Ask A Derm: What Does Centella Asiatica Do For Skin?

If you’re looking for a naturally-derived skincare ingredient to nourish your skin barrier, soothe, and boost radiance – centella asiatica is a perfect fit. Also known as cica, gotu kola or tiger grass, this powerful botanical has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It’s now gaining popularity in modern skincare products because it promotes skin barrier strength and repair, reducing irritation, and even combating the visible signs of ageing. [1]
But what is centella asiatica, how do you use it, and what results can you expect to see? Let’s break down the science behind this ingredient.

What is Centella Asiatica?

Centella asiatica is a herb native to Asia. [1] In Chinese medicine, for example, centella asiatica extract has been used to help heal wounds and reduce inflammation. It has soothing, hydrating and antioxidant properties, and is especially popular in Korean skincare. Because it’s rich in amino acids, centella asiatica has anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing and hydrating benefits. This also supports the skin’s natural healing process, making it especially beneficial to combat oxidative stress and sensitive, irritated, acne-prone, or damaged skin. [1, 2]

How Centella Asiatica Supports Your Skin Barrier

From time to time, it’s normal for our skin barrier to become dry, irritated, red, sore, or more prone to breakouts.
Barrier-boosting skincare that contains centella asiatica extract can help to reinforce and repair skin barrier function by stimulating the production of ceramides and lipids—key components that help prevent moisture and water loss in your skin. [2] If you experience redness, dryness, or sensitivity, adding centella asiatica to your routine can help soothe the skin and restore balance. [2]
Your skin barrier is your body’s first line of defense against environmental stressors like pollution, UV rays, and irritants – so keeping it healthy with effective skincare is really important.
Building the perfect skincare routine takes careful planning—read our guide to understand how to layer and combine products safely.

1. Soothes Irritation and Redness
Centella asiatica has anti-inflammatory properties. This can help calm red, irritated, or inflamed skin, making it a great option for rosacea-prone, acne-prone, or sensitive skin types. Soothing irritation may also help reduce the risk of developing acne scars from breakouts. [2]
If you often deal with redness, compromised skin or breakouts, a fragrance-free gel moisturiser like our Soothing Gel Moisturiser contains centella asiatica. This may help reduce inflammation while keeping your skin hydrated.

2. Boosts Collagen
Centella asiatica has been shown to stimulate collagen production. [1] Collagen is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness, but as we age, its natural production slows down.
By adding centella asiatica to your skincare routine you can help boost skin renewal and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Read more: The Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for Skin Hydration

3. Enhances Hydration
Centella asiatica isn’t just useful for skin barrier support and repair—it’s also great for hydration. [2] Like hyaluronic acid, it’s a natural humectant, meaning it helps to draw moisture into the skin and lock it in.
For dry, dehydrated skin, layering a serum like our Hydrating HA + Vit B5 Serum (which contains centella asiatica extract) under your moisturiser can lock in lasting moisture and boost your skin’s overall radiance.

How to Use Centella Asiatica in Your Skincare Routine

Centella asiatica is suitable for all skin types and allergic reactions are rare, making it easy to incorporate into your routine. You’ll find it in many creams, serums, moisturisers and lotions.
Remember that as a Dermatica subscriber, you have unlimited access to personal advice from dermatology experts from your dashboard.
Here’s a sample routine including centella asiatica:

Morning:
Cleanse with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser.
Hydrate with Hydrating HA + Vit B5 Serum, which includes centella asiatica.
Moisturise to lock in hydration with our Nourishing Ceramide + Peptide Moisturiser (for balanced to dry skin types) or our Soothing Centella Gel Moisturiser (for designed for breakout-prone, oily and rosacea skin types)
Protect your skin from UV damage with an effective sunscreen with at least SPF30.

Evening:

Cleanse with a gentle cleanser to wash away impurities. Do a second cleanse if you are wearing makeup or sunscreen.
Treat – If you’re using actives like retinol or niacinamide, apply them now.
Moisturise with a centella-infused moisturiser (or your usual moisturiser) to calm and repair the skin overnight.
Who Should Use Centella Asiatica?
Because of its gentle, restorative properties, centella asiatica is beneficial for all skin types, but it can be effective for treating:
Sensitive skin, because it helps reduce redness and irritation and support the skin barrier.
Acne-prone skin, because it supports healing of breakouts and post-acne marks.
Dry or dehydrated skin, because it boosts hydration and locks in moisture.
Aging skin, because it helps to stimulate collagen production for firmer skin, and provides antioxidant protection.
From skin barrier repair to anti-ageing and hydration, centella asiatica products are a great option for anyone looking to improve their overall skin health and radiance. Whether you’re dealing with sensitivity, breakouts, dryness, fine lines or dullness, this ingredient works to restore balance and enhance your glow.
If you’re unsure about which ingredients will help you meet your skin goals or treat concerns, a personalised routine created by a dermatology expert will take the guesswork out of the process. At Dermatica, our team of dermatology experts develop personalised formulas based on an online skin consultation to target your skin’s unique needs.
Find out what formulas are suitable for your skin by visiting our website.

References
1.Bylka W, Znajdek-Awiżeń P, Studzińska-Sroka E, Brzezińska M. Centella asiatica in cosmetology. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology [Internet]. 2013;1(1):46–9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3834700/
2. Ratz-lyko A, Arct J, Pytkowska K. Moisturizing and antiinflammatory properties of cosmetic formulations containing Centella asiatica extract. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2016;78(1):27.