Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola)
What is Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola)?
Centella Asiatica, also called Gotu Kola or Cica, is a botanical extract obtained from the leaves and stems of Centella asiatica, a perennial herbaceous plant native to moist areas in Asia, Australia, and Africa. Belonging to the Apiaceae family, it has been used in traditional herbal practices for centuries. In cosmetic formulations, it serves as a skin conditioning agent and soothing ingredient, typically appearing in creams, serums, and masks at low concentrations. Its key bioactive compounds include triterpenoids like asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid, which help maintain skin hydration and provide calming effects by interacting with skin cells to support natural barrier functions. Regulatory bodies such as the Cosmetic Ingredient Review deem it safe for use in leave-on and rinse-off products.
Benefits
Supports skin calming and comfort
Aids in maintaining hydration levels
Promotes antioxidant protection for skin
Who It's For
A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).
| Who May Benefit | Who Should Avoid |
|---|---|
| People with sensitive or reactive skin | Those with known allergies to Apiaceae family plants |
| Individuals seeking hydration support | People experiencing contact dermatitis from botanicals |
| Those looking for barrier-friendly ingredients | Individuals with untested sensitivities to herbal extracts |
Safety Notes
- Rated low concern by EWG with scores of 1
- Non-comedogenic with rating of 0, unlikely to clog pores
Frequently Asked Questions about Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola)
What is Centella Asiatica used for in skincare?
It functions as a skin conditioning and soothing agent in products like creams and serums.
Is Centella Asiatica safe for daily use?
It has a low safety concern rating and is generally well-tolerated in cosmetics.
Can it clog pores?
It has a comedogenic rating of 0, indicating low risk of pore clogging.