Centella asiatica has been part of Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. Today it shows up in everything from K-beauty serums to natural anti-aging moisturizers. You may know it as cica, gotu kola, tiger grass or Indian pennywort. They're all the same small, fan-leafed herb, and the research behind it is real.
This guide covers what centella asiatica is, what published studies say it does for your skin, who benefits most, and how to choose a centella asiatica cream that actually delivers.
What Is Centella Asiatica?
Centella asiatica is a small perennial herb that grows in the warm, humid wetlands of India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia and parts of Africa. Traditional healers used it for wound healing, skin conditions and as a "longevity" herb long before anyone could explain why it worked. In Sri Lanka there's a well-loved story that elephants, famous for long lives and long memories, grazed on its leaves.
Modern science has since explained a lot of that history. A widely cited review in *Phytotherapy Research*, Centella asiatica in dermatology: an overview, summarizes decades of laboratory and clinical work on the herb's use for wounds, scars and other skin concerns.
Why is it called "cica"?
"Cica" comes from *cicatrice*, the French word for scar. That points to the herb's best-known traditional use: helping damaged skin repair itself. In skincare, "cica cream" usually means a soothing, barrier-supporting cream that contains centella asiatica or its active compounds.
The Active Compounds in Centella Asiatica
Most of centella's skin benefits come from a group of compounds called triterpenoids (sometimes called centelloids). The four most studied are:
- Asiaticoside
- Madecassoside
- Asiatic acid
- Madecassic acid
A 2023 review in the *Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine*, Therapeutic properties and pharmacological activities of asiaticoside and madecassoside, describes how these compounds support wound repair, calm inflammation, act as antioxidants and encourage collagen production. The plant also contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds that add to its antioxidant activity.
6 Centella Asiatica Benefits for Skin
1. It supports collagen production for firmer skin
Collagen is the protein that keeps skin firm, plump and springy. We make less of it every year, which is a big reason fine lines and sagging appear. Centella's triterpenoids have been shown to stimulate fibroblasts, the skin cells that make collagen. Asiaticoside in particular is linked to increased type I collagen synthesis in laboratory studies (J Cell Mol Med, 2023). That's why gotu kola for skin has become a staple in natural anti-aging skincare.
For more on how collagen works and how to keep it, read our guide: How to Increase Collagen in Your Face Naturally.
2. It strengthens the skin barrier and locks in moisture
Your skin barrier is the lipid-rich outer layer that keeps water in and irritants out. When it's damaged by harsh cleansers, over-exfoliation, weather or aging, skin turns dry, tight and reactive. Research on madecassoside shows it can improve skin hydration and calm inflammation (Biosci Biotechnol Biochem, 2019). Centella compounds also help reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), the steady evaporation of moisture from your skin.
Not sure if your barrier is compromised? See Signs of a Damaged Skin Barrier (and Why It Makes Skin Oily and Dry).
3. It calms redness and irritation
Centella asiatica is a favorite for sensitive, reactive and redness-prone skin because it calms the inflammatory signals that cause redness, heat and stinging. That's one reason cica is so popular with people who can't tolerate stronger actives. If redness is your main concern, our guide on how to get rid of redness on your face covers other plant ingredients that help too.
4. It helps skin heal and renew
Wound healing is centella's oldest traditional use, and it's also the best-researched. A 2022 systematic review in the *International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health*, A Systematic Review of the Effect of Centella asiatica on Wound Healing, found consistent evidence that centella preparations support wound closure and tissue repair. For everyday skincare, that means support for skin recovering from breakouts, dryness or environmental stress.
5. It delivers antioxidant protection
UV light, pollution and stress create free radicals, unstable molecules that break down collagen and speed up visible aging. Centella's flavonoids and triterpenoids help neutralize them. A 2024 review of cosmeceuticals in photoaging lists centella asiatica among the botanical ingredients studied for sun-related skin aging.
6. It plays well with other actives
Centella is gentle, so it pairs well with stronger ingredients like retinol alternatives. It works especially well alongside bakuchiol, the plant-based retinol alternative, and nourishing plant oils.
Who Should Use Centella Asiatica?
Centella asiatica suits nearly every skin type, but it's especially helpful for:
- Mature and menopausal skin that is thinning, dry and losing firmness
- Sensitive or redness-prone skin that reacts to stronger actives
- Dry or dehydrated skin with a weakened moisture barrier
- Skin recovering from breakouts, over-exfoliation or environmental stress
As with any new product, patch test first. Allergic reactions to centella are uncommon but possible.
How to Choose a Centella Asiatica Cream
Look for products that:
- List centella asiatica, gotu kola or its compounds (asiaticoside, madecassoside) clearly in the ingredients.
- Pair it with barrier-friendly oils like avocado, argan or coconut that replace lost lipids.
- Include complementary actives such as bakuchiol for firmness or licorice root for uneven tone.
- Skip harsh extras like drying alcohols and heavy synthetic fragrance that undo centella's calming work.
Bel Essence Products With Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica)
Bel Essence formulates with gotu kola for its collagen and barrier support:
- Ultra Anti-Aging Moisturizer for Mature Skin: gotu kola, bakuchiol, licorice root, sea buckthorn and colloidal oat in a rich cream designed for dry, mature and menopausal skin.
- Anti-Aging Skin Care Set: Face Cream & Under Eye Balm: a two-step routine with gotu kola and bakuchiol for face and the delicate under-eye area.
You can learn more about every botanical we use on our Ingredients page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Centella Asiatica
Is centella asiatica the same as cica?
Yes. "Cica" is a common skincare nickname for centella asiatica, which is also called gotu kola, tiger grass and Indian pennywort.
What does centella asiatica do for your face?
Research shows centella asiatica supports collagen production, helps strengthen the skin barrier, calms redness and irritation, supports skin healing and provides antioxidant protection.
Can I use centella asiatica every day?
Yes. Centella is gentle enough for morning and evening use for most people. Patch test any new product first.
Is centella asiatica good for mature skin?
Yes. Its collagen-supporting and barrier-strengthening properties make it a strong choice for mature skin that's becoming thinner, drier and less firm.
The Bottom Line
Centella asiatica isn't a passing trend. It's a centuries-old botanical with a growing body of research behind it. If you want firmer, calmer, better-hydrated skin without harsh side effects, gotu kola is one of the smartest ingredients you can look for. Shop Bel Essence anti-aging skincare to find a formula for your skin.
References
- Bylka W, et al. Centella asiatica in dermatology: an overview. *Phytother Res.* 2014.
- Therapeutic properties and pharmacological activities of asiaticoside and madecassoside: A review. *J Cell Mol Med.* 2023.
- A Systematic Review of the Effect of Centella asiatica on Wound Healing. *Int J Environ Res Public Health.* 2022.
- Propionibacterium acnes related anti-inflammation and skin hydration activities of madecassoside. *Biosci Biotechnol Biochem.* 2019.
- Cosmeceuticals in photoaging: A review. *Skin Res Technol.* 2024.