Centella Asiatica (Cica)
A well-studied calming ingredient that supports barrier recovery and soothes irritated skin without drama.
Skin types
sensitive, dry, normal, combination, oily
Natural source
Derived from the Centella asiatica plant (sometimes called tiger grass or gotu kola). The active compounds — madecassoside, asiaticoside, and asiatic acid — are the ones most studied.
Caution notes
Rare contact dermatitis has been reported: patch test if you're reactive to botanicals
What it is
Centella asiatica is a botanical extract widely used in K-beauty for calming, barrier support, and wound-healing contexts. Its active triterpenoids (madecassoside, asiaticoside) have solid clinical backing.
What it actually does
- •Calms visible redness and irritation (anti-inflammatory action)
- •Supports barrier recovery and wound healing (studied in post-procedure contexts)
- •May support collagen synthesis over time (aging-well positioning, but don't expect miracles)
Who should use it
- ✓Sensitive or easily irritated skin looking for a reliable calming step
- ✓Anyone recovering from barrier damage, over-exfoliation, or post-procedure redness
- ✓People who want a gentle active with a meaningful evidence base
Who should skip it
- ✕If you've reacted to centella products before (rare, but real)
- ✕If you're already using multiple botanicals and want to simplify
How to use it in your routine
- →AM or PM: cleanse → centella serum/toner → moisturizer → SPF (AM)
- →Works well alongside barrier ingredients (ceramides, panthenol)
- →Safe to use daily; generally plays well with most actives
Cica is one of the more trustworthy K-beauty ingredients. The evidence is real, not just marketing. Choose fragrance-free formulas to let the ingredient do its job.
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Products we like
affiliateCurated picks that match our ingredient standards. Fewer is better.
- Centella Asiatica Serum (Fragrance-Free)Focused delivery of active triterpenoids without unnecessary extras.
- Cica Barrier CreamPairs calming support with occlusive barrier protection.
Some links may be affiliate links. We only recommend products that match our ingredient standards.
Related guides
Dig deeper into how centella asiatica (cica) works for specific goals.
Is Centella Asiatica (Cica) good for aging skin?
A neutral, maintenance-first look at Centella Asiatica (Cica): what it can do, what it can’t, and how to use it long-term.
Centella Asiatica (Cica) for sensitive skin: benefits & risks
How Centella Asiatica (Cica) tends to behave on sensitive skin, plus practical ways to reduce irritation risk.
How to use Centella Asiatica (Cica) in a maintenance routine
Where Centella Asiatica (Cica) fits, how often to use it, and what to pair it with for barrier-first consistency.