Centella asiatica

Centella asiatica — "cica" on Korean shelves — is a herb with a long record in wound care. Its active triterpenoids (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic and madecassic acids) have anti-inflammatory and pro-collagen activity in cell and animal work[2].

The evidence

Small cosmetic studies report reduced redness and improved hydration in sensitive skin[1]. The wound-healing literature is more substantial but concerns pharmaceutical extracts at defined triterpenoid content, which few cosmetics disclose.

It is a soothing ingredient with plausible mechanism and thin clinical support, hence Limited. Pairs with panthenolPanthenolModeratePanthenol · Provitamin B5Humectant that converts to pantothenic acid; good evidence for barrier recovery and soothing.Open in the Index →.