Ingredient Beauty BenefitsSoothing · Centella Asiatica Extract
Centella asiatica: less redness after laser resurfacing — everyday use is another matter
In a split-face trial of 30 people after laser resurfacing, the side treated with Centella extract gel showed a lower erythema index (coefficient −0.03, P = .046) and better crusting and wound appearance in the first days. Skin biophysics, though, did not differ between the two sides.
Last checked Sep 16, 2026
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- What it is
An extract of the gotu kola plant. In Korea it is sold more widely under the word 'cica'.
- What it is used for
Products marketed for irritated skin, redness and recovery.
- How it is said to work
A few components of the extract are said to calm inflammation and play a part on the collagen side. Because it is an extract, what is in it and how much differs by product.
There are no numbers and no citations in this box. What has been established, and how far, is below.
At a glance
- In pregnancy
- Not established
- Irritation
- Minimal
- Daytime use
- ✓ Fine
- How well established
- Moderate evidence
- Concentration studied
- 0.05%
- Length of the studies
- 13 weeks
Not a measurement — reported irritation grouped into five steps. It varies between people.
“Concentration studied” and “Length of the studies” are taken straight from the research on this page. They are not a recommended dose, and the figure for each finding is written out in the text.
This is not how large the effect is but how well confirmed it is. It shows the highest grade among the findings on this page.
Centella asiatica is the plant behind the soothing products sold in Korea as 'cica'. Madecassoside and asiaticoside come from it.
Look for evidence and most of it sits on the wound healing side. And the situation the evidence comes from is not the situation the products are used in — it is skin immediately after a laser procedure.
Contents
What is established
The same ingredient at a different strength, in a different formula, is a different product. These are the conditions the studies used.
Less redness after laser resurfacing
Thirty people with acne scars underwent 2940 nm Er:YAG laser resurfacing, after which one half of the face received 0.05% ECa 233 gel, a standardised Centella extract, and the other half a placebo gel. Four times daily for seven days, then twice daily for three months. Double-blind, split-face.
Across the whole follow-up the Centella side showed a lower erythema index (coefficient −0.03, 95% CI −0.06 to −0.0006, P = .046). Physicians' assessments also favoured it for erythema on days 2, 4 and 7 (P = .009, .0061, .012), crusting on day 2 (P = .02), and general wound appearance on days 2, 4 and 7 (P = .008, .001, .044).
Two qualifications. Skin biophysics did not differ between the sides, and the erythema difference is 0.03 units — not large. The authors' own conclusion is that it 'might be an option'.
- Randomised controlled trial in people · 30 participants · 13 weeks · Compared with vehicle (same formula minus the active) · Funding not declared · Endpoint instrument measurement PMID 32310680 · abstract read
We found no evidence for everyday use on skin that has not had a procedure
Cica products on the shelf are mostly used on skin that is simply red or reactive, not skin that has just had laser resurfacing. For that situation we found no human trial comparing Centella extract against vehicle (PubMed, checked 16 September 2026).
Helping damaged skin recover and making undamaged skin less red are different claims. The trial above looked at the first.
If evidence turns up, this entry and its level will change.
How to use it
- It barely irritates, so it layers easily with other ingredients.
- Check the ingredient list for whether you are getting an extract or a purified single compound such as madecassoside. The trial above used a standardised extract.
- Non-standardised extracts can vary in composition from batch to batch.
Cautions
- If you have dermatitis or a wound, see a clinician.
- 'Cica' is a product name, not an ingredient name. It is worth checking the list for what is actually in there.
- We found no established data on use during pregnancy.
With a new ingredient, apply a small amount somewhere inconspicuous, such as the inner arm, for two days first. Stop if it reddens or stings.
Related skin concerns
What this article relies on
Unless marked otherwise, a paper was read to the abstract. Only papers whose full text we opened are marked as such.
- PubMed — 미국 국립의학도서관 문헌 데이터베이스National Library of Medicine · Checked on 2026-09-16