Best for
Sensitive, reactive & post–procedure skin
Typical concentration
5% – 10%
Also known as
Tiger Grass, Gotu Kola
Centella Asiatica — commonly called Cica, Tiger Grass, or Gotu Kola — is a leafy herb with a 3,000-year history in Ayurvedic and traditional Asian medicine, prized for calming and healing skin. It’s now one of the most trusted ingredients for sensitive, irritated, or reactive skin in modern skincare.
What Centella Asiatica does for skin
- Calms irritation and redness — its active compounds (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid) have genuine anti-inflammatory action
- Strengthens the skin barrier — supports barrier repair, making it especially useful for skin stressed by other actives like retinoids or acids
- Speeds up healing and recovery — traditionally used for wound healing, and modern research shows it helps repair skin after procedures, sun exposure, or acid/retinoid overuse
- Supports collagen production — contributes to firmness and elasticity over time, alongside its calming effects
What percentage of Centella Asiatica should you use
| Concentration | Best for | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 5% | Everyday use, general skin health | Gentle, suitable for daily use across skin types |
| 10% | Sensitive skin, acne scars, active inflammation | Speeds healing, reduces redness more noticeably |
| Above 10% | Rarely necessary | Can support healing further, but isn’t required for most everyday use |
Who should use Centella Asiatica
This is one of the few ingredients that genuinely suits almost everyone, but it particularly benefits: sensitive or reactive skin that flushes easily, acne-prone skin (helps calm inflammation and reduce scarring), post-procedure skin (recovering from lasers, peels, or microneedling), and skin currently using strong actives like retinol or exfoliating acids that need extra barrier support.
What to pair Centella Asiatica with
Use with some caution alongside high concentrations of retinol or benzoyl peroxide — not because Centella causes a reaction, but because these ingredients can be drying, and combining them without care may still cause irritation. If layering with these, start slow or use on alternate nights.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cica good for acne-prone skin?
Yes — it calms inflammation, may help reduce acne scarring, and its gentle nature means it won’t aggravate active breakouts the way some other actives can.
What’s the difference between Cica and Centella Asiatica?
They’re the same ingredient — Cica is simply the popular shorthand name used in skincare marketing, especially K-beauty.
Can I use Centella Asiatica every day?
Yes, it’s gentle enough for daily use and is commonly used both morning and night.
Is Centella Asiatica the same as an Ayurvedic ingredient?
Yes — it’s also known as Gotu Kola and has a long history of use in Ayurveda, alongside its more recent popularity in Korean and Western skincare.