What is Centella Asiatica and why is it in so many Korean cosmetics?
If you have looked at the label of a Korean cosmetic, it is very likely that you have seen the word centella. In this guide, we review what this plant is, what compounds make it interesting for cosmetics, and how to identify it in the ingredient list, separating what manufacturers say from what is documented.
The plant
Centella asiatica is an herbaceous plant from the Apiaceae family, also known as gotu kola. It grows in humid areas of tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and other parts of the world, and has been traditionally used in various traditional Asian medicines.
Its most studied compounds
The most characteristic compounds of centella are pentacyclic triterpenes: asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid. These are the molecules that have sparked the most interest in research and the ones that some brands concentrate in their extracts.
A large part of the studies on these compounds have been carried out in laboratories or on animals. Therefore, although centella is a widely used ingredient, it is advisable not to attribute to a specific cosmetic effects that have only been observed in that type of study. The result of each product depends on its complete formula.
How to recognize it on the label
In the ingredient list (INCI) of a cosmetic, it can appear in several ways, for example:
- Centella Asiatica Extract or Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract: extract of the plant.
- Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, and Madecassic Acid: isolated compounds.
- TECA: acronym for Titrated Extract of Centella Asiatica, a titrated extract that concentrates the plant's triterpenes.
How SKIN1004 uses it
SKIN1004 builds a good part of its catalog around centella and, according to the brand, uses centella sourced from Madagascar. You will find it in several lines:
- Centella: the base line, with the Centella Ampoule, toner, cleansers, and creams.
- Centella Teca: formulas focused on TECA.
- Probio-Cica: with fermented centella and ceramides.
- Hyalu-Cica: centella combined with hyaluronic acid.
The descriptions of each product in our store summarize the information published by the manufacturer; they are not our own clinical claims.
Before trying a new product
As with any cosmetic, if your skin is sensitive or reactive, introduce products one by one, test them on a small area first, and always follow the instructions on the packaging. If you have a skin condition, consult a dermatologist.
Sources
- “Therapeutic properties and pharmacological activities of asiaticoside and madecassoside: A review”. PubMed Central.
- Product information published by SKIN1004 at skin1004.com.
CELLA is an independent retailer and is not the official SKIN1004 store. This article is for educational purposes and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional.