Is centella good for acne?

Does Centella asiatica help acne?

The strongest reason to consider centella is its potential effect on inflammation. Madecassoside, one of centella's compounds, reduced inflammatory signalling in laboratory cells exposed to acne bacteria. That makes centella a candidate for further research, not a proven way to clear pimples.1

Its antibacterial case is weaker. A tested centella extract showed low activity against acne bacteria. A herbal mixture containing centella also had antibacterial activity, but that result cannot be assigned to centella alone. Neither finding gives you a reliable prediction of what a centella serum will do on your face.1

Where does centella fit in an acne routine?

Treat centella as an optional extra rather than the centre of your routine, even if the bottle gives it top billing. There is no established centella strength, application schedule or time to acne improvement. A centella percentage is not a treatment plan, however efficiently it fills the front of a bottle. Do not choose a higher percentage expecting faster clearing, or replace a prescribed acne treatment with centella.1

What should you use to treat the acne itself?

Acne involves excess oil, a build up of cells that blocks follicles, bacteria and inflammation. An ingredient with promising effects on inflammation does not automatically address the other factors. Treatment choice depends on the type and severity of acne, not simply whether an ingredient is botanical.2

• Topical retinoids such as adapalene reduce the formation of blocked pores and help normalise the shedding of skin cells.
• Benzoyl peroxide acts against bacteria and inflammation, with some ability to help clear blocked pores.
• Azelaic acid acts against bacteria, inflammation and blocked pores.
• For mild to moderate inflamed acne, combinations such as benzoyl peroxide with adapalene are established options.

Herbal treatments are not all interchangeable. Some have encouraging clinical results for mild to moderate acne, but those results do not make every plant extract effective. Research on complementary approaches for skin conditions remains limited, and problems in how studies are conducted leave important questions about benefits and safety unanswered.23