Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola)
A calming botanical, often labelled “cica”, that helps soothe redness and sensitivity and supports the skin barrier.
Centella asiatica, gotu kola, cica, tiger grass, madecassoside, asiaticoside, Centella asiatica leaf extract
Sensitive skin · Redness · Barrier support
What it does
Centella asiatica, or Gotu Kola, is prized for calming and comforting stressed, sensitised skin, and you’ll often see it labelled “cica”. It helps soothe the look of redness, supports the skin barrier and is thought to help skin look firmer. In turn, it can lead to a brighter, more healthy-looking complexion.
How it works
Its key active compounds, madecassoside, asiaticoside, madecassic acid and asiatic acid, help calm the look of irritation and support the skin barrier, and have been studied for their effect on collagen. It also has antioxidant properties that help protect the skin from environmental stress.
MG says
Reach for centella when skin feels sensitised: after time in the sun, while travelling or as the seasons change. For ongoing redness and sensitivity, look for a serum that pairs it with niacinamide or, for blemish-prone skin, a cream such as Biologique Recherche Crème Dermopurifiante, where gotu kola helps soothe redness.
Cautions
Centella is generally well tolerated, including by sensitive skin, but allergic reactions are possible, so patch test first.
