修护
Centella Asiatica Extract
INCI: INCI: Centella Asiatica (L.) Urban Extract · Gotu Kola Extract · Hydrocotyle Asiatica Extract
The Chinese name for Centella Asiatica Extract is 积雪草 (pinyin: jī xuě cǎo). In Taiwan and Hong Kong it is commonly written 積雪草. Also known as 雷公根, 老虎草, CICA.
Quick Facts
- Chinese
- 积雪草 (jī xuě cǎo)
- English
- Centella Asiatica Extract
- Traditional (TW/HK)
- 積雪草
- Also known as
- 雷公根, 老虎草, CICA
- INCI
- Centella Asiatica Extract
- Category
- 修护
- Effective %
- 0.5% – 10% (extract); 0.5% – 2% for daily maintenance and sensitive skin, 5% – 10% for intensive repair serums
- Pregnancy
- Consult doctor
Centella asiatica is a traditional South Asian herb whose triterpene actives (chiefly asiaticoside) support collagen synthesis and wound healing. It's a dermatologist staple for soothing and repair — well suited to sensitive, redness-prone, or mildly barrier-damaged skin. Its core appeal: genuinely gentle, and effective even at the low concentrations sensitive skin can tolerate.
Key benefits
- Speeds healing of wounds and micro-damage: strong evidence — triterpenes stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen, and clinical trials show centella-containing products accelerate skin repair
- Soothes inflammation and redness: limited evidence — helpful for acne-prone and sensitive, flushed skin, but it's a supporting player rather than a primary anti-inflammatory
- Strengthens the barrier and hydrates: supported in theory and in practice — promotes natural moisturizing factor and lipid production, improving skin resilience
- Anti-aging and collagen rebuilding: limited evidence — long-term use may improve fine lines and elasticity, but less directly than retinol
Good for
- Sensitive, redness-prone, easily irritated skin
- Post-acne recovery and mildly barrier-damaged skin
- Inflammatory skin conditions (rosacea, eczema-prone skin)
- Mature skin that wants anti-aging without harsh actives
Use with caution
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: topical use is generally safe, but high oral doses may affect hormones — steer clear of high-concentration products
- Diagnosed contact dermatitis: some people react to botanical extracts; stop if stinging or swelling persists
- While on strong actives (high-strength retinol or acids): avoid stacking multiple repair products at once so skin reactions stay readable
Pairing notes
✓ Pairs well with
✕ Avoid mixing with
Frequently asked
What is Centella Asiatica Extract in Chinese?
Centella asiatica is 积雪草 (jī xuě cǎo) in Chinese — 積雪草 in Traditional Chinese — and also goes by 雷公根, 老虎草, or simply CICA. It's a soothing, repair-focused herb that supports collagen synthesis and calms sensitive, redness-prone skin.
Does centella treat acne?
Not directly. What it does is speed the healing of post-acne inflammation marks and micro-damage, shortening how long redness lingers. It works better alongside gentle oil-control ingredients. Active breakouts still need proper acne actives like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Can sensitive skin use centella every day?
Yes. Centella is one of the few soothing ingredients sensitive skin can use daily — low irritation, genuinely gentle. The conditions: concentration under 2%, a simple formula, and no other irritants alongside. If skin is in an extremely fragile state, start every other day.
Can centella and niacinamide be used together?
Yes. Both are gentle, soothing ingredients, and combining them strengthens the anti-inflammatory and barrier-repair effect — many derm-oriented skincare lines pair the two. Use one product morning and one at night, or pick a serum that contains both.
How long until centella shows results?
For redness and acute irritation: noticeable calming in 3-5 days. For wound healing and fine-line improvement: 2-4 weeks before visible change. Stay on it 6-8 weeks for an overall gain in skin resilience. Results vary with concentration and individual skin state.
What's the difference between centella extract and asiaticoside?
Centella extract is a whole-plant extract — multiple compounds, uncertain potency. Asiaticoside is the standardized single active, with a defined concentration and more direct action. If results are the priority, products that specifically list Asiaticoside are the more reliable pick.
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Educational reference only — results vary by person; see a doctor for serious skin issues.