Reported as one of the miracle elixirs of life, centella asiatica is a highly potent perennial herb found in Asia. Used in Chinese medicine for centuries, centella asiatica harbours four triterpenoids that have been shown to speed wound healing, boost antioxidants at the site of a wound, strengthen the skin, and increase blood supply to a wounded area. These triterpenoids include Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, and Asiatic Acid.
Centella asiatica is also rich in vitamins C, A, B1 and B2, niacin, and carotene, enabling this botanical skin saviour to reduce redness and hyperpigmentation, boost hydration, collagen production, and microcirculation, and treat skin concerns such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Below are some of my favourite centella asiatica packed products…
Korean brand It's Skin has the amazing Tiger Cica Calming Water - a water-based soothing toner that contains an impressive 64% Centella Asiatica extract. It is designed to calm, balance, and hydrate skin, and it does just that. It feels lovely and refreshing on the skin and really calms any skin irritation I have. The Cica Calming Water (£22.99 thisisbeautymart.com) is perfect for those with irritated skin, sensitive skin, and acne-prone skin.
Erborian's CC Eye Clair is a 3-in-1 beautifying formula that helps to moisturise and smooth fine lines and wrinkles, conceal the appearance of puffiness and dark circles, and brighten the eye area. Based on Korean high technology, with encapsulated pigments that melt into the skin, the CC Eye Clair (£34 feelunique.com) has a lightweight texture and a colour that adjusts perfectly to the delicate skin around the eyes. Centella asiatica, of course, makes a big appearance, soothing the skin, correcting skin tone, and fighting the visible signs of ageing around the eye area.
The Meder Beauty Science Soin-Apax Serum (£67 mederbeauty.com) is a hero skin healer designed to aid skin recovery after skin damage or aesthetic treatments. Containing a high dose of centella asiatica, this soothing serum reduces skin sensitivity, accelerates healing, and, with regular use, firms the skin and boosts elasticity by stimulating collagen production and suppressing irritation. It also reduces redness and evens out the complexion.
One of the most popular centella asiatica products on the market is the Kiehl's Centella Sensitive Cica-Cream, and rightly so. This repairing face cream helps to soothe and strengthen sensitive skin. It has a thick texture that feels beautifully rich and nourishing on the skin. It absorbs surprisingly quickly and leaves no film or greasiness behind.
As it's designed for sensitive skin, you won't be surprised to learn that the Centella Sensitive Cica-Cream (£38 feelunique.com) is fragrance-free, alcohol-free, hypoallergenic, and dermatologist-tested. It is one of the best skin healers I've ever used and would really recommend it to those suffering from skin inflammation - whether that's due to skin damage (sun exposure, retinol overload etc) or sensitive skin.