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SOME BY MI AHA-BHA-PHA Real Cica 92% Cool Calming Soothing Gel for oily skin

Average

  • HighOily Skin Fit
  • AverageEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

Works for oily skin; other moisturizers fit it better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • Offers moderate soothing and hydration for your oily skin, with Centella Asiatica Extract and multiple forms of Hyaluronic Acid calming and moisturizing without exacerbating oiliness.
  • Salicylic acid and citric acid provide mild exfoliation and seboregulation, which is beneficial for oily skin, though not specialized for managing excess shine.
  • The product is safe for your oily skin, featuring soothing ingredients like Centella Asiatica Extract and Allantoin with no harsh or prohibited substances.

How to apply

  • Could be used as part of your AM or PM routine every day to keep your face fresh.
  • Apply this moisturizer after cleansing and toning, but right before your SPF in the morning.
  • Gently press a small amount into your skin and let it absorb fully.
  • Apply on clean, slightly dry skin to help control that oily shine.
  • Avoid the eye area and do a quick patch test before your first use.

People Say

★4.2Overall rating based on 100+ reviews

Based on limited data, this gel is highly effective for oily and acne-prone skin, providing immediate cooling and significant redness reduction for conditions like sunburns and active breakouts. However, users with dry or dehydrated skin often find it lacks sufficient moisture, leading to a tight sensation due to its exfoliating acids.

Highlights

  • Soothing and calming Mostly Mentioned
    • “Calmed down my redness so fast”
    • “Helped with bug bites and rash”
    • “Great for soothing sunburn.”
  • Cooling sensation Often Mentioned
    • “Feels light and cooling”
    • “Lowers skin temperature”
    • “Refreshing menthol sensation.”
  • Good for oily skin Often Mentioned
    • “Perfect for my oily skin”
    • “Controls excess sebum”
    • “Doesn't turn me into an oil slick.”
  • Insufficient hydration Often Mentioned
    • “Made my face feel tight”
    • “Not moisturizing for dry winter”
    • “Felt 'keset' (squeaky/dry) on skin.”
  • Versatile application Sometimes Noted
    • “Used on face and arms”
    • “Applied as a sleeping pack”
    • “Good for body acne.”
  • Sticky residue Sometimes Noted
    • “Leaves a sticky feeling”
    • “Tacky finish”
    • “Residue lingers.”
  • Medicinal scent Rarely Noted
    • “Smells like medicine”
    • “Strong tea tree scent”
    • “Scent is too herbal.”
  • Potential irritation Rarely Noted
    • “Made inflammation worse”
    • “Stinging sensation”
    • “Too harsh for broken skin.”

Sources: lovi.care, nudieglow.com, mikaelabeauty.com, femaledaily.com, skinsort.com, yesstyle.com, and more

Questions and answers

How well does SOME BY MI AHA-BHA-PHA Real Cica 92% Cool Calming Soothing Gel work for oily skin?

This soothing gel offers moderate hydration and calming effects for oily skin without making it feel greasy. While it provides mild exfoliation to help keep skin clear, oily skin works best with a moisturizing treatment that combines lightweight peptides and hydrating agents to manage shine while supporting the skin barrier.

Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

Which ingredients make this soothing gel a good fit for oily skin?

Centella Asiatica Extract and hyaluronic acid make this soothing gel a good fit for oily skin because they calm and moisturize without making it oily. To work best for oily skin, a product of this type needs lightweight hydration, no heavy oils, and ingredients that target shine and support the skin barrier.

Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

What does Centella Asiatica do for oily skin?

Centella asiatica helps calm angry breakouts and adds light moisture without feeling heavy on oily skin. It may also reduce redness and balance the skin barrier.

Molecules, 2023Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 2019

What does Niacinamide do for oily skin?

Niacinamide helps balance oily skin by significantly reducing excess oil production and shine. It is well tolerated and may improve skin texture without clogging pores.

Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2006Antioxidants, 2021

Where does this soothing gel go in a skincare routine for oily skin?

This soothing gel goes in the evening routine as a treatment step, applied after your cleansing toner and before your moisturizer. Oily skin works best with products that provide lightweight hydration along with targeted oil control and specialized shine-managing ingredients.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021

Can I use this soothing gel with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this soothing gel with retinol by applying the gel first to calm your skin before putting on retinol, or by using it as a moisturizer step to keep your face comfortable. This gel is unlikely to cause irritation and helps add light hydration, though oily skin handles retinol best with a product that targets excess shine and oil control.

Cutis, 2006Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

How often should I use this soothing gel?

You can use this soothing gel daily to keep your oily skin calm and hydrated. Because this product works for your skin but is not specialized for managing excess shine, oily skin also needs ingredients like salicylic acid and niacinamide to help control oil and clear pores.

Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

Can this soothing gel clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?

This soothing gel is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for oily skin, as it has a safe profile with calming Centella Asiatica and Allantoin. However, oily skin often needs a specialized formula with stronger oil control and mattifying ingredients to properly manage excess shine.

Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

Can I use this soothing gel around the eyes or on my body?

You can safely use this soothing gel on your body and around the eyes, as it features a gentle formula with soothing ingredients like Centella Asiatica Extract and Allantoin that are well-tolerated by delicate areas. Oily skin of this type needs lightweight hydration and calming ingredients like Centella Asiatica and hyaluronic acid to keep skin comfortable without feeling heavy or greasy.

Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

Is this soothing gel fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

  • Cosmetic formulations containing 5% Centella asiatica extract showed the best efficacy in improving skin moisture and decreasing transepidermal water loss, while also exhibiting antiinflammatory properties in 25 volunteers compared to baseline measurements.

    Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016
  • A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
  • Co-delivery of paeonol and madecassoside via nanoemulsions improved transdermal delivery, promoted barrier repair proteins, inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in cellular and 3D models, and reduced transepidermal water loss and acne in human facial skin compared to free components.

    Molecules, 2023
  • Daily treatment with a facial serum containing multiple acids reduced post-inflammatory hyperchromia lesion grade and number by 29.4% at 56 days, and decreased skin oiliness by 30.7% at 7 days in Brazilian patients with acne vulgaris.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
  • Topical application of 0.05% w/w ECa 233 gel reduced erythema index by 0.03 U and improved early crusting and general wound appearance compared to placebo in thirty individuals undergoing facial laser resurfacing.

    Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2020
  • Moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese decreased adverse reactions and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing with comparable efficacy to 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in 20 subjects.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
  • Topical treatment with 5% vitamin C and 0.1% madecassoside significantly improved clinical scores for wrinkles, suppleness, firmness, roughness, and skin hydration, along with functional and structural remodeling of the elastic fiber network in 20 female volunteers with photoaged skin after 6 months compared to baseline.

    Experimental Dermatology, 2008
  • Treatment with an asiaticoside-containing cream applied twice daily for 12 weeks significantly improved periorbital wrinkles in 65% of 27 female volunteers compared to a vehicle control cream.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2008
  • Topical post-laser application of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide significantly improved wrinkle index, melanin index, patient satisfaction, and investigator esthetic improvement scores compared to vehicle cream in patients with aging skin.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
  • Topical nicotinamide prevented solar-simulated UV-induced immunosuppression in healthy volunteers, and men experienced immunosuppression at solar-simulated UV doses three times lower than those required for women.

    The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008
  • Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness, and improved skin elasticity compared to vehicle control in 50 female white subjects with facial photoaging.

    Dermatologic Surgery, 2005
  • Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen achieved a higher cure rate (39%) than salicylic acid (24%) and a wait-and-see approach (16%) for cutaneous warts at 13 weeks in primary care patients.

    CMAJ, 2010
  • A moisturizer containing licochalcone A, 1,2-decanediol, L-carnitine, and salicylic acid significantly reduced noninflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesion counts compared to a vehicle control in Thai patients during a 12-week maintenance phase.

    BioMed Research International, 2020
  • Treatment with 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel resulted in a regression and markedly improvement rate of 51.01% compared to 43.10% for Adapaline gel in patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris, showing no significant difference in efficacy.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
  • Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011
  • Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction.

    Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022
  • Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days.

    BMC Oral Health, 2019

Why other moisturizers fit oily skin better

  • A panthenol-enriched mask improved skin hydration, regulated sebum, and reduced redness and TEWL across dry sensitive, oily sensitive, and oily acne skin subgroups with excellent tolerance and no adverse reactions.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

Ingredients

Centella Asiatica Extract, Water, Niacinamide, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Melaleuca Alternifolia Tree Leaf Water, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Sunflower Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassoside, Allantoin, Arginine, Adenosine, Salicylic Acid, Lactobionic Acid, Citric Acid, C12-13 Pareth-9, Carbomer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Benzyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Raspberry Ketone, Rosmarinus Officinalis Oil Leaf Rosemary Oil Leaf

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.

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