Centella Asiatica — also known as CICA, gotu kola, or tiger grass — has become a staple in modern skincare, and with good reason. Known for its powerful calming, healing, and hydrating benefits, Centella Asiatica is now found in everything from post-treatment creams to anti-ageing serums.
But what exactly is it, and why has it become such a go-to ingredient for both sensitive skin and advanced professional treatments?
Let’s break it down.
What Is Centella Asiatica?
Centella Asiatica is a small, leafy plant that grows in tropical regions of Asia and Africa. In traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, it’s long been used to treat wounds, burns, and inflammation. Its nickname, “tiger grass,” comes from stories of injured tigers rolling in the plant to speed up healing.
In skincare, it’s prized for its barrier-strengthening, anti-inflammatory, and collagen-boosting properties. It’s particularly useful in calming irritated, stressed, or sensitised skin.
What Are the Skin Benefits of CICA?
Whether you’re dealing with acne, dehydration, or post-procedure sensitivity, Centella Asiatica can offer support in multiple ways:
1. It Soothes Redness and Inflammation
CICA contains compounds like madecassoside and asiaticoside, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and visibly calm the skin. This makes it an ideal ingredient for treating acne, rosacea, and general sensitivity.
2. It Helps Strengthen the Skin Barrier
Centella supports the skin’s natural barrier function by stimulating lipid production and encouraging cell regeneration. That means stronger, more resilient skin that’s better able to retain moisture and defend against environmental aggressors.
3. It Boosts Collagen Production
By stimulating fibroblast activity, Centella encourages collagen synthesis. This can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve elasticity, making it a favourite in anti-ageing formulas.
4. It Accelerates Wound Healing
Centella has long been used in wound care due to its regenerative properties. It helps improve recovery time post-procedure (think microneedling, peels, or laser), and is often found in aftercare products.
5. It’s Gentle Enough for All Skin Types
Even though it’s incredibly effective, Centella is non-irritating and generally safe for all skin types — including highly reactive or damaged skin. It’s often paired with retinol, acids, or exfoliants to counteract potential side effects.
Key Active Compounds in Centella Asiatica
The plant owes its effectiveness to four major bioactive compounds:
- Asiaticoside – Anti-inflammatory and wound healing
- Madecassoside – Strengthens the skin barrier and reduces redness
- Asiatic Acid – Stimulates collagen production
- Madecassic Acid – Promotes cell turnover and repair
These components work together to restore balance and calm even the most delicate skin.
How to Incorporate Centella Asiatica Into Your Routine
Whether you’re using CICA as part of a professional treatment or recommending it for home care, it’s incredibly easy to introduce into most routines thanks to its gentle and barrier-supportive profile.
Here’s how you can incorporate it effectively:
Cleanser
Start with a low-foam, hydrating cleanser that supports the skin barrier. If CICA is included here, it will already begin calming the skin during the first step.
Toner / Mist
CICA-infused toners or mists help soothe and prep the skin post-cleanse — especially beneficial after exfoliating or using stronger actives.
Serum or Ampoule
For targeted support, a serum with Centella Asiatica can be applied before moisturiser. This is particularly useful for calming redness, boosting hydration, and reinforcing the skin’s recovery overnight.
Moisturiser
A moisturiser with CICA is ideal for sealing in all your previous steps while offering ongoing repair and anti-inflammatory protection. This is a great option for daily use, morning and night.
Post-Treatment / Recovery Care
In a professional setting, Centella-rich creams, gels or masks are excellent as a final step after peels, retinol, microdermabrasion or laser treatments. They reduce downtime, minimise irritation, and speed up visible recovery.
Paired with Actives
CICA works particularly well alongside stronger actives like retinol, AHAs, or BHA — buffering potential irritation without disrupting their effectiveness. It’s the ideal “support act” in an advanced routine.
Final Thoughts
Centella Asiatica is more than just a trend — it’s a proven, research-backed botanical with serious skincare benefits. Whether you’re working with sensitive clients, post-procedure skin, or looking to buffer stronger actives like acids and retinoids, CICA is a reliable, versatile ingredient that earns its place in any treatment plan.
If you’re a skincare professional looking to build a routine that’s both effective and gentle, Centella Asiatica is one ingredient you’ll want to keep close.
