Ingredient guide
Centella asiatica
INCI name · centella asiatica
In short
Centella asiatica (also known as Cica) is an anti-inflammatory generally associated with visible redness and barrier support. It is often chosen for sensitive, dry and combination skin. MIRU describes it by what is visible on skin, never as a treatment or cure.
Works forFrom reviewed ingredient data
Redness · Barrier
Skin type
Sensitive · Dry · Combination
Best used
Anytime
What it is
Centuries of traditional use, growing clinical support for barrier repair.
Evidence receipt
LimitedCentella asiatica (cica) · applied to skin
Based on 2 sources
Open the citable recordEncouraging early evidence in relation to calmer, more comfortable skin. A long-used soothing botanical.
Studied as Centella asiatica (cica): standardised Centella extract, madecassoside.
See 2 sources
Review of topical Centella asiatica. The one controlled human result it reports for erythema is a split-face, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 0.05% standardised ECa 233 gel after laser resurfacing for acne scars, in which erythema subsided by day 7 against day 28 on the placebo side (Damkerngsuntorn et al. 2020). The review also describes the actives enhancing collagen synthesis and modulating inflammation.
post-laser erythema, collagen synthesis · standardised Centella extract
Pharmaceutics, 2024Madecassoside facilitated wound healing via antioxidative activity and collagen synthesis (pre-clinical).
wound healing · madecassoside
J Ethnopharmacol, 2008
Affiliation note. Publication links report the study authors and their affiliations. MIRU does not infer independence from an affiliation alone.
When to use it
Either. It is calm enough for daily use, morning or evening.
Pairs well with
Where it sits
Serums sit after toner and before moisturiser. Thinnest to thickest, water before oil.
- Cleanse
- Tone
- Centella asiatica
- Moisturise
- SPF
Also found as
Related
Compare products
Browse product comparisonsWhere to find it
Examples, not a ranking. A product lookup can confirm identity and background; a verdict still needs the full ingredient list.
Sun stick for touch-ups. Sticks are easy to under-apply, so pass twice.
Spicule texture serum. Introduce slowly, then keep the rest of the routine calm.
Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment
Centella (cica) colour-correcting treatment to calm visible redness.
Product discovery is not efficacy proof. These examples are not ranked by commission.
Common questions
What does Centella asiatica do for skin?
Centella asiatica is associated in published research with visible redness and barrier support. Centuries of traditional use, growing clinical support for barrier repair. MIRU frames ingredients by what is visible, not by medical claims.
When should I use Centella asiatica?
Centella asiatica is typically used morning or evening. Introduce any new active on its own first and add one product at a time so you can see how your skin responds.
Is Centella asiatica suitable for my skin type?
Centella asiatica is often chosen for sensitive, dry and combination skin. It is generally considered well tolerated. If your skin is reactive, patch-test first and watch for any irritation.
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Personal guidance, not medical advice.