Centella Asiatica Cream: Benefits, Uses and How to Choose One
Centella asiatica, or cica, is Korea's best-known repair botanical. Learn what it does, which forms work best, and how to pick a good centella cream.
What centella asiatica is
Centella asiatica is a small leafy plant used in Asian traditional medicine for centuries. Skincare uses its extract and four purified compounds: madecassoside, asiaticoside, madecassic acid and asiatic acid.
What it does in skincare
Centella is used to soothe the look of redness, support the skin barrier and comfort skin that feels stressed. It is a staple of Korean post-procedure routines because it is well tolerated by most skin types.
Extract vs. purified actives
A cream listing 'Centella Asiatica Extract' near the end of the ingredient list contains little of it. Look for the extract high on the list, or named compounds like madecassoside, for a more concentrated formula.
Balm, cream or gel?
Balms suit very dry or chafed patches. Creams suit daily use on the whole face. Gels suit oily skin and hot weather. Our cica vs ceramide comparison helps you decide what to pair it with.
Frequently asked questions
Is cica the same as centella?
Yes. 'Cica' is short for Centella asiatica.
Can I use centella every day?
Yes. Most centella products are designed for daily use morning and night.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Products sold by KAREMEDI are cosmetics and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.