Glossary
A herbaceous plant used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine for wound healing and skin repair. Its active triterpenoid compounds (madecassoside, asiaticoside, asiatic acid, madecassic acid) stimulate collagen synthesis, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the skin barrier. Centella is the star ingredient in K-beauty 'cica' products.
Centella asiatica is nicknamed "tiger grass" because, according to Asian legend, wounded tigers were observed rolling in the plant to heal their injuries. While the legend is charming, the science behind Centella's healing properties is rigorous. The plant has been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for over 3,000 years, and modern research has validated many of its traditional applications with identified active compounds and documented mechanisms.
Madecassoside: The most abundant triterpenoid, primary anti-inflammatory and wound-healing compound. Stimulates type I collagen production. Asiaticoside: Stimulates collagen synthesis in fibroblasts. Promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) in healing wounds. Asiatic acid: Strengthens skin barrier by increasing ceramide synthesis. Reduces hypertrophic scarring. Madecassic acid: Anti-inflammatory, reduces oxidative stress in UV-exposed skin.
Barrier repair: Centella extract significantly increases ceramide levels in the stratum corneum, directly strengthening the lipid barrier. Multiple studies show reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL) with regular Centella application. Wound healing: Accelerates all phases of wound repair; used in pharmaceutical wound care products (Madecassol cream). Anti-aging: Collagen stimulation provides wrinkle reduction over 6 to 12 weeks of use. Sensitive skin soothing: Reduces redness, stinging, and irritation in reactive skin conditions.
Yes. Centella asiatica is the botanical name; gotu kola is the common name used in Ayurvedic tradition. In K-beauty, the abbreviation 'cica' is the marketing term. Tiger grass, Indian pennywort, and Brahmi (though Brahmi can also refer to Bacopa monnieri) are other common names. They all refer to the same plant and its active compounds.
Yes, and it is an excellent combination. Centella's anti-inflammatory and barrier-strengthening properties help mitigate the irritation that retinol can cause. Apply Centella (cica cream or serum) after retinol or on alternate nights to support the barrier while receiving retinol's anti-aging benefits.
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