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Author: Leila Tan
17 October 2025

Centella Asiatica is a versatile herb known for its gentle, non-irritating properties and many medicinal benefits. It's particularly effective for those with sensitive skin or redness-prone skin, providing rapid relief and calming effects. Because of its ability to repair the skin, many skincare products include Centella Asiatica. But how pure is the Centella Asiatica in these products? Are there any side effects? With Centella Asiatica being highly praised, should you start using it too? This article will delve into its wonders and effects, as well as the side effects and usage precautions.

1

What is Centella Asiatica?

Centella Asiatica (also known as Cica) is also referred to as Gotu Kola, Tiger Grass, Indian Pennywort, and many other names. It grows in tropical and subtropical regions, including India, China, and parts of Africa. Historically, Centella has been widely used in folk medicine both internally and externally. It has been made into foods that help strengthen the body, and also into medicinal poultices and ointments to treat wounds and bruises. The plant itself can grow anywhere from 10 to 70 cm in height, with kidney-shaped leaves that resemble a horseshoe.

The plant contains many active compounds found in its leaves and stems. Once its skincare benefits were discovered, Centella became a popular ingredient in recent years. Many international skincare brands now offer Centella serums, masks, creams, and lotions, making it highly sought after. It has even earned the title of "plant collagen" due to its numerous benefits, which we will explore below.

2

What Ingredients Are Found in Centella Asiatica Skincare Products?

Centella Asiatica contains a variety of nutrients and minerals, including β-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin B, and antioxidants. The most important components are triterpenoid saponins, which make up 1-8% of the plant. These include Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Asiatic acid, and Madecassic acid. The remaining 90% consists of amino acids, plant sterols, flavonoids, terpenes, calcium, magnesium, manganese, vitamins, and other compounds. The purity of these ingredients can vary depending on the extraction process, technology, and type of Centella used.

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3

Does the Purity of Triterpenoid Saponins Affect Product Quality?

Exactly. Triterpenoid saponins are the key components of Centella, which is why they are commonly found in skincare products. However, some products may contain a lower-purity mixture, such as Centella Asiatica Extract. To experience the full benefits of Centella, it's essential to choose high-purity products, which you can determine by reviewing the product’s ingredient list and asking sales representatives for details.

4

The 6 Major Benefits of Centella Asiatica for Your Skin!

Benefit 1: Repairs Damaged Skin

Whether on your face or body, if you have a wound, applying products with Centella can help. Centella contains antioxidant herbal ingredients that reduce skin inflammation, enhance skin resilience, activate cells, and speed up tissue repair, aiding in wound recovery.

Benefit 2: Anti-aging and Wrinkle Reduction

Centella is rich in Asiaticoside and Madecassoside, which stimulate collagen production in the skin’s deeper layers. These ingredients improve fine lines, sagging, and skin laxity caused by aging, returning the skin to a firmer, more youthful appearance while also enhancing smoothness and radiance.

Benefit 3: Reduces Acne

Acne is related to skin inflammation and bacterial infections. Centella has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce acne redness and pus. It also has brightening effects that decrease dark spots, acne marks, and uneven skin tone. Therefore, many products for brightening and scar fading include Centella as an ingredient.

Benefit 4: Soothes Sensitive Skin

Centella's gentle composition, particularly its a-terpene triterpenoid compounds, makes it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. For those with sensitive skin, which often becomes red, dry, tight, hot, or flaky, Centella can provide soothing relief and calm these symptoms.

Benefit 5: Hydrates

The vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and β-carotene found in Centella provide antioxidant effects that protect cells from free radical damage. It also hydrates skin cells, improving moisture retention and enhancing skin’s ability to balance oil and water, giving the face a dewy appearance.

Benefit 6: Promotes Skin Metabolism

Centella can be consumed as well as applied topically. Eating Centella can enhance metabolism, which helps to prevent thickening of the stratum corneum, reduce clogged pores, follicular keratinization, and prevent acne formation.

5

In-Depth Analysis of Centella Asiatica Extracts

Extract 1: Asiaticoside

Asiaticoside has medicinal properties, such as antioxidant effects that neutralize free radicals, reducing cell damage and preventing chronic diseases. It is also believed to reduce inflammation, alleviate skin and body inflammation, and promote cell regeneration and tissue repair. In addition to its skin benefits, research suggests that Asiaticoside may help regulate the nervous system, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance memory, thus lowering the risks of heart disease and stroke while assisting in depression relief.

Extract 2: Madecassoside

Madecassoside also has anti-inflammatory effects, relieving symptoms of various inflammatory diseases. It promotes collagen synthesis in the skin and helps repair and regenerate damaged cells, smoothing rough skin and reducing the likelihood of scarring. It’s also thought to soothe allergic skin reactions, providing relief from redness, itching, and dryness for sensitive skin.

Extract 3: Asiatic Acid

Asiatic acid, like the other Centella extracts, helps suppress inflammation, provide antioxidant effects, and promote wound healing. It has some antibacterial properties, making it useful for treating and preventing infections caused by bacteria or fungi. Some studies also suggest that Asiatic acid may have anti-tumor effects, though further research is needed to confirm this. It also protects the nervous system and has therapeutic benefits.

Extract 4: Madecassic Acid

Madecassic acid is believed to relieve and calm sensitive skin while reducing allergic reactions, making it especially useful for treating eczema and rosacea. It protects skin cells from environmental damage like UV rays and pollution. Combined with other active Centella compounds, it stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid, which enhances hydration and moisture retention.

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6

What? Centella Asiatica Has Many Benefits When Taken Internally!

Centella can detoxify and reduce swelling, benefiting the digestive system. In traditional Chinese medicine, poor digestion or excess heat in the body can lead to acne on the face, back, and chest. Centella's wind-reducing properties help alleviate bloating and treat conditions like viral hepatitis, colds, sore throats, bronchitis, tonsillitis, urethritis, kidney stones, and more. It can also help detoxify if you've been poisoned by certain plants, like poison ivy or mushrooms. If bitten by mosquitoes, crushed Centella leaves can be applied to the bite to relieve itching. Centella’s medicinal value is extensive, and almost every part of the plant is beneficial.

7

Who Should Use Centella Asiatica?

1. Those with sensitive skin in need of skin repair.
2. People with dry skin or those experiencing dryness and itchiness during seasonal changes.
3. Those seeking intensive hydration or a stronger skin barrier.
4. Individuals with oily skin needing to control excess sebum.
5. Acne-prone skin with frequent breakouts and inflammation.
6. Those who have recently undergone skin treatments or surgery and have delicate skin.
7. People with wounds, scars, acne marks, or dark spots.
8. Individuals with signs of aging, such as wrinkles, sagging, and double chin.

8

Does Centella Asiatica Have Any Side Effects?

Although Centella is suitable for all skin types, people with extremely sensitive skin should be cautious. Centella can speed up the healing process, but like when a wound forms a scab, it may cause mild itching or stinging. Those with very sensitive skin may experience a burning sensation if the product is applied in excessive amounts. If persistent redness or swelling occurs, it may indicate an allergy to Centella or another ingredient in the product, and it should be discontinued. It's recommended to perform an allergy test before use, especially with new products.

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9

Centella Asiatica Product Usage Precautions

1. Cleanse the face before use and gently pat skin dry.
2. Understand the ingredient list on the packaging—higher Centella purity typically results in better efficacy.
3. Avoid products containing irritating or potentially allergenic ingredients like alcohol, preservatives, fragrances, AHA, or tea tree oil.
4. Always test for allergies before use, and discontinue use if any adverse reactions occur.
5. Check the product's expiration date and store it in a cool, dry place to maintain its integrity.

10

Centella Products Hydrate, But They May Not Be Sufficient—Experience Perfect Medical’s Acne Treatment!

Centella is a natural ingredient that offers a variety of nutrients to the skin, gently helping with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hydrating, and soothing effects. While it can reduce acne formation and ease eczema and skin sensitivity, it doesn’t guarantee that acne won’t form. Since acne is often recurrent, using just one product won’t be enough to eliminate it completely.

To tackle acne, medical treatments are still necessary. However, Centella can be used after medical procedures to aid in skin repair. Perfect Medical’s Acne Treatment uses dual-directional spiral suction drainage to gently remove dead skin, dirt, and oils from the surface, dissolve blackheads, and clean pores to prevent acne formation.

The treatment also introduces medical serums to balance oil and moisture, stimulate collagen production, improve elasticity, enhance radiance, and reduce large pores. One session can improve acne, blackheads, uneven skin tone, and roughness while maintaining skin elasticity and eliminating imperfections.

Interested individuals can click the link below to register and receive a free treatment!

Free Trial Available: Acne Treatment

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FAQ

Why is Centella Asiatica called Tiger Grass?

Centella is known for its strong healing properties. It is believed that tigers roll on Centella leaves to heal their wounds, which is why it’s often referred to as Tiger Grass in some regions.

Is Centella Asiatica suitable for oily skin?

Yes, Centella is very suitable for oily skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce oil production while keeping the skin hydrated and soothed. Many oily skin acne treatments also contain Centella for its calming and healing benefits.

Can Centella Asiatica improve acne scars?

Yes, Centella is effective in repairing damaged skin, which includes healing scars. It enhances collagen synthesis and promotes tissue regeneration, leading to a reduction in the appearance of acne scars over time.

Which type of acne needle is best for blackheads and whiteheads?

The flat elongated loop is the most common type. It covers a wider area and is ideal for surface-level blackheads and whiteheads. It’s easy to use and good for beginners. Pair it with a teardrop-shaped needle for more precision—it’s great for clearing out surface sebum and oil that’s become visible on the skin.

Can using an acne needle leave scars?

Yes—if used incorrectly, the needle can damage skin tissue. In mild cases, it leads to enlarged pores or sagging; in severe cases, deeper skin layers are affected. This may cause collagen breakdown, loss of elasticity, and permanent pitted scars or acne marks. It can also stimulate melanin production, leading to pigmentation.

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