Also known as: Cica, tiger grass, gotu kola
What Is Centella Asiatica?
Centella asiatica is a small leafy plant that grows in damp areas across Asia and other tropical regions. It has a long history in traditional medicine, and it is sometimes called tiger grass because of a story that injured tigers rolled in it. In Korean skincare it is known simply as cica, and cica creams became one of the most recognizable K-beauty categories.
Its skin benefits are linked to a group of compounds called triterpenes, mainly asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. These compounds are associated with soothing, antioxidant activity and support for the skin's natural repair processes. Products may list whole centella extract, centella leaf water, or one or more of the isolated compounds.
Cica is especially popular for sensitive skin, for skin that looks red or stressed, and for calming skin during acne breakouts or after exfoliation.
Centella Asiatica Benefits for Skin
- Helps calm the look of redness and irritation.
- Supports the skin's natural recovery after stress or exfoliation.
- Provides antioxidant support against environmental stressors.
- Adds lightweight hydration without heaviness.
- Suitable for acne-prone, sensitive and combination skin.
How to Use Centella Asiatica
Centella appears in toners, ampoules, serums, sheet masks and balms. Use a cica toner or serum after cleansing, or reach for a cica cream when your skin feels irritated. It can be used morning and night and sits comfortably in a beginner routine.
For an extra calming step, try a centella sheet mask after sun exposure or a day of harsh weather. Our guide on how to use a sheet mask covers timing and what to do afterward.
Side Effects & Precautions
Centella is generally gentle, though allergic reactions to plant extracts are possible. If you react to many botanicals, patch test first. Some cica products contain fragrance or essential oils, so check the ingredient list if your skin is very reactive.
The word cica on a label does not guarantee much centella inside. Some products include only a trace amount alongside a green color and a herbal scent. If calming is your goal, look for centella extract, centella leaf water or its named compounds fairly high on the ingredient list, and favor simple, fragrance-free formulas. Cica creams vary from light gels to thick balms, so match the texture to your skin type rather than assuming every cica product will suit you. Oily skin usually prefers cica toners and gels, while dry skin benefits from richer cica creams layered over a hydrating serum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does cica mean in skincare?
Cica is a shortened name for centella asiatica. Products labeled as cica usually contain the extract or its active compounds.
Is centella asiatica good for acne?
It does not replace acne treatments. It may, however, help calm the redness around blemishes and make drying treatments easier to tolerate.
Can I use centella every day?
Yes. It is gentle enough for daily use, morning and night, for most skin types. Many people keep a cica product in their routine year round.