Centella asiatica, often shortened to cica and also known as gotu kola or tiger grass, is the calming hero of Korean skincare. It shows up in toners, ampoules, creams, cleansers and even sunscreens. It's one of the easiest ingredients to use, but many people aren't sure what it actually does or where it goes in a routine. Here's a clear guide.
Key takeaways
- Centella asiatica is a soothing plant extract that helps calm redness and supports the skin barrier.
- Its key active compounds are madecassoside, asiaticoside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid.
- You can use it morning and night, in any step: toner, ampoule, cream or sunscreen.
- It's a great partner for retinol and acids because it helps skin feel calmer.
In this guide
What centella asiatica does
| Benefit | What it means |
|---|---|
| Calms redness | Helps reduce the look of redness and irritation |
| Supports the skin barrier | Helps skin hold on to moisture and recover after irritation |
| Soothes after actives | Makes retinol, acids and breakouts feel less harsh |
| Antioxidant support | Helps protect skin from daily stress |
Cica is ideal for sensitive skin. Pair it with our skincare routine for sensitive skin and skin barrier repair guides.
Cica products and where they go
| Product | Routine step | Example on SaveAI |
|---|---|---|
| Cleanser | Step 1 | Mixsoon Centella Cleansing Foam |
| Toner | After cleansing | SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner |
| Ampoule or serum | After toner | SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule |
| Cream or balm | Moisturizer step | La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 |
| Sunscreen | Last step in the morning | SKIN1004 Centella Air-Fit Suncream |
You don't need every step. One leave-on cica product, like an ampoule or cream, is usually enough.
How to use a cica ampoule
Cleanse and tone
Start with clean skin and your toner, if you use one.
Apply 2 to 3 drops
Warm them between your palms or dot them over the face.
Press it in
Gently press it into the skin until it's absorbed.
Layer your other steps
Follow with other serums, then moisturizer. In the morning, finish with sunscreen.
Is cica safe for everyone?
Centella is very well tolerated, which is why it's used so often in products for sensitive skin. Allergic reactions are rare but possible, especially with products that also contain fragrance or essential oils.
Frequently asked questions
What does cica stand for?
Cica is short for Centella asiatica, the plant. Some brands also use "cica" for products with related calming ingredients like panthenol.
Can I use centella asiatica every day?
Yes, morning and night. It's one of the gentlest active ingredients.
Does centella asiatica help with acne?
It doesn't unclog pores, but it can calm the redness and irritation around breakouts and from acne treatments.
Can I use cica with retinol or vitamin C?
Yes. Cica pairs well with almost everything and can make stronger actives feel gentler.
What's the difference between centella and madecassoside?
Madecassoside is one of the active compounds extracted from centella. Products may list the whole extract, the isolated compounds or both.
This guide is for general information only and isn't medical advice. If you have a skin condition or a reaction to a product, talk to a dermatologist.
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