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Skincare, simply explained
Madecassic acid is a member of the Centella ingredient family. It is used to help condition skin and has antioxidant properties, making it a useful name to recognize on a cica label.
Contributes to a formula designed to care for the skin’s surface and keep it in good condition.
Madecassic acid has antioxidant activity, one reason researchers are interested in it as a skincare ingredient.
Madecassic acid is one of the naturally occurring compounds in Centella asiatica, the plant behind cica skincare. A whole Centella extract contains a mixture of plant components. Madecassic acid can also be prepared as an individual ingredient, so a formula can include this specific part of the plant.
It is used to condition skin and has antioxidant properties, making it relevant to moisture and comfort-focused cica formulas. Madecassic acid is related to madecassoside, but these are separate ingredients and can appear together under their own names. Despite the word acid, madecassic acid does not belong to the exfoliating group that includes glycolic and salicylic acid.
On the ingredient list: Madecassic Acid.
Choose a serum or cream containing madecassic acid based on the texture and moisture you want.
Apply lighter serums before thicker moisturizers, following the product’s directions.
Use a daily product consistently. You do not need several Centella products to make a complete routine.
Madecassic acid is a supporting ingredient you may find within a comfortable cica serum or cream.
A moisturizing companion for soft-feeling skin.
Adds a light, hydrating layer to the routine.
A useful ingredient family to explore when choosing a daily cream.
Ingredient references list madecassic acid for skin conditioning. It is a supporting part of a product designed to care for the skin’s surface.
A study tested madecassic acid separately from other Centella compounds and found antioxidant activity in cell experiments.
They are related but distinct Centella compounds. Madecassoside has sugar groups attached to the madecassic acid structure. The label lists them separately when both are included.
It is not used like an AHA or BHA exfoliant. Its established skincare role is skin conditioning, so the word acid alone does not tell you a product will exfoliate.
Yes. It is one of the compounds found in Centella asiatica, commonly called cica in skincare. Cica products may contain a whole extract, individual compounds or both.
Madecassic acid’s conditioning role is established. Laboratory antioxidant findings are kept separate from clinical claims about whole Centella extracts or multi-ingredient procedures.
2019-03-01
Lists the exact compound’s topical skin-conditioning function. It does not establish hydration, wrinkle reduction or scar-treatment results from a finished cosmetic. Accessed September 17, 2026.
2026-09-17
Defines the compound and its relationship to other Centella components. Used for ingredient identity rather than clinical cosmetic claims. Accessed September 17, 2026.
2024-04-18
Researchers tested asiatic acid, asiaticoside, madecassic acid and madecassoside separately in cells, including skin fibroblasts. This supports antioxidant properties of the individual compounds. It does not establish sun protection, wrinkle reduction or pollution protection from a finished skincare product.
2021-08-10
Yes, if the finished product is intended for daily use and suits your skin. Follow the formula’s directions rather than adding extra applications for this one ingredient.
A moisturizing formula containing madecassic acid can fit beside retinol. Keep following the retinol’s instructions and start that active slowly.
No. A longer list is not automatically a better fit. Choose a product with a texture you enjoy, suitable moisturizing ingredients and a clear place in your routine.
Dermatologists recommend trying a new product on a small area for seven to ten days and stopping if it causes a reaction.
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
