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    The Daily Skinny Centella Asiatica

    What Centella Asiatica (Cica) Really Does For Sensitive, Irritated Skin

    3 August 2026 9 min read 587 views 0
    Box of hydrating face sheet masks with minimalist packaging
    Photo by Ela De Pure on Unsplash

    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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