INCI Name Centella Asiatica Extract
CAS Number 84696-21-9
Centella Asiatica Extract is a botanical extract derived from the Centella Asiatica L. plant, a member of the Apiaceae family. Rich in active compounds such as pentacyclic triterpenoids, this extract offers multiple skincare benefits, including anti-photoaging effects, enhanced wound and burn healing, skin cleansing, and conditioning properties.
Purpose
Centella Asiatica Extract delivers powerful anti-photoaging, soothing, and skin-repairing benefits in skincare. Its key active, madecassoside, stimulates collagen production, improving skin elasticity and strengthening resilience against UV damage. You can safely apply this ingredient to the face, body, eye area, and mucous membranes. Formulators commonly include it in leave-on products at concentrations of up to 0.5%. It works well for both daily and occasional use, supporting long-term skin health.
Origin
The extract is obtained from the stalks and leaves of the Centella Asiatica plant. Traditionally, the plant material is macerated in a water and propylene glycol solution for several days, then filtered, sterilized, and processed. Alternative methods use ethanol or an 80% propylene glycol solution, followed by filtration, concentration (for ethanol extracts), sedimentation, and final packaging.
| Feature | Description |
| Name | Centella Asiatica Extract |
| Type | Botanical Extract / Active Ingredient |
| Source | Leaves and stalks of Centella Asiatica (Apiaceae plant) |
| PH | 4.5-6.5 |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| Odor | Characteristic mild herbal scent |
| Color | Pale yellow to amber |
| Physical State | Liquid |
| Concentration | 0.1% to 10% |
| Boiling Point | 137-138°C |
Potent Collagen Booster
Centella Asiatica Extract uniquely stimulates collagen synthesis by activating fibroblasts—the cells responsible for producing collagen and extracellular matrix components in the skin. This targeted stimulation helps restore skin firmness and elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Unlike many other plant extracts that mainly provide surface-level benefits, Centella Asiatica supports the deeper structural integrity of the skin, also making it especially valuable in anti-aging formulations.
Dual Healing and Anti-Inflammatory Action
One of Centella Asiatica’s standout properties is its dual ability to accelerate wound healing while simultaneously exerting powerful anti-inflammatory effects. It promotes faster tissue regeneration and repair, helping to close wounds and reduce scarring. At the same time, its anti-inflammatory components inhibit pro-inflammatory mediators, reducing redness, swelling, and irritation. This combination makes it highly effective for sensitive, compromised, or acne-prone skin, offering repair and soothing benefits in one ingredient.
Enhanced Skin Barrier Support
Centella Asiatica Extract enhances the skin’s natural barrier function by stimulating the production of glycosaminoglycans like hyaluronic acid. This helps the skin retain moisture, improving hydration levels and resilience. A strong barrier not only prevents transepidermal water loss but also protects the skin from environmental aggressors such as pollution and allergens, thus reducing the risk of sensitivity and dryness.
Rich in Unique Triterpenoids
The extract is distinguished by its high concentration of specialized triterpenoid compounds—asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid—which are rare among botanical ingredients. These molecules have been extensively studied and are known for their ability to promote collagen production, reduce inflammation, and support skin repair. Their synergistic action provides comprehensive skin benefits that are difficult to replicate with synthetic ingredients.
Improves Microcirculation for Radiant Skin
Centella Asiatica is unique in its ability to improve microcirculation—the flow of blood through the smallest vessels in the skin. Enhanced blood flow means better delivery of oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, which supports cellular metabolism, repair processes, and a healthy, glowing complexion. This effect also helps reduce puffiness and also uneven skin tone by promoting lymphatic drainage.
Multi-Functional Ingredient
Few botanical extracts offer as many simultaneous benefits as Centella Asiatica. It acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing harmful free radicals; an anti-inflammatory, calming irritated skin; a collagen stimulator, enhancing skin structure; and a skin conditioner, improving texture and hydration. This multi-functionality allows formulators to use it as a cornerstone ingredient, simplifying product formulations while maximizing skin benefits.
Traditional Medicinal Legacy with Modern Science Backing
Centella Asiatica has been a cornerstone of traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years, used to treat wounds, burns, and skin infections. Modern clinical research has validated many of these traditional uses, providing scientific evidence for its safety and efficacy. This blend of ancient wisdom and contemporary science adds to its credibility and appeal.
Suitable for All Skin Types, Including Sensitive Skin
Its gentle nature and soothing effects make Centella Asiatica Extract suitable for all skin types, including highly sensitive or reactive skin. Unlike harsher actives that can cause irritation or dryness, this extract supports skin health without disruption, making it ideal for everyday skincare, post-procedure products, and also formulations for compromised skin barriers.
Environmental and Skin Stress Defense
Centella Asiatica provides a natural shield against environmental stressors. Its antioxidant compounds help neutralize free radicals generated by UV radiation, pollution, and blue light exposure, which are major contributors to premature skin aging and inflammation. By protecting cellular components, it helps maintain skin health and vitality even in challenging urban environments.
Supports Scar Reduction and Skin Remodeling
Centella Asiatica is particularly effective in promoting balanced skin remodeling, which helps reduce the formation and appearance of scars. Its ability to regulate collagen production prevents excessive fibrosis (thick, hard scar tissue), encouraging a more normalized healing process. This makes it a favored ingredient in formulations targeting post-acne marks, surgical scars, and stretch marks.
Shelf Life and Storage
Centella Asiatica Extract typically has a shelf life of 12 to 24 months when stored properly. To maintain its potency and efficacy, it should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Exposure to air and moisture should be minimized by keeping it in tightly sealed containers. Proper storage conditions help preserve the integrity of its bioactive compounds, ensuring optimal performance in skincare formulations.
Applications in Skincare Formulations
Centella Asiatica Extract is an incredibly versatile ingredient in cosmetic science, appreciated for its skin-healing, soothing, and anti-aging properties. Its compatibility with a wide variety of formulation types makes it a valuable addition across several skincare categories. Here’s how it’s commonly used:
Serums
Centella Asiatica Extract is frequently incorporated into water-based or emulsion serums aimed at calming sensitive, irritated, or acne-prone skin. Its lightweight nature allows for high penetration, delivering active compounds like madecassoside and asiaticoside deep into the skin layers, where they can stimulate collagen production and accelerate repair.
Moisturizers and Creams
Its anti-inflammatory and barrier-repair properties make Centella Asiatica ideal for use in daily moisturizers and restorative creams. It works synergistically with hydrating agents like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to improve skin texture, soothe irritation, and reduce the appearance of redness or inflammation.
Post-Procedure Skincare
Due to its potent wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and scar-reducing abilities, Centella Asiatica is commonly found in post-laser, microneedling, and chemical peel recovery products. It accelerates healing, reduces discomfort, and minimizes the risk of hyperpigmentation and scarring after aesthetic procedures.
Anti-Aging Products
Centella Asiatica is widely used in anti-aging creams, night treatments, and firming masks for its ability to stimulate collagen synthesis and improve skin elasticity. It’s especially valuable in formulations targeting fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging, as it fortifies the dermal structure and protects against oxidative stress.
Acne Treatments
Its soothing, anti-bacterial, and inflammation-reducing properties make it an effective addition to acne care formulations, such as spot treatments, gels, and calming lotions. It helps calm active breakouts, minimize post-acne redness, and accelerate the healing of blemishes while preventing scarring.
Eye Creams
Given its microcirculation-boosting and anti-inflammatory benefits, Centella Asiatica is commonly formulated into eye creams and gels. It helps reduce puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines around the delicate eye area while soothing irritation and dryness.
Body Lotions and Stretch Mark Treatments
Its ability to improve skin elasticity and support scar remodeling makes it suitable for body care formulations, especially stretch mark creams, post-pregnancy lotions, and firming body treatments. It supports skin repair and prevents excessive scarring on larger skin areas.
Soothing Face Mists and Toners
In lighter formulations like toners and facial mists, Centella Asiatica provides instant calming and hydrating benefits, making it excellent for sensitive skin or post-sun exposure products. It helps reduce redness, refresh tired skin, and support barrier recovery throughout the day.
After-Sun Care Products
Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions make Centella Asiatica a favorite in after-sun gels, creams, and sprays. It soothes sunburnt skin, reduces redness, and minimizes free radical damage caused by UV exposure.
Face Masks (Sheet Masks & Wash-Off Masks)
Centella Asiatica is a popular choice in sheet masks and overnight wash-off masks designed for calming irritated, inflamed, or damaged skin. It delivers concentrated doses of its actives to support repair and hydration while the mask locks in moisture.
