroblast helps form connective tissue.

The combination of all these properties makes centella asiatica leaf extract effective at soothing the skin.

Other components of centella asiatica leaf extract include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.

Recent studies found madecassoside may help prevent damage from UV rays by preventing UV-induced inflammation. Further research is needed.

This plant has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.

Learn more about Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.

D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.

It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.

Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.

Learn more about Cyclopentasiloxane
Smoothing

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.

Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.

The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.

When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.

Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.

Learn more about Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse. 

It is a:

  • Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
  • Emollient, helping to soften skin
  • Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
  • Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives 
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.

What it does:

Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:

Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.

Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.

This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.

Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.

Learn more about Dimethicone
Preservative

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.

Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.
  • It has mild preservative properties.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Buffering, Masking

Tromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.

As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.

Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.

Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.

1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-

Learn more about Tromethamine
Antioxidant, Perfuming

This tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the Tea Tree plant. Tea tree oil has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

According to the book Journal of Profiles of Drug Substances, tea tree helps in reducing acne-causing bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes. This is due to the Terpinen components of tea tree oil.

Tea tree may cause sensitivity and irritation for some people. This oil naturally contains fragrance such as linalool and limonene.

However, research shows irritation usually occurs when using pure tea tree oil and not in cosmetic products.

Tea tree oil was found to help relieve the symptoms of psoriasis in one study.

Tea tree oil is toxic when ingested. Another study showed it to caused damage to the nervous system of dogs and cats when applied to their skin or given orally.

Learn more about Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Bleaching, Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract is an extract of the roots of Licorice. It has been found to have several benefits such as skin hydrating, conditioning, and soothing.

One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.

Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.

Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.

Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.

Learn more about Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Skin Conditioning

Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.

Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.

Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.

In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.

Learn more about Adenosine
Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Morus Alba Bark Extract yet.

Astringent, Skin Conditioning, Soothing

Salix Alba Bark Extract comes from the white willow tree, which is native to Europe and Central Asia.

Salix Alba Bark Extract has often been described as salicylic acid's cousin. This is due to the salicin it contains. However, studies are limited showing salix alba bark to be an effective salicylic acid alternative.

Salicin does have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has shown to decrease the formation of inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and nuclear factor-kappa B. Salicin also has a mildly exfoliating effect on the skin.

Several other components in salix alba bark extract also contain antioxidant properties, such as flavonoids and polyphenols. Antioxidants may help with anti-aging as they neutralize harmful free-radical molecules.

Willow Bark extract has been used for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations used white willow to help treat pain and fevers.

Learn more about Salix Alba Bark Extract
Skin Conditioning

Oregano leaf is a culinary and medicinal herb with skin conditioning properties.

When to use

13 Routines
46% use in am
54% use in pm
92% use every day