Loading page…
Loading ingredient guide…
Skincare, simply explained
Centella asiatica, also called cica, helps skin hold onto moisture and look calmer. Get to know this plant ingredient and how a serum or cream can fit into a routine for dry or sensitive-feeling skin.
Centella formulas can help increase moisture in the skin’s surface, a welcome benefit when skin feels dry or tight.
Centella skincare may help reduce moisture loss, supporting the outer layer that keeps skin feeling comfortable.
Research into centella formulas suggests a soothing effect on temporarily irritated skin, including a reduction in visible redness.
Centella asiatica is a leafy plant also called gotu kola. If you’ve seen cica on a skincare bottle, this is the plant behind the name. Its extract is used in toners, ampoules and creams to help skin stay hydrated and feel comfortable.
The plant contains compounds called madecassoside and asiaticoside. These are some of the ingredients researchers study to understand centella’s soothing properties. They can also be separated from the plant and added to skincare on their own, which is why you may recognize their names on other products.
Centella extract contains a mixture of the plant’s compounds. A product with isolated madecassoside takes a more focused approach. Both can have a place in skincare for dryness and skin comfort; the ingredient list tells you which form you’re choosing.
On the ingredient list: Centella Asiatica Extract. Leaf extracts and waters have separate names.
Also known as: Cica, centella or gotu kola.
Choose the texture your skin needs: a light centella ampoule, a hydrating serum or a cream.
After gentle cleansing, apply a liquid formula before moisturizer. A centella cream can be your moisturizing step.
Use it as often as the label recommends. Start with one new formula, particularly if your skin is feeling sensitive.
Keep the rest of your routine comfortable, and finish with sunscreen in the morning.
Centella fits naturally into a routine built around hydration and comfort. These ingredients help fill out the basics.
Useful in a moisturizer when your skin feels dry and needs barrier care.
For a light, hydrating layer alongside centella.
Another comfortable companion for moisture-focused routines.
In a four-week study, centella creams and gels increased skin hydration and reduced water loss. These measurements help explain why cica appears so often in skincare for dry-feeling skin.
Researchers also looked at how skin responded to a controlled irritation challenge. Skin treated with the centella formulas showed less redness, adding evidence to its reputation as a comfort-focused ingredient.
Cica is a common skincare nickname for centella asiatica. A product called a cica cream may contain centella extract, individual centella compounds, or a combination, so the ingredient list gives you the clearest picture.
It can be a useful option for a gentle routine. Choose a simple formula that suits your skin, preferably fragrance-free if fragrance bothers you, and patch test before using it all over your face.
Most everyday centella toners, serums and moisturizers are designed for regular use. Follow your product’s directions and adjust if your skin feels uncomfortable.
Small human studies support the hydrating and soothing potential of particular centella formulas. The clearest findings concern surface hydration, moisture loss and responses to a controlled irritation challenge.
The main four-week study involved 25 volunteers and tested specific creams and gels on forearms. Another study compared centella and ceramide creams in 30 workers with dry skin. These were not trials of every cica product or treatments for rosacea.
2016-01 · DOI 10.4103/0250-474x.180247
A 25-person study of 2.5% and 5% extract creams and gels. It measured hydration, water loss and redness after an experimental irritation challenge; it does not establish treatment of a skin condition.
2021-06-25 · DOI 10.1515/jbcpp-2020-0510
A four-week comparison in 30 batik workers with dry skin. Both creams improved hydration; there was no plain-cream control, so this does not show that centella is superior to ceramides.
2023-06 · DOI 10.1177/10915818231158272
Defines the different centella ingredients and concludes the reviewed forms are safe under the described uses and concentrations when formulated to avoid sensitization. It does not guarantee that every person tolerates every product.
Yes, a centella moisturizer or serum can fit alongside either. Keep to the directions for your active product and introduce new formulas separately. A soothing layer is not a reason to use more retinol than your skin tolerates.
Madecassoside is one of the compounds found in centella. An extract contains a mixture of plant compounds, while madecassoside is a separately named ingredient. You may see both in one formula.
Centella skincare can be part of a comfortable routine, but it is not a replacement for acne or rosacea treatment. If redness or breakouts persist, a dermatologist can help you choose a targeted plan.
2021-08-10
Dermatologists explain how to try a finished skincare product on a small area before using it more widely.
Find your next routine favourite
Start with one product that fits your routine.
Use after cleansing, before your serum or moisturizer. An easy place to start if you enjoy a light, fresh feel.
Explore an essenceUse at your serum step, before moisturizer. Choose this step when you want to keep the cream you already love, and follow the product's directions for how often to apply it.
Explore a serum or ampoule8 productsSwipe to explore
