What it does
- Soothes and helps calm reactive, stressed skin.
- Supports barrier repair and recovery.
- Helps reduce the appearance of redness; provides antioxidant support.
How it works
Centella's benefits come mainly from its triterpenoids: madecassoside and asiaticoside (glycosides) and madecassic and asiatic acids. These are widely documented to support the skin's repair processes and collagen-related health and to calm visible irritation, which is why cica products are popular for sensitive and post-procedure skin.
Use level
- Typical use level
- extract typically 0.1–5%; purified actives lower
Whole extracts are commonly used around 0.1–5% depending on standardisation; purified madecassoside is used at lower levels. Standardised triterpene content matters more than raw extract percentage.
Formulation considerations
- Choose a grade matched to your phase; check standardised triterpene content.
- Generally robust and broadly compatible.
- Purified actives (e.g. madecassoside) are used at low levels.
What it pairs with & what to avoid
Pairs well with
- Panthenol, allantoin, colloidal oatmeal (soothing stack)
- Niacinamide, ceramides (barrier)
- Post-retinol or post-procedure care
Use with care / avoid
- Assuming all cica extracts are equivalent — potency varies with standardisation
Regulatory status
Centella asiatica extract and its actives are listed in the EU CosIng database and are well-established soothing ingredients.
Common questions
What is cica in skincare?
Cica is shorthand for centella asiatica, a botanical used to soothe, calm redness and support barrier repair.
What is madecassoside?
Madecassoside is one of centella's key triterpene glycosides, widely documented for soothing and repair-supporting benefits.
Is centella good for sensitive skin?
Yes; it is a mainstay soothing active for reactive, stressed and post-procedure skin.