Why everyone should use Cica

There are some ingredients that are just a no-brainer to add to your skincare routine. Centella Asiatica – better known as Cica, but also known as Gotu Kola or Tiger Grass – is one of them. 

Popular in Korean skincare (aka K-beauty), Cica is suitable for all skin types and is especially beneficial for sensitive skin. Our forte. So read on to find out how Centella Asiatica will benefit your skin, how to use it and the best Cica products to add to your routine. 

What is Centella Asiatica? 

Centella Asiatica is a plant extract that has been used in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine for years to help with wound healing and calming inflammation.

More recently, the perennial herb – primarily grown in Asia – has been hailed for its skincare benefits, sparking a rise in so-called Cica creams which are designed to support the skin barrier. 

Skin benefits of Centella Asiatica (Cica) 

Centella Asiatica is one of the most reliable and versatile natural ingredients you can reach for. Rich in plant growth factors, antioxidants and protective compounds, here’s what it can do for your skin:

Soothes irritation and helps calm redness 

If your skin often feels tight, itchy, or easily flushed, Cica is like a cooling compress in a bottle. It’s all down to those healing properties that it’s known for – which is why it’s often used to treat burns. 

Rich in compounds called triterpenoids, it helps to calm inflammation and visibly reduce the appearance of redness, making it a go-to for sensitive or reactive skin types.

Strengthens the skin barrier

It’s no coincidence that Centella Asiatica has risen in popularity at a time when skin barrier support is a key trend in the skincare industry. Your skin barrier is your first line of defence against pollution, bacteria, and moisture loss. When it’s compromised, you’re more likely to experience irritation and sensitivity.

Cica helps reinforce that barrier by supporting the production of essential lipids, keeping skin resilient and less reactive over time.

Provides antioxidant protection

Daily stressors like UV rays and pollution generate free radicals, which accelerate skin ageing. Cica is loaded with antioxidants that neutralise these free radicals, helping to prevent premature fine lines, dullness, and loss of elasticity.

Boosts hydration

Dry, flaky skin drinks up Cica. It not only attracts moisture to the skin but also helps lock it in, improving overall hydration levels. This further supports your skin barrier’s integrity while keeping your skin feeling comfortable. 

Speeds up recovery and repair 

One of the reasons Centella has been used in traditional medicine for centuries is its wound-healing ability. It’s rich in exosomes – clever messengers that communicate between skin cells, carrying packages of peptides and other essentials to keep your skin working and functioning at optimum levels. 

These chemical messengers make Cica a powerful tool in boosting skin regeneration. That translates to faster recovery from blemishes, reduced scarring, and support for skin that’s been stressed by overuse of actives like retinoids or acid exfoliants.

Supports firmness and elasticity

Cica isn’t just about calming. Studies suggest it can also help to stimulate collagen production and improve the skin’s inner structure. More collagen means firmer, more supple skin and a visible improvement in fine lines over time – so it’s a powerful tool for reducing the signs of ageing. 

How to use Centella Asiatica in your routine 

You’ll find Cica in various skincare formats, but most commonly it’ll be in serums and creams – leave-on products that allow it to delve deep and get to work.  

And it’s not only reserved for products designed to calm and repair. We’ve used Centella Asiatica in our Age Confidence™ NAD+ & TriPeptide Renewal Serum – an advanced formula to slow cellular ageing, which is proven to reduce the depth of fine lines in just four weeks. 

Alongside Sunflower Sprout Extract (which helps boost NAD+ production in the skin, to energise skin cells) and a TriPeptide Complex, Cica delivers a multitude of benefits – including supporting the skin barrier and structure to firm and smooth. Use it twice daily after cleansing to see the difference for yourself. 

FAQs about Centella Asiatica (Cica) 

Is Centella Asiatica good for acne?


Yes, Cica is helpful for blemish-prone and acne-prone skin. Its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties help to calm redness and irritation, while its wound-healing benefits support skin recovery and reduce the chance of post-acne marks. Cica itself won’t clog pores either, but remember the overall formulation is key. 

Can Cica be used every day?


Definitely! Well-tolerated by all skin types – including sensitive skin – Cica is a worthwhile ingredient to add to your daily skincare routine. In fact, using it every day will lend your skin barrier regular support to keep irritation away. We recommend using our Age Confidence™ serum twice a day for maximum results. 

Is Cica safe during pregnancy?



Yes, Centella Asiatica is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, especially in topical skincare. But remember it will be part of a formula – so it’s worth checking a product’s INCI list too. As always, if you’re unsure or using prescription skincare, it’s best to check with your healthcare provider first.

Does Cica help with wrinkles and ageing skin?

Yes – beyond calming sensitivity, Centella Asiatica has been shown to support collagen production, which helps improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Moreover, the exosomes in Cica will help to improve skin health at a cellular level – boosting longevity and helping to slow the ageing process of each cell.

Our Cica-infused serum has been proven to improve the signs of ageing, including a reduction in depth of wrinkles, and a firmer, smoother complexion after just four weeks*.

Shop our Cica-powered Age Confidence™ Renewal Serum here  

*Based on an independent trial of 100 subjects and a clinical study on 21 subjects