Ingredient Guide

Centella Asiatica

Also known as: Centella Asiatica, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Gotu Kola, Cica, Tiger Grass, Centella Asiatica Extract

All skin typesEspecially sensitive, compromised, and redness-prone

What It Is

A herbal plant extract derived from Centella asiatica (also known as gotu kola or cica). Contains a rich profile of triterpenoids — primarily asiaticoside, asiatic acid, and madecassoside — with significant evidence for wound healing, barrier repair, and anti-inflammatory effects.

What It Does

Stimulates collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis, reduces inflammation, supports wound healing and barrier repair, and calms irritated skin. One of the best-researched herbal extracts in skincare science.

Best For

Sensitive skinBarrier repairRedness reductionWound healing supportIrritated skin calming

Benefits

  • Strong clinical evidence for wound healing, barrier support, and anti-inflammation
  • Stimulates collagen synthesis and hyaluronic acid production
  • Madecassoside and asiaticoside have specific anti-inflammatory mechanisms
  • One of the most studied herbal skincare actives — better evidence than most botanicals

When to Be Careful

  • Botanical extracts vary in potency between suppliers — not all centella extracts are standardized
  • Rare contact allergies to triterpenoids exist — patch test if highly reactive
ItGirlies Ingredient Intelligence
Why This Gets Hype

"Cica" has become one of the biggest skincare trends globally — centella is the core active behind cica-labeled products. The wound-healing research from dermatological and cosmetic surgery contexts has given it credibility that many botanical extracts lack.

What People Often Misunderstand

"Cica" products vary enormously in centella concentration and fraction. A product labeled "cica" may contain a trace of centella extract or a potent standardized fraction — the label doesn't tell you which.

Best Routine Slot

Serum step — morning and evening for barrier repair. Particularly useful in the recovery phase after irritating actives or barrier damage.

Good Match For

Ceramides (complementary barrier repair), Niacinamide (complementary anti-inflammatory), Bisabolol (additional calming)

Proceed Carefully If…

Very rare triterpenoid sensitivity. Patch test if highly reactive to botanicals.

Signs You May Be Overdoing It

Not a known irritant — one of the safest botanicals for reactive skin.

Commonly Found In

Barrier serumsCalming and soothing formulasCica creamsSensitive skin products

FAQs About Centella Asiatica

What is centella asiatica in skincare?
An herbal extract from the gotu kola plant, rich in triterpenoids (asiaticoside, madecassoside) with well-documented anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and barrier-repair effects. One of the most evidence-backed botanicals in cosmetics.
Is centella asiatica the same as cica?
"Cica" is a shorthand marketing term derived from cicatrice (scar) and associated with centella asiatica's wound-healing properties. Not all cica products have the same centella concentration or extract fraction — the active quality varies significantly.
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