Centella asiatica — often labelled "Cica" or by its compounds (madecassoside, asiaticoside) — is the go-to soothing ingredient in K-beauty, and for good reason.
What it does
Centella is a calming botanical that:
- Soothes redness and irritation
- Supports barrier repair and recovery
- Provides antioxidant support
It’s gentle and rarely causes problems, which makes it a favourite for sensitive skin and reactive, redness-prone skin.
When to reach for it
- After over-doing actives, to calm things down
- As daily support for easily-irritated skin
- Alongside stronger actives like retinoids to offset irritation
How to use it
Centella appears in essences, serums, and moisturisers, used morning or night. It layers with everything and is a natural partner to niacinamide and azelaic acid in a calming routine. If your skin flares easily, build a gentle routine around it in our routine builder.