Centella Asiatica, otherwise more commonly known as Cica, has made its appearance through the Korean beauty industry. Dr Jart+’s Cicapair line was one of the first to bring focus to this ingredient. Since its inauguration, many other brands have come to include this in their products.
What is Centella Asiatica?
Tiger Grass, Brahmi, Cica, Asiatic Pennywort, or Centella Asiatica. Whatever name you know it by, this medicinal plant has been used in Asia for years. As the story goes, tigers would roll around the plant to soothe their wounds after they were injured. As far as we know, this is just a fable. But there has been research that shows how this ingredient has helped accelerate the healing of incisions and burns.
What are the benefits of Cica in skincare products?
Thanks to its active compounds, Centella Asiatica has strong antioxidant properties and can also help soothe irritated skin. Cica is also packed with Vitamins A, B1, B2, and C. The medley of vitamins help stimulate collagen production and firm the skin. All while protecting it against external aggressors that cause skin damage. All this to say, if you’re concerned with dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin, this ingredient should belong in your routine.
With maskne, it seems more of us are adapting to the norm of having irritated skin. Here are some of our favourite Centella Asiatica products that help soothe and tone down the redness.
An effective everyday toner for sensitive skin, this soothing and hydrating solution helps to keep the skin moisturised. Infused with Centella Asiatica and Madecassoside, the two help heal, soothe irritation and redness, all while providing a protective dose of antioxidants to the skin.
Powered by Centella Asiatica, this barrier-restoring serum helps to nourish the skin while protecting it from daily aggressors. Enriched with other actives and vitamin B5, allantoin, and betaine, they help strengthen the skin and its non-sticky texture is perfect for Singapore’s humidity. Dr Grace Cho and Daye Kim of CELLOOM recommend oily skin types to use this essence as a daily moisturiser if they prefer something more lightweight.
Dr Jart+’s Cicapair line is famed for its use of the Centella Asiatica extract. For those of you who don’t know where to start, this limited edition skincare set is a perfect step into the world of Cica. It includes a Cicapair Serum (30 ml) to calm irritated and sensitive skin from within, a mini version of the serum (15 ml) as well as a Calming Gel Cream (15 ml) that helps to soothe dry and sensitive skin.
If maskne has been getting the worse of you, then you might want to look into the SebumClar Acne Treatment Gel for something more specific to your concerns. Formulated with two per cent salicylic acid and Centella Asiatica, the two help suppress inflamed acne and whiteheads while lightening acne marks and relieving redness on the skin. For those with oily or acne-prone skin, this effectively and gently works to help reduce damaged skin. Just apply it as the final step of your skincare routine.
This gentle eye cream helps to hydrate the eye area while firming. Formulated with Centella Asiatica, Pro-Retinol, and Ceramide, the three help restore resilience and strength to damaged skin, keep it moisturised, and minimise the effects of ageing. Simply tap it in gently with your ring finger and massage it gently for better absorption.
For a moisturiser and cream that helps lock in all the goodness of your routine, this one helps balance the moisture levels on the skin while strengthening the barrier. It also helps to revitalise dull skin and brighten it with the niacinamide, and minimise the appearance of pores. For those who have itchy, oily, or acne-prone skin, the tea tree extract and Centella Asiatica help calm the skin’s inflammation and speed up wound healing.
This soothing and lightweight moisturiser helps keep the skin more even, calm, and hydrated. Powered by banana and magnesium, it helps boost the healing hydration to calm and balance skin that’s sensitive or irritated. The Centella Asiatica is also combined with chia and turmeric to reset the skin and bring a healthy glow from within. All these power-packed ingredients help maintain the skin’s barrier health. Just smooth a dime-sized amount onto the skin and pat it in until it’s fully absorbed.
Rich in ingredients like hyaluronic acid, calendula extract, Centella Asiatica, and licorice extract, this mask helps to soothe, hydrate, and repair the skin. Suited even for sensitive skin or those who have recently undergone laser or aesthetic treatments, this mask helps to improve skin tone, hydrate and revitalise, while protecting it from environmental threats. Just cleanse your face before using it and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before removing it. We recommend patting it in for a more lasting glow.