Meet the Ingredient: Centella Asiatica (Cica)

Centella Asiatica, commonly known as Cica, is a perennial herb native to Asia. Revered for centuries in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this leafy plant has earned a top spot in modern skincare routines. Also known as Gotu Kola or Tiger Grass, Cica is celebrated for its remarkable ability to calm, heal, and rejuvenate the skin.

Historically, Centella Asiatica has been used to treat minor wounds, burns, eczema, and even mental fatigue. In Ayurvedic practices, it’s known as Brahmi, prized for enhancing memory and reducing anxiety. Monks and yogis consumed it to aid meditation and improve focus. This multi-functional herb has now transitioned beautifully into the realm of cosmetics, maintaining its healing properties while appealing to skincare lovers globally.

Belonging to the Apiaceae family, Centella Asiatica is a creeping plant that thrives in moist, tropical climates. It grows abundantly in countries like India, Sri Lanka, China, and Madagascar. The plant’s fan-shaped green leaves and small pink or white flowers make it recognizable. What matters most for skincare, however, is what’s inside the leaves and stems.

Centella Asiatica is packed with powerful triterpenoids, notably:

• Madecassoside

• Asiaticoside

• Madecassic Acid

• Asiatic Acid

These bioactive compounds are responsible for Cica’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, wound-healing, and collagen-boosting effects.

Korean beauty (K-beauty) trends have significantly propelled Cica into the spotlight. Its gentle yet effective nature makes it a favorite in serums, creams, and overnight masks. K-beauty brands were among the first to highlight Centella Asiatica’s prowess in calming irritated skin and strengthening the barrier - a perfect fit for sensitive skin formulations.

Cica appears in various skincare products, often paired with other soothing ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. You can find it in:

• Hydrating facial mists

• Soothing repair creams

• Anti-redness serums

• Sheet masks for sensitive skin

• Post-sun exposure gels

Cica speeds up wound recovery by promoting fibroblast proliferation and increasing collagen synthesis, essential for tissue repair.

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory triterpenoids, Centella Asiatica calms redness and soothes irritated skin, making it ideal for conditions like rosacea and acne.

Cica stimulates the production of type I and type III collagen, key proteins that maintain skin’s elasticity and firmness, making it a great ingredient for anti-aging skincare.

Its gentle formulation makes it suitable for hypersensitive and reactive skin types. It helps reduce stinging, burning, and discomfort.

By enhancing the skin’s lipid matrix, Centella Asiatica helps fortify the barrier against environmental stressors and moisture loss.

Cica neutralizes free radicals, protecting the skin from oxidative stress, which contributes to premature aging.

Regular use of Cica-infused products can lighten post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and promote a more even complexion.

Often combined with humectants, Cica helps retain moisture and reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

Its astringent properties help tighten pores, leading to smoother skin texture.

Thanks to its non-irritating and calming nature, Centella Asiatica is a go-to for individuals struggling with chronic skin conditions.

Cica’s anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating effects help control breakouts and reduce acne-induced irritation without clogging pores.

Hydrating and soothing, Cica repairs the damaged moisture barrier and relieves itchiness and flakiness associated with dryness.

For those with aging or mixed skin types, Cica offers a balanced approach - reducing fine lines while supporting hydration and firmness.

While both calm and hydrate, Cica offers added benefits in collagen production and scar fading, making it more comprehensive for anti-aging routines.

Green Tea is rich in polyphenols and excels in oil control and antioxidation. However, Cica is more effective in healing and rebuilding skin post-damage.

Several studies support its benefits. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology confirmed Cica’s wound healing and anti-inflammatory efficacy.

In a 2015 clinical trial, a cream with madecassoside showed significant improvement in skin elasticity and wrinkle reduction over 12 weeks.

Look for “Centella Asiatica Extract” or the four key actives - Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid - high in the ingredients list.

Common Myths and Misconceptions About Cica

While Centella Asiatica is incredibly effective for sensitive and reactive skin, it’s a myth that it’s only suitable for these types. In truth, Cica benefits all skin types—from oily to dry, from acne-prone to aging skin. Its multifunctional properties like hydration, antioxidant support, and collagen stimulation make it universally effective.

Another misconception is expecting overnight results. Although Cica has rapid soothing effects, visible improvements in skin texture, tone, or scarring require consistent use over weeks. Like most natural actives, Cica works best with regular application in a balanced skincare routine.

Yes! “Cica” is the nickname for Centella Asiatica, often used in skincare branding. Both refer to the same botanical extract known for calming and healing the skin.

Yes, Cica pairs well with potent ingredients like retinol, AHAs, and BHAs, as it helps reduce the irritation they can cause. However, it’s best to introduce these combos slowly and monitor your skin’s response.

You can safely use Cica daily, even multiple times per day, depending on the formulation. It’s commonly found in both morning and night routines.

Generally, Cica is considered safe during pregnancy, especially when used topically. Still, consult your healthcare provider before incorporating any new ingredient into your routine.

Absolutely. Cica promotes collagen synthesis and skin regeneration, making it excellent for reducing the appearance of post-acne scars and blemishes over time.

Cica is generally very well-tolerated. However, those with allergies to the Apiaceae plant family (like parsley or celery) should do a patch test before full application.

Centella Asiatica (Cica) has more than earned its spotlight in the skincare world. From its rich history in traditional medicine to its proven modern-day benefits, this herb continues to shine as a go-to remedy for a wide range of skin issues. Whether you’re struggling with sensitivity, aging, acne, or dehydration, Cica offers a natural, science-backed solution that nurtures and repairs your skin barrier.

When choosing Cica products, look for high-quality formulas that list Centella Asiatica Extract or madecassoside near the top of the ingredient list. Combine it with other gentle actives and apply consistently to see its full potential unfold.

So, if you haven’t already added this green powerhouse to your skincare routine, now’s the perfect time to give your skin the calming, healing touch of Cica.