Centella asiatica, explained
Also called cica or tiger grass, it’s the soothing plant extract behind most of SKIN1004’s range.
What it does
Centella contains compounds such as madecassoside and asiaticoside. In the lab, these calm inflammation and support collagen production. On skin, it’s mostly valued for soothing redness and supporting a stressed barrier, which makes it a good partner for stronger ingredients like retinol.
What the research shows
A review of the research found centella’s compounds support collagen production and wound healing and calm inflammation, mostly in lab and small human studies.
Bylka and colleagues, Advances in Dermatology and Allergology, 2013 [1]
Six months of a cream combining vitamin C and madecassoside improved firmness and hydration in sun-damaged skin. Because it combined two ingredients, the effect can’t be credited to centella alone.
Haftek and colleagues, Experimental Dermatology, 2008 [2]
Creams containing centella extract improved skin hydration and reduced water loss compared with the same creams without it.
Ratz-Łyko and colleagues, Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016 [3]
How to use it after 40
- It’s gentle enough for daily use morning and night, including on sensitive skin.
- Use it on nights between retinol nights, or straight after retinol, to keep skin comfortable.
- Allergies are rare but possible, so patch test if your skin reacts easily.
Sources
- Bylka W et al. Centella asiatica in cosmetology. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2013.
- Haftek M et al. Clinical, biometric and structural evaluation of the long-term effects of a topical treatment with ascorbic acid and madecassoside in photoaged human skin. Exp Dermatol. 2008.
- Ratz-Łyko A et al. Moisturizing and antiinflammatory properties of cosmetic formulations containing Centella asiatica extract. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2016.
This page is general information, not medical advice.