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Centella Asiatica (Cica)

By Nur → Last verified 9/26/2026

What it is

Centella asiatica, also called Cica or tiger grass, is a plant extract long used in traditional medicine for wound healing, now a cornerstone calming ingredient across Korean skincare.

What the evidence says

Centella calms redness and irritation and supports the skin barrier. Some preclinical and limited clinical research suggests it may also support collagen production, though more rigorous long-term studies are still needed to confirm this. Its key active compounds, including madecassoside, asiaticoside, and asiatic acid, are sometimes isolated and used at disclosed concentrations, as in Purito's renewed formula (34,860ppm) or Round Lab's Pine Calming Cica Cleanser.

Who it's for

Redness-prone, reactive, or generally sensitive skin, and anyone wanting a well-established calming ingredient with a long track record rather than a newer trend active.

Worth knowing

No specific group needs to avoid centella, though a product containing it isn't automatically fragrance-free or minimal, check the full ingredient list separately.

Where you'll find it

Products in our catalog that list Centella Asiatica (Cica) as a key ingredient.

Frequently asked

What is centella asiatica used for in skincare?

It's used to calm redness and irritation and support the skin barrier, sometimes with limited evidence for supporting collagen production, though more research is needed on that specific benefit.

What's the difference between centella asiatica and madecassoside?

Madecassoside is one of centella's key active compounds, often isolated and purified from the whole extract and used at a specific, disclosed concentration in some formulas.

Is centella good for sensitive skin?

Yes, it's one of the most established calming ingredients in Korean skincare, widely used in formulas for redness-prone and reactive skin.

Does a centella product mean it's fragrance-free?

No, centella and fragrance status are independent facts. Some centella-forward products are fragrance-free (like SKIN1004's plain ampoule), others contain fragrance despite the calming positioning.