We believe that Centella Asiatica extract sounds very familiar to many K-Beauty users out there. If not, most of you out there probably know it better by the other name, “Cica”. It is one of the most well-known ingredients listed on the labels of trendy skin care products.
The leafy plant Centella Asiatica is extensively distributed throughout Southeast Asia’s countries, Madagascar, and South Africa. For thousands of years, Chinese medicine has traditionally used it as an internal and topical supplement. Do you have any idea how and what it can do in skincare?
The four active compounds in Centella Asiatica Extract—Asiaticoside, Madecasosside, Asiatic Acid, and Madecassic Acid—increase the production of collagen. Hence, it is also used as an active compound in skin care preparations due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging characteristics. Let’s narrow down each benefit!
1. Improved skin barrier function
The Asiaticoside compound contained in Centella Asiatica extract has the ability to improve the skin’s barrier function. It is excellent at maintaining the skin's moisture content. This is mostly because the molecular structure of the saponins in the extract can bind water in an occlusive barrier and lessen trans-epidermal water loss.
2. Help to reduce the skin’s sensitivity to irritants and inflammation
When skin is exposed to irritants or inflammation, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics of Centella Asiatica extract help to restore its natural pH, lessen trans-epidermal water loss, and lessen skin redness. To put it simply, it reduces inflammation and quickens the healing of wounds. Thus, if you have acne-prone skin or eczema, this is an excellent ingredient to add to your skincare routine.
3. Anti-aging Benefits
Not only that, Centella Asiatica ought to be regarded as one of the most essential ingredients in your skincare product due to its anti-aging characteristics. A study indicates that compound Madecassoside in Centella Asiatica considerably improves elasticity, firmness, and superficial wrinkles by reversing the effects of photoaging.
How exactly should you add Centella Asiatica extract to your daily skin care routine? It is present in a wide range of K-beauty skincare products, from toners and ampoules to sheet masks and sunscreens. Visit our website to get the best products that suit your routine.