Centella Asiatica Extract

Benefits: Soothing, Anti-Aging.
Categories: Antioxidant, Plant Extracts.

Centella asiatica is a perennial herb that grows primarily in Asia, and may be listed on labels as asiatic acid, hydrocotyl, or gotu kola. For years, it’s had both culinary and medicinal uses, but like many traditional plant extracts, it’s gaining popularity as a skin care ingredient. Centella asiatica first gained popularity in South Korea, where it’s the star ingredient in moisturizers known as “cica creams.” “Cica” is a shortening of the term Centella asiatica, and these creams are well known for their soothing, anti-inflammatory properties.

It has multiple benefits for skin thanks to its active compounds, including madecassoside, which serves as an antioxidant. Centella asiatica itself also has been shown to have potent antioxidant properties and to be a rich source of amino acids, and there’s additional research showing that it’s a good hydrating ingredient to soothe upset or compromised skin.