What is centella used for?

Is centella the same as cica?

Centella asiatica is a plant also called cica, tiger grass or gotu kola. Its main active compounds are asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Products can contain the plant extract or selected compounds. Centella comes in toners, ampoules, masks and sunscreens, so one plant can occupy an impressive amount of bathroom real estate.12

What can centella do for your skin?

Dry and sensitive skin are practical reasons to try centella. It helps the skin barrier retain moisture and reduces inflammation. For eczema or rosacea, its role is supportive skincare alongside other treatments, not a replacement for medication.1

For acne, centella's potential is mainly in calming inflammation. Laboratory research on madecassoside found reduced inflammatory signaling in cells exposed to acne bacteria. A centella extract showed low antibacterial activity in a separate laboratory test. That makes centella a supporting ingredient rather than an established treatment for clearing acne.2

Research on atopic dermatitis, a form of eczema, includes animal experiments in which centella preparations reduced inflammatory changes. Those findings are promising, but effective treatment strengths and schedules for people still need better clinical testing.2

Does centella help wounds and scars?

Centella might support wound healing by encouraging collagen production and the formation of small blood vessels. Collagen provides structural support, while new blood vessels help supply healing tissue. Human research remains limited: a systematic review included four clinical trials examining outcomes such as healing time, redness and wound appearance. More clinical research is needed before centella becomes a dependable wound treatment.3

Some burn trials used a specific centella ointment or dressings containing both centella and aloe vera. These are different from an everyday cosmetic serum. Keep burn and wound care separate from choosing a face product; the promising results concern particular treatment preparations.2

Centella has also been investigated for keloids, raised scars that grow beyond the original wound. Asiatic acid affects pathways involved in excessive collagen formation, making it a potential research direction rather than an established way to remove a keloid.3

Can centella prevent stretch marks?

Products containing centella may help prevent stretch marks. Prevention is different from removing marks that already exist: stretch marks are permanent scars, although treatment can make them less noticeable. Products aimed at fading stretch marks generally work better on early marks than mature ones, and any visible improvement takes weeks. That is general stretch mark care, not a centella specific result. Check with your doctor before using a stretch mark treatment during pregnancy or breastfeeding.4

How should you use centella?

1. 1Choose a leave on cream, serum or lotion to keep centella in contact with your skin.
2. 2Test the product on your inner arm and wait at least 24 hours before applying it to your face.
3. 3If the test causes no reaction, use the product as directed on its label.

There is no single established centella strength or improvement timeline for everyday skincare. Extracts differ in their active compound content depending on the plant material and extraction method. Research also uses whole extracts, isolated compounds and different delivery systems, so a study concentration is not a shopping target. Choose the format for its purpose, rather than collecting the entire range as though your bathroom were a centella museum.23

Who should be careful?

Centella can cause an allergic reaction, including burning or contact dermatitis, an inflammatory skin rash. Stop using a product that causes these symptoms. Ask a dermatology clinician before using centella if you are under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a history of liver problems or skin cancer.1