Centella Asiatica
Soothing & healing
Centella asiatica, often sold as 'cica', is a plant extract used to soothe irritated skin and support its repair. Its active compounds — madecassoside, asiaticoside and related acids — are why it is popular in Korean skincare and in products for sensitive or stressed skin.
What is Centella Asiatica?
Also known as Cica. A soothing botanical extract known for its calming and skin-repair properties. Popular in products for sensitive or irritated skin.
In skincare terms, Centella Asiatica is a soothing ingredient often used to calm the look of redness and sensitivity.
What centella does
Centella has a long history in wound care. Laboratory studies show its active compounds encourage the cells that make collagen and calm inflammation, and it has been studied for small wounds, scars and burns (Bylka 2013; Bylka 2014).
In skincare it is used mainly to soothe redness and irritation. Most of the evidence comes from laboratory work and wound healing rather than from trials of cosmetic products.
The names you'll see on labels
We group these under Centella Asiatica:
- Centella asiatica extract or leaf extract — the whole-plant extract.
- Madecassoside, asiaticoside, madecassic acid and asiatic acid — the purified active compounds, sometimes listed separately.
How to use it
- Use it morning or night, in serums, moisturisers or balms.
- It works well alongside barrier ingredients such as ceramides and panthenol.
- It is a good companion to acids or retinol when skin feels sensitised.
Who it suits and side effects
Centella suits most skin types, especially sensitive, red or easily irritated skin. Allergic reactions are uncommon but possible, as with any plant extract — patch test if your skin is reactive.
Where you'll find it
In our catalogue, Centella Asiatica appears in serums, moisturisers, sets, masks and more.
Also listed as
On an ingredients label (INCI), Centella Asiatica may appear as: centella asiatica extract, centella asiatica, madecassoside, asiaticoside, centella asiatica leaf extract, madecassic acid, asiatic acid.
Related ingredients
Common questions about centella asiatica
What does cica mean?
'Cica' is a marketing name for Centella asiatica, taken from 'cicatrisation' (wound healing). It isn't an INCI name, so look for Centella asiatica or madecassoside in the list.
Is centella good for acne-prone skin?
It can help calm the redness around spots and soothe skin irritated by acne treatments, but it doesn't unclog pores on its own.
Can I use centella with retinol?
Yes. It is often used to make retinol more comfortable.
Sources
- Bylka W et al. Centella asiatica in cosmetology. Postepy Dermatol Alergol, 2013.
- Bylka W et al. Centella asiatica in dermatology: an overview. Phytother Res, 2014.
Last reviewed 19 Oct 2026.
