Centella Asiatica
If you are new to Korean skin care, you will very soon notice that Centella Asiatica (aka. Cica) is a well-recognised ingredient in K-beauty.
Known and used for thousands of years in Eastern countries, it has now become a must-have skin-care staple also in Western cosmetics. Known by a variety of names, including Brahmi, Asiatic pennywort, tiger grass, and gotu kola, this plant extract is a holy grail in healing, soothing and calming the skin. Let’s discover what good can Centella Asiatica do for skin and the best Centella Asiatica products.
What is Centella Asiatica?
Centella Asiatica is a perennial herb that grows primarily in Asia. For years, taken internally or applied to the skin, it was used to heal wounds, promote healing, and even combat anxiety.
Centella Asiatica contains a bunch of active ingredients known as terpenoids, which make up around 8% of the weight of the plant. Centella Asiatica is made of four main active ingredients: asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside and madecassoside. All these actives have been studied for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, redness-reducing, age and acne-fighting capabilities.
What can Centella Asiatica do for skin?
Studies show that Centella Asiatica really does have benefits for the skin, thanks to its active compounds, including madecassoside, which serves as an antioxidant. It's main purpose is healing and soothing.
However, as mentioned earlier, Centella Asiatica contains also potent antioxidant properties. What does it mean? It is a rich source of amino acids that will fight free radicals and keep skin calm and support the healing process of compromised skin.
Studies also show that products with Centella Asiatica help revitalize the skin's protective barrier and improve the visible effects of sun damage.
Who can use Centella Asiatica skincare?
It can be used by all ages, skin types, and ethnicities and is even suitable for skin prone to rosacea.
What can Centella Asiatica really do for red, dry, sensitive?
The incredible power of Centella Asiatica skincare helps revive even the most agitated skin. From cleansers to moisturisers, there is plenty to choose from.
Are there any Centella Asiatica benefits for acne?
Cica is a miracle worker for acne-prone skin. It is a gentle antibacterial ingredient that prevents acne. One of its active compounds, Madecassic acid, not only suppresses acne inflammation but also stops the formation of acne scars. This is the reason why many acne products only help to reduce the breakouts but also heal the scars. Some of the most popular products are Benton Goodbye Redness Centella Spot Cream (15g) and Benton Goodbye Redness Centella Gel but there is of course many more.
The best Korean Centella Asiatica serum
Centella Asiatica serums and ampoule calm skin irritation and redness while promoting hydration and collagen production at the same time. Some of our favourites are:
- COSRX Hydrium Centella Aqua Soothing Ampoule (40ml)
- PURITO Centella Unscented Serum
- COSRX Pure Fit Cica Serum
- Real Barrier Cicarelief Serum (40ml)
- URANG Cica Soothing Ampoule
- Jumiso Super Soothing Cica & Aloe Facial Serum
Best Centella Asiatica moisturisers
Centella Asiatica is included in numerous moisturizers from South Korean brands, often labelled “cica creams.” Cica creams became fundamental part of the famous K-beauty ritual because of their soothing benefits. You will also find a few amazing Centella Asiatica moisturisers in our offer.
Some of our current favourites are:
- COSRX Pure Fit Cica Cream
- PURITO Centella Unscented Recovery Cream
- LAGOM Cellus Sensitive Cica Cream 60ml
- Real Barrier Cica Relief Cream (35g)
Pumper session with Centella Asiatica products
Under control, glowing and happy skin... that's the goal. For a pumper session, we recommend amazing sheet masks. Here are our top choices:
- Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Tencel Sheet Mask (25ml)
- Beauty of Joseon Centella Asiatica Calming Mask
- Benton Goodbye Redness Centella Mask Pack 23g
- URANG Love Cica x Opuntia Mask (20ml)
- Real Barrier Cicarelief Cream Mask
If you prefer more hands-off approach to skincare, then we highly recommend checking Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask or PURITO Dermide Cica Barrier Sleeping Pack.
How can I check if Centella Asiatica is good for me?
Gert an amazing opportunity to test Centella Asiatica products with a Purito Centella Unscented Mini Kit. This will be a fabulous travel-kit or a test.
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