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The Vegreen Fragrance-Free Cica serum is a gentle hydrating serum that contains 70% Centella asiatica leaf water, a medicinal extract used for calming and soothing irritated, sensitive or damaged skin. This serum also contains two different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, plus several other soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients, making it perfect for sensitive, acne-prone or dehydrated skin.
About Vegreen:
Vegreen is a Korean Skincare company that promotes “Pure and clean products made with safe ingredients.
without prejudice, without discrimination, so that everyone can trust and use it“.
They are dedicated to sustainability and the labels they use have been specially designed to be easily peeled off for recycling. The packaging materials are made from sugar-cane by-products and the boxes are printed in soybean oil ink.
Vegreen Claim
This serum contains Centella asiatica extract to soothe and moisturize sensitive skin.
Appearance and Scent:
The serum is a lightweight, transparent gel. It spreads easily on the skin and does not leave a sticky residue. The fragrance-free formula has no detectable scent and absorbs reasonably quickly.
Packaging, Size, Cost and Expiry:
The packaging is a plastic bottle with a pump dispenser. The bottle contains 50 ml of product and expires 12 months after opening or 30 months after the date of manufacture. The cost is USD $18.30.
How to Use:
After cleansing and toning, apply a small amount and pat lightly to enhance absorption. Use morning and evening.
Application order:
Cleanser -> Toner -> Vegreen Cica Serum -> Moisturizer -> SPF (daytime)
Oil cleanser -> Cleanser -> Toner -> Vegreen Cica Serum -> Moisturizer (nighttime)
Ingredients:
Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene glycol, Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Disodium EDTA, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Allantoin, Panthenol, Xanthan gum, Malachite extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid
Ingredient Analysis:
Centella asiatica leaf water is extracted from the herbaceous creeper that grows in swampy areas thought out India, Pakistan Sri Lanka, Madagascar, South Africa and Eastern Europe. It is commonly known as Gotu Kola and has been used to exert pharmacological effects in dermatology in the treatment of various skin lesions including burns, excoriations and eczema. It is considered to be an effective ingredient for antiaging and improving skin hydration.
It contains four key components (or saponins) that are largely responsible for its amazing skin benefits and are all present in this serum – Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassoside, and Madasiatic Acid.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate is the salt derived from licorice root extract. It is extracted from the root of the Glycyrrhia glabra, a plant known to possess many medicinal properties. It is one of the oldest herbal remedies with a rich history of medical medicine. Its ongoing use is evolving so much that it has been referred to as “the plant of the future”. The root contains over 300 compounds that have been shown to be anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-ulcer anti-oxidant agents. The extract improves hyperpigmentation by dispersing melanin within the skin, inhibiting melanin biosynthesis and decreasing free radical production. The main component is the polyphenolic flavonoid Glabridin. Studies have shown that glabridin prevents UVB induced pigmentation and exerts anti-inflammatory effects. It has also been used effectively in the treatment of dermatitis, eczema and acne.
Hyaluronic acid and its derivatives offer superior moisturization as the skin-identical molecules are capable of penetrating deep into the dermis and absorbing 1000 times their weight in water. The lower the molecular weight, the deeper the molecule can penetrate the skin. Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid that exists as a smaller molecular size than hyaluronic acid, is more water-soluble, and is less likely to oxidize. It provides more significant moisturization as the molecule is capable of penetrating deeper into the dermis. It is ideal for use in skincare due to its biocompatibility, consistency, and hydrophilicity (water-loving nature).
Allantoin is a healing and anti-inflammatory ingredient derived from urea that exhibits keratolytic action (removes excess keratinized epithelial cells) and stimulates cell division and replication of epithelial cells. This accelerates the regeneration of damaged skin and allows the skin to retain moisture and rebuild the protective moisture barrier. It acts as a moisturizing agent and is commonly found in skincare formulated for dry skin, acne, or allergies.
Panthenol is the pro-vitamin (biologically active precursor) to Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) present in all body cells and plays an essential role in cellular metabolism. In skincare it functions as a moisturizer and emollient, and is especially useful for calming irritation, relieving itching, healing wounds and treating sunburn. When applied topically, it attracts water from the atmosphere, reduces water loss, reduces inflammation and helps heal skin damaged by exposure to irritation, including that caused by sulphates. It can also help with antiaging by increasing fibroblast proliferation increasing collagen and elastin synthesis and reducing pigmentation by inhibiting melanin.
Malachite extract is a liquid mineral extract derived from Malachite stone, a natural source of copper and other trace minerals. The use of pulverized malachite dates back to around 4000 BC, with many civilizations, including the Egyptians, Mayans, And Aztecs, all having used it for healing infections and wounds. One of the manufactures of malachite extract; Positive Products Group, claims they have created a process that extracts the stones beneficial components into a purified liquid mineral extract. The extract contains bio-available copper and acts as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from free radicals that cause oxidative stress. It also promotes detoxification of cells, helps the synthesis and stabilization of proteins, stimulates collagen and elastin and can stabilize the pH levels of the skin. In addition, copper is involved in the synthesis and stabilization of the extracellular matrix of the skin proteins and in the development of new blood vessels.
pH Testing:
pH Analysis:
The pH of this serum is within the pH of the skin (range 4.0-6.0, average 4.7). The pH is a skin-friendly 4.6 that will help to return the skin to its optimal acidity level after cleansing and ensure it maintains its optimal moisture balance and overall health. Learn why the pH of skincare products is so important here.
Results:
I always try to incorporate a hyaluronic acid contain product into my routine, and this serum has been a great fit. It is convenient, easily absorbed and really helps to plump my dehydrated dry skin. It is soothing and calms irrigated skin or breakouts, and it dries down to a comfortable finish and works well under all skincare and makeup. Although it is a serum, I use this liberally as a toner before applying other serums with strong active ingredients.
Overall Impressions:
The Vegreen Fragrance-Free Cica serum is a gentle hydrating serum that is non-irritating and suitable for all skin types. The fragrance-free formula contains only skin-friendly ingredients. It has a gel-like texture that is easily absorbed into the skin with a matte finish. I find myself reaching for this a lot because of the clean ingredient list, I know it is completely safe for sensitive skin and will keep me feeling hydrated thought-out the day. It also works well as a base for mixing with other serums.
What I Liked:
- Hydrating and soothing
- Fragrance, essential oil and alcohol-free
- Inexpensive
- layers well with other products
- Contains no unnecessary or sensitizing ingredients
- Vegreen is a vegan and cruelty-free brand
What I Disliked:
- Nothing
References:
- Vegreen website
- Pharmacological review on centella asiatica: A potential herbal cure-all. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2010
- Effects of centella asiatica extract on dermal wound healing in rats. Indian Journal Experimental Biology, 1996
- Evaluation of topical formulations of aqueous extract of centella asiatica on open wounds in rats. Indian Journal Experimental Biology, 1998
- Centella asiatica in dermatology: An overview. Phototherapy Research, 2014
- Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Titrated Extract of Centella asiatica in Phthalic Anhydride-Induced Allergic Dermatitis Animal Model. International Journal Molecular Sciences, 2017
- Centella asiatica in cosmetology. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology, 2013
- Cosmeceuticals for Hyperpigmentation: What is Available? Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2013
- Glycyrrhiza glabra – A plant for the future. Mintage Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences, 2013
- How much do we really know about our favorite cosmeceutical ingredients? The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2010.
- Comparison of Anti-Aging Effect Between Vitamin B3 and Provitamin B5 Using Skin Analyzer. International Journal of PharmTech Research, 2016
- Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulations. Journal of cosmetic science, 2011
- Cosmetics and toiletries: Positive products group extracts malachite for skin protection and repair, 2020
- Milady Skincare and Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, 4th Edition, 2015
- Bioactive for probiotics for dermal health: function and benefit. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 2013
- Biotechnological production of hyaluronic acid: a mini review. 3 Biotceh, 2016
- Allantoin – Healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Pediatrics and Family Medicine, 1981
