Laneige Cica vs Water Sleeping Mask

So, you've decided you want to try one of Laneige's best-selling overnight masks, but you can't quite figure out what the differences are? We've all been there, don't worry!

Come with us as we compare the Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask vs Laneige Water Sleeping Mask side-by-side to help you decide which is right for you. Enjoy!

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Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask vs Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

Designed to help ingredients penetrate more deeply as you sleep, an overnight mask works as both a barrier and sealant. A light coating prevents dirt and dust from closing in on your pores while locking in skin-nourishing actives, letting all the goodness work more effectively without evaporating away.

Two of the best overnight masks you can buy are the Cica Sleeping Mask and Water Sleeping Mask by Laneige...

First and foremost, it's worth establishing what Laneige themselves have to say regarding the differences between the two. The Cica Sleeping Mask has a "creamy texture with rich nutrition" and is intended for sensitive skin types; it is soothing yet moisturizing, and helps to strengthen the skin's moisture barrier. The Water Sleeping Mask, on the other hand, has a "light gel texture with supple hydration" and is intended for dry, flaky skin; it is intensely moisturizing, and helps to make rough and dull skin feel smooth and healthy.

Sure enough, diving into their ingredients lists we find plenty of evidence to support these claims. The Cica Sleeping Mask contains Cica (which strengthens the skin barrier overnight), Panthenol & Cypress Leaf Extract (which soothes irritated skin), and emollients Squalane, Shea Butter, and Glycerin (for deep a deep moisturizing effect). Perhaps most importantly, though, is the fact that it is completely hypoallergenic and doesn't contain any potential irritants, making it even more ideal for sensitive skin types.

The Water Sleeping Mask contains hydrating Squalane & Hyaluronic Acid (which mimic the skin's natural lipids, providing skin-friendly, intense hydration) and a Green Tea Probiotic-derived Complex (which creates an optimal environment for the skin, helping to add a hydrated glow and reveal smoother looking skin). Like the Cica Sleeping Mask, it is also gentle & hypoallergenic.

Results-wise, they are both equally impressive in their own domains. A 4-week clinical study found that of ~50 participants using the Water Sleeping Mask, 100% found that their skin felt softer, 100% felt their skin was moisturized, 97% felt their skin was hydrated until the following morning, and 91% found their skin looked radiant. A similar study with the Cica Sleeping Mask found that 97% found that their skin felt softer, 91% found that their skin barrier felt stronger, and 94% found that their skin was now healthily balanced.

When we tried them for ourselves, the results felt pretty similar. The main difference is the consistency and feel, with the Water Mask being a light gel and the Cica Mask being a lot thicker (which is something we feel is understated in its description).

Synopsis: if you're looking to soothe sensitive skin, the Cica Sleeping Mask is definitely the one for you. If you're looking for a powerful hydrating solution for dry, rough, or flaky skin, then the Water Sleeping Mask will be better suited.

This article was originally published on July 7th 2022, but it has been reviewed and updated with the latest available information on February 7th 2024 by Sara Mckay, MA.