Introducing Our New Cica + Collagen Botanical Firming Mask — And the Story Behind It

If you've been with us for a while, you might have noticed our original Collageb Firming Mask is no longer on the shelf.  And if you're one of the many customers who messaged us asking where it went - first of all, thank you.  Your love for that mask meant the world to us.

But here's the thing about being a formulator:  you never really stop thinking about how to do things better.

"If it is not broken, don't fix it."  We respectfully disagree.

Our original Collagen Firming Mask was one of the most popular products. It sold well, customers loved it, and there was genuinely nothing wrong with it.  So why did we retire it?

Because in the world of skincare formulation, "nothing wrong with it" is not the same as "the best we can do".

As formulators, we are always reading, researching and following the latest developments in ingredient science and sheet technology.  And over time, two things caught our attention: a new generation of active botanicals with compelling anti-aging evidence, and a sheet technology we had never used before that made our old sheet feel, well, ordinary by comparison.

We don't like keeping too many products on our site.  We believe in a curated range where every product earns its place.  So when we knew we could build something meaningfully better, we made the decision to retire the old mask and start fresh.  Not because the original failed - but because we refused to let "good" be the ceiling.  

The result is the Cica + Collagen Firming Mask.

The sheet that changed everything - Hydrolysed Collagen Sheet.

Most sheet masks use a standard cotton or microfibre sheet.  It does the job - it holds the essence and keeps it in contact with your skin.  But it's essentially just a delivery vehicle. 

Our new mask uses a 2-piece Hydrolysed Collagen Sheet - and this changes the game entirely.  

A hydrolysed collagen sheet is not just a carrier.  It is an active ingredient.  As it sits on your skin, the collagen in the sheet itself begins to work alongside the essence, meaning your skin receives collagen from two directions simultaneously - from the sheet material as it breaks down and from the formula soaked into it.

The 2-piece design also means better fit and coverage across different face shapes - the upper and lower sections sit more naturally on your face, so the essence stays in even contact with your skin throughout the entire 20 minutes.

How to wear it - the right way

This is important, so let's walk through it peoperly:

1. Start with clean, toned skin.  Apply toner or any water from our Water Collection as usual before masking.
2. Open the sachet and separate the 2 sheets. You'll have a top piece and a bottom piece.
3. Apply the bottom sheet first - align it along the jawline and work upward.
4. Layer the top sheet over - it should overlap naturally with the bottom piece across your nose and cheeks.
5. Relax for 20 minutes.  This is your time.
6. Remove and pat in the remaining essence - don't rinse. Let your skin drink it all in.

The transparency moment - how you'll know it is working.

When you first unfold the sheet, it's milky white - opaque from the hydrolysed collagen material and the rich essence its soaked in.  But as you wear it, somthing visible starts to happen: the sheet gradually turned translucent, then depend on individual, to transparent.

This isn't a gimmick.  It's the mask doing its job.

As the skin absorbs the essence and the hydrolysed collagen in the sheet penetrates the skin, the sheet becomes clearer.  It's a visible sign of absorption - you can actually watch the mask working in real time.  

How long does it take? Honestly, it varies.  When we tested it ourselves - yes, we always wear our own masks - it took almost 30 minutes for nearly full transpareancy.  Our younger tester went much faster.  Drier or more dehydrated skin tends to absorb the essence more quickly, While well hydrated skin takes its time.  Either way, 20 minutes is all you need for a full treatment.

The formula - a botanical powerhouse for firming and brightening

The sheet upgrade is just the beginning.   We rebuilt the formula from scratch around a rich stack of active botanicals, all chosen with one goal in mind: visibly firmer, brighter, younger-looking skin.  

Centella Asiatica (Cica) leads the charge.  One of the most researched and beloved calming actives in modern skincare, Cica repairs the skin barrier, reduces redness and - importantly for an anti-sging mask - supports the skin's own collagen synthesis.  Cica and collagen together aren't just complementary; they actively enhance each other's performance.

Soluble Collagen works at the surface to plump, firm and improve elasticity.  Combined with the collagen being delivered by the sheet itself, this mask delivers topical collagen from multiple angles.

Japanese Knotwood (Polygonum Cuspidatum) is our natural source of resveraytol - the powerful antioxidant that fights oxidative stress and environmnetal aging.  In skincare it's a serious anti-aging active that neutralises the free radicals responisble for fine lines and dullness. 

Golden Chamomile + Roman Chamomile - yes, we use two chamomile extracts.  Together they deliver deep anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits, so even as the mask firms and renews, it;s calming your skin at the same time.  No post-mask redness.  Just calm, plump, happy skin.

Baikal Skullcap + Licorice Root form our brightening duo - evening the skin tone reucing darks spotsand combating the kind of dullness that builds up from stress, screen time and city living.

Green Tea Extract adds another layer of antioxidant defence against environmental damage.

Jojoba Seed Oil + Sodium Hyaluronate anchor the hydration - lightweight oil to nourish and balance, and hyaluronic acid to draw moisture deep into the skin and hold it there.

Who is this mask for?

• Skin thats starting to lose firmness - whether from age, stress and lifestyle.
• Dull, uneven skin tone that needs brightening alongside firming.
• Sensitive skin that still wants anti-aging benefits - the dual chamomile and Cica make this gentle enough for reactive skin types.
• Anyone who wants a mask that genuinely does more than hydrate - this one treats, firms, brightens and repairs all in one 20-minute session.

Launching soon

We will be sharing the launch date very soon.  If you are on our Inner Circle, you'll hear about it first - as always.

Have questions about whether this mask suits your skin type?  Drop us a message.  We love to talk about our products.

All About Alicia is a Singapore-based indie skincare brand committed to transparent formulation and ingredient integrity.  Browse our full range at allaboutalicia.com