What is Centella Asiatica in Skin Care?

The ingredient helps soothe redness and calm irritation.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:42pm

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Centella asiatica, also known as cica or tiger grass, is a medicinal herb native to Asia and parts of Africa that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for wound healing and skin repair. The ingredient helps soothe redness and irritation, strengthens and repairs the skin barrier, and hydrates skin, making it great for those with sensitive or stressed skin.

Why it matters

Centella asiatica is a popular ingredient in K-beauty products and is commonly used after treatments like retinoids, chemical peels, and microneedling, which can cause irritation and compromise the skin barrier. While it has promising data, it doesn't have the same amount of evidence as more common active ingredients like retinoids and benzoyl peroxide.

The details

Centella asiatica helps speed up collagen synthesis, which keeps skin elastic and firm. It's also commonly found in products marketed for post-procedure skin because it tends to be well-tolerated and soothes and repairs skin. However, the excitement around centella asiatica is based more on smaller studies, lab-based research, and strong anecdotal clinical experience rather than huge long-term trials.

  • Centella asiatica has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine.

The players

Centella Asiatica

Also known as cica or tiger grass, it is a medicinal herb native to Asia and parts of Africa that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for wound healing and skin repair.

Dr. Sejal Shah

A board-certified dermatologist in New York City.

Dr. Lauren Fine

A board-certified dermatologist.

Dr. Danilo C Del Campo

A board-certified dermatologist at Chicago Skin Clinic.

Dr. Dara Spearman

A board-certified dermatologist.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of the excitement is based on smaller studies, lab-based research and strong anecdotal clinical experience, but not huge long-term trials.”

— Dr. Danilo C Del Campo, Board-certified dermatologist (nbcnews.com)

The takeaway

Centella asiatica is a promising ingredient for soothing irritated, reactive skin, but more long-term research is needed to fully understand its benefits. For now, it's a popular choice in K-beauty and for post-procedure skin care, especially for those with sensitive skin types.