Centella Asiatica
Also known as Cica, Gotu Kola, or Tiger Grass, Centella Asiatica is an herb used in traditional medicine for wound healing that has become one of the most popular soothing ingredients in Korean and global skincare. Its active compounds (madecassoside, asiaticoside, madecassic acid, asiatic acid) reduce inflammation, stimulate collagen production, and accelerate wound healing. Essential for sensitive and compromised skin.
Concentration & Usage
Used in various forms: full extract, TECA (Titrated Extract of Centella Asiatica — a standardized blend of the four key actives), or individual compounds. Concentrations vary widely (0.1-5% of active compounds). Apply morning and/or night. Safe for daily use on all skin types.
Application
Topical (serum, cream, toner, mask). TECA or pure centella extract preferred over whole plant extract for consistency.
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Mechanism of Action
The four key triterpenoid saponins—madecassoside, asiaticoside, madecassic acid, and asiatic acid—exert distinct but complementary mechanisms. Madecassoside and asiaticoside are anti-inflammatory: they inhibit NF-κB nuclear translocation and IκB kinase activity, reducing TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β production in keratinocytes and dermal cells. Madecassic acid and asiatic acid (the aglycone forms) stimulate type I and III collagen synthesis in fibroblasts by upregulating collagen gene expression and procollagen production. All four compounds promote wound healing by stimulating angiogenesis via VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) upregulation, fibroblast proliferation and migration, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Centella extracts also increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity in skin cells, enhancing endogenous antioxidant defense. The triterpenes may modulate TGF-β and Smad signaling. TECA (Titrated Extract of Centella Asiatica) standardizes these actives for consistent clinical efficacy.
Ingredient Interactions
Centella's madecassoside and asiaticoside compounds reduce inflammation and support collagen synthesis — complementing the retinoid while calming redness and sensitivity.
Centella asiatica is one of the best calming ingredients to pair with retinoids. It reduces inflammation while the retinol increases cell turnover.
Both are anti-inflammatory and soothing. Excellent for sensitive, irritated, or post-procedure skin. No pH conflicts or interactions.
Both calm inflammation through different pathways. Excellent for rosacea, sensitive skin, and post-inflammatory redness. No conflicts at all.
See our full Ingredient Interactions Guide for more combinations and timing strategies.
Regulatory Status
Cosmetic ingredient. Available OTC worldwide. Used in medical wound care (Madecassol) in some countries.
Risks & Safety
Common
Very well-tolerated. Occasionally mild tingling.
Serious
None documented.
Rare
Allergic contact dermatitis (uncommon). Purified extracts are less likely to cause reactions than crude extracts.
Compare Centella Asiatica With
Research Papers
10Published: November 19, 2021
AI Summary
In particular, a significant body of scientific research exists on the therapeutic properties of preparations of C. asiatica or its triterpenes in the treatment of skin diseases. The present study is aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the beneficial effects of C. asiatica on skin diseases.
Published: August 6, 2014
AI Summary
The active compounds include pentacyclic triterpenes, mainly asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. We have conducted an overview to summarize current knowledge on the results of scientific in vitro and in vivo experiments focused on the improvement of the healing process of small wounds, hypertrophic scars and burns by C...
Published: February 19, 2013
AI Summary
Centella asiatica is effective in improving treatment of small wounds, hypertrophic wounds as well as burns, psoriasis and scleroderma. Research results indicate that it can be used in the treatment of photoaging skin, cellulite and striae.
Published: December 4, 2023
AI Summary
It is known for its ability to clear heat and dampness, detoxify, and reduce swelling, making it a popular treatment for dermatitis, wound healing, and lupus erythematosus. However, the effect of CA on regulating inflammation and its mechanism in the pathogenesis of psoriasis is still not fully understood.
Published: September 3, 2020
AI Summary
The results showed that C. asiatica and its triterpenoids had extensive beneficial effects on neurological and skin diseases, which were confirmed through clinical studies. However, further clinical studies are urgently required due to the low level of evidence and lack of patients.
Published: February 13, 2023
AI Summary
Studies have shown that Centella asiatica extracts (CAE) display activity in tissue regeneration, cell migration and wound repair process by promoting fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. Preliminary findings have shown that the asiatic acid is one of the main active constituents of C.
Published: February 4, 2020
AI Summary
Interestingly, the CA-treated groups exhibited considerably decreased mast cell infiltration in the ear tissue. In addition, the expression of IL-6 in mast cells, as well as the expression of various pathogenic cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, iNOS, COX-2, and CXCL9, was reduced in both AD+CA-80 and AD+CA-200 groups.
Published: May 11, 2016
AI Summary
In vivo tests formulations containing 5% of Centella asiatica extract showed the best efficacy in improving skin moisture by increase of skin surface hydration state and decrease in transepidermal water loss as well as exhibited antiinflammatory properties based on the methyl nicotinate model of microinflammation in human skin.
Published: March 9, 2022
AI Summary
Under metabolic stress conditions, there is a higher demand for nutrients which needs to be met. This is to reduce the risk of delay in wound healing which could lead to chronic wound.
Published: September 7, 2024
AI Summary
Photoaging is a process of the architecture of normal skin damaged by ultraviolet radiation. The authors aimed to understand the mechanism and level of evidence of different commonly used cosmeceuticals used to treat photodamaged skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Centella Asiatica used for?
Also known as Cica, Gotu Kola, or Tiger Grass, Centella Asiatica is an herb used in traditional medicine for wound healing that has become one of the most popular soothing ingredients in Korean and global skincare. Its active compounds (madecassoside, asiaticoside, madecassic acid, asiatic acid) reduce inflammation, stimulate collagen production, and accelerate wound healing. Essential for sensitive and compromised skin.
What are the side effects of Centella Asiatica?
Common: Very well-tolerated. Occasionally mild tingling. Serious: None documented. Rare: Allergic contact dermatitis (uncommon). Purified extracts are less likely to cause reactions than crude extracts.
How is Centella Asiatica administered?
Centella Asiatica is administered via topical (serum, cream, toner, mask). teca or pure centella extract preferred over whole plant extract for consistency..
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