The Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask was out of stock in the mecca of Korean beauty, Myeongdong, Seoul, so before I finally tracked it down, I knew it had to be good. 

I’m no stranger to sleeping masks and I’ve had my eye on the latest offering from Laneige ever since it cropped up on Instagram a few months ago.

Why incorporate a sleeping mask in a skin care routine?

Sleeping masks are a convenient way to boost your skin overnight. They’re usually more lightweight than creams and target different skin care issues like dehydration, redness and skin inflammation. Ideal to use at the final stage of your evening routine, they also help your skin retain moisture.

Whether you layer a sleeping mask over essences, serums and a moisturiser or use it in place of your evening moisturiser depends on your skin type. I like to see how my skin is on the day but I usually apply one over a moisturiser.

A soothing overnight face mask for glowing skin

I love the sleek green packaging. Containing impressive ingredients, the Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask restores dry or dull skin and soothes irritation overnight. This mask aims to restore the skin’s barrier and calm skin. 

The hypoallergenic formula is paraben-free and is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. It’s also free from talc and tar pigments and even caters to vegan beauty lovers by excluding animal-derived ingredients. It doesn’t have a noticeable scent so it’s ideal if you like unscented skin care products.

Amorepacific’s patented naturally derived Forest Yeast is a standout ingredient. Discovered when Amorepacific fermented Gotjawal vines from Gotjawal on Jeju Island, this black yeast claims to offer 119% more moisture than madecassoside. Impressive stuff, right?

Another notable ingredient is squalane which boosts moisture levels. Squalane has anti-ageing properties, regulates oily complexions and reduces skin inflammation. Asiaticoside is extracted from centella asiatica (also know as cica, it’s one of the most popular Korean skin care) and can increase collagen while also targeting irritated skin. Two other ingredients from centella asiatica include asiatica acid and madecassic acid to plump skin and encourage a brighter complexion. 

Palmarosa oil banishes dry and dehydrated skin and targets acne flare ups. Tea tree oil reduces redness, eliminates skin inflammation and helps achieve enviable clear skin. Chamaecyparis obtusa leaf extract soothes skin.

 An easy way to calm sensitive skin overnight

The Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask isn’t the same as the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask in terms of texture. It has a thicker consistency and is creamier.

I first used this mask a few days after coming back from South Korea. It’s embarrassing to admit but I forgot to pack sheet masks in my carry on beauty bag on my flight home. Needless to say, my skin took a bit of battering. I needed something to restore my skin to its former glory and had high hopes for this baby.   

From the first application I was pleasantly surprised by how cool my skin felt. One of the most common symptoms of rosacea that I frequently suffer with is mild flushing across my cheeks so it was a relief to reduce the heat in my skin with this sleeping mask. It always seals in the moisture in my skin to stop it looking parched and forms a barrier for further protection.

When I wash it off in the morning, my complexion is less irritated and the pesky red patches on my cheeks are less noticeable. My skin is much brighter and firmer. Unlike the original Laneige version, which is fine to use every night or on alternative nights, I prefer to save the cica version for a few times a week.

A little really goes a long way with this sleeping mask. Whenever my skin feels dehydrated, is sensitive or in dire need of TLC, I apply a couple of layers. Overall, I’m really impressed with this!

Discover my review of the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask in Berry and find out why it’s the best overnight treatment for lips. 

Laneige, approximately £25