Centella asiatica, commonly known as Gotu Kola or Cica, is a medicinal herb widely recognized for its skin-repairing and health-promoting properties. It is rich in triterpenoids and saponins, including asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid, which have been shown to help reduce inflammation, stimulate collagen synthesis, and promote skin regeneration.
Today, Centella asiatica extract is widely used in both topical skincare products and oral dietary supplements. This article focuses on the topical use of Centella asiatica extract in skincare. If you're interested in its internal health benefits, see our article on Oral Gotu Kola Extract.
| Common Name | Centella Asiatica Extract |
| Appearance | Typically a brown liquid |
| Source | Extracted from Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola) |
| Key Benefits | Helps reduce inflammation, supports wound healing, stimulates collagen production, and improves skin hydration |
| Recommended Product | Nectapharma Bioactive Acne Clear Serum |
TLDR
Centella asiatica (Cica) is a medicinal herb rich in bioactive compounds that have been extensively studied for their ability to support gentle and effective skin repair.
Centella asiatica extract helps reduce inflammation, soothe irritated skin, promote wound healing, stimulate collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and improve skin hydration, leaving skin healthier and more resilient.
It is suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive, acne-prone, and dehydrated skin, as it helps reduce redness and irritation while restoring the skin's natural balance.
What Does Centella Asiatica Extract Do for the Skin?
Also known simply as Cica in the skincare industry, Centella asiatica extract is one of the most extensively researched botanical ingredients for skin repair. Numerous studies have demonstrated its benefits across several key aspects of skin health.
1. Helps Reduce Skin Inflammation and Soothe Irritation (Anti-Inflammatory & Soothing Effect)
Centella asiatica extract—particularly madecassoside—effectively helps reduce skin inflammation and soothe irritated skin.
Studies have shown that madecassoside suppresses the release of IL-1β, a pro-inflammatory cytokine triggered by Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), helping reduce inflammation and redness while strengthening the skin barrier. These properties make Centella asiatica particularly beneficial for sensitive, inflamed, and acne-prone skin requiring gentle care. [3]
2. Supports Wound Healing and Collagen Production (Wound Healing & Collagen Synthesis)
One of the best-known benefits of Centella asiatica extract is its ability to promote wound healing.
Research has shown that asiaticoside stimulates the production of type I and type III collagen while promoting angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation)—two essential processes involved in efficient wound repair. These effects help wounds heal faster, strengthen the skin, and reduce cellular damage during the healing process. [4]
3. Strengthens the Skin Barrier and Improves Hydration (Barrier Repair & Moisture Retention)
In addition to its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, Centella asiatica extract plays an important role in reinforcing the skin barrier and maintaining optimal skin hydration.
Studies have demonstrated that madecassoside and asiaticoside stimulate the production of key structural proteins such as filaggrin, involucrin, and aquaporin-3 (AQP3), helping strengthen the skin barrier and improve water retention. They also promote hyaluronic acid synthesis while reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in lower transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and healthier, more hydrated skin [3], [4]
Who Should Use Centella Asiatica (Cica)?
Centella asiatica extract is a gentle, well-tolerated ingredient suitable for all skin types, especially those seeking to restore skin health and reduce inflammation.
It is particularly beneficial for:
- Sensitive or easily irritated skin – helps soothe redness while strengthening the skin barrier.
- Acne-prone skin – helps reduce inflammation associated with acne and improves the appearance of post-acne marks.
- Dry or dehydrated skin – enhances skin hydration, reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and leaves skin plumper and healthier.
