Centella Asiatica: Uses, Evidence and Cautions

Q: Can Centella Asiatica be combined with other skincare?

It is commonly paired with Retinoids, niacinamide , ceramides, hyaluronic acid, panthenol; introduce one new active at a time and stop if irritation develops.

Centella asiatica, often labelled cica, is a medicinal plant extract used in skincare to calm redness and irritation and to support recovery of a stressed barrier. Its active triterpenoids include asiaticoside and madecassoside. It is a supportive ingredient rather than a corrective one for pigmentation or ageing, and allergic contact dermatitis has been reported.

Key Facts

What it is: A medicinal plant extract used in skincare to calm irritation and support skin repair, often labelled cica.
Also called: Gotu kola; cica; tiger grass; madecassoside; asiaticoside
Pairs with: Retinoids, niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, panthenol
Who should take care: Centella is generally well tolerated, but allergic contact dermatitis has been reported, so anyone with a known plant extract allergy should patch test first.
In Singapore: Centella asiatica extracts are common cosmetic ingredients in Singapore, especially in Korean-formulated skincare sold as cica products.

What is centella asiatica and what does it do?

Centella asiatica is a herb used in traditional medicine across Asia. Its main active compounds are triterpenoids, including asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. In laboratory studies these support fibroblast activity and collagen production, reduce inflammatory signalling and have antioxidant effects. In skincare, centella extracts are used mainly to soothe redness and irritation, support recovery of a stressed barrier, and as a calming partner to stronger actives such as retinoids or acids. It is also studied in wound and scar care. It is a supportive ingredient rather than a corrective one for pigmentation or ageing. [1]

A woman by a window, hand resting against her cheek, skin evenly lit

“It is a supportive ingredient rather than a corrective one for pigmentation or ageing.”
Dr Sin YongOn topical centella asiatica

What does the evidence show?

Most of the evidence comes from laboratory and animal studies, with a smaller number of human trials in wound healing and scar management. A systematic review of wound-healing studies reported positive effects, while noting variable quality. Cosmetic studies on soothing and barrier support are generally small and often manufacturer-funded. Its role is reasonable as a calming ingredient, but strong claims for reversing ageing are not supported.

Who should avoid centella asiatica?

Centella is generally well tolerated, but allergic contact dermatitis has been reported, so anyone with a known plant extract allergy should patch test first. People with eczema should introduce it cautiously, as fragrance or other ingredients in the same product may irritate. Stop if itching, redness or a rash develops.

Is centella asiatica available in Singapore?

Centella asiatica extracts are common cosmetic ingredients in Singapore, especially in Korean-formulated skincare sold as cica products. Cosmetic products are notified to the Health Sciences Authority rather than individually approved, so extract quality and concentration vary between brands. Oral herbal products containing centella are a separate category.

If a dark patch, breakout or irritation is not responding to what you are using, the next step is a diagnosis rather than another product. See the Skin A–Z library for related ingredients.

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Questions Patients Actually Ask

What is Centella Asiatica used for?+

A medicinal plant extract used in skincare to calm irritation and support skin repair, often labelled cica.

Who should avoid Centella Asiatica?+

Can Centella Asiatica be combined with other skincare?+

It is commonly paired with Retinoids, niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, panthenol; introduce one new active at a time and stop if irritation develops.

What does cica mean on a skincare label?+

Cica is short for centella asiatica, a medicinal plant extract also called gotu kola or tiger grass. Its active triterpenoids include asiaticoside and madecassoside. It is common in Korean-formulated skincare and is a supportive ingredient for calming irritation.

Should I patch test centella asiatica products?+

Centella is generally well tolerated, but allergic contact dermatitis has been reported. Patch test first, especially if you have a known plant extract allergy. If a rash, itching or swelling develops, stop using the product and see a doctor.

Medically reviewed by Dr Sin Yong, MBBS (NUS), MRCS (Edinburgh) · Last updated 7 October 2026 · Editorial policy

Availability in Singapore

Centella asiatica extracts, including madecassoside, asiaticoside and asiatic acid, are cosmetic ingredients in Singapore. Products are notified to the HSA under the Health Products (Cosmetic Products – ASEAN Cosmetic Directive) Regulations rather than approved, and the ASEAN annexes set no concentration limit for centella. Claims must stay cosmetic: soothing and moisturising, not treating a named disease. Prescription wound or scar preparations are a separate category. A doctor assesses whether redness or a disrupted barrier needs medical treatment before recommending centella skincare as support. Source.