What Centella Asiatica (Cica) Really Does For Sensitive, Irritated Skin
By Michael C. · Written and reviewed by Michael C.
Centella Asiatica · Published 2026-08-03 · 9 min read · 1843 words · Updated 2026-09-08
Centella Asiatica, better known as cica or tiger grass, is a calming plant extract that speeds up skin recovery and takes the sting out of a compromised barrier.
Key takeaways
- Centella Asiatica, also called cica or tiger grass, is a plant extract rich in compounds that calm inflammation and support wound healing.
- Its active compounds include madecassoside, asiaticoside, madecassic acid and asiatic acid, each contributing to repair and calming effects.
- It's a staple of Korean skincare, originally used medicinally for wound healing long before it became a cosmetic trend.
- Cica products range from lightweight essences to thick balms, suited to different levels of irritation.
- It's especially useful after sunburn, over-exfoliation, retinoid irritation or during general barrier repair.
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Source: SkinLabs Editorial Team ()
Cover image: Ela De Pure — credit