Centella Asiatica

In plain English: Razor burn, redness, or skin that’s angry after trying a new product? Centella (gotu kola, an Ayurvedic herb) calms things down. Think of it as aloe’s more effective cousin.

Centella asiatica is a plant native to India and Southeast Asia, used for centuries in traditional medicine for wound healing. In skincare, its active compounds (madecassoside, asiaticoside, asiatic and madecassic acid) are studied for soothing and barrier support.

What it does

• Calms redness and irritation.
• Supports wound healing and recovery of a stressed barrier.
• Has antioxidant activity, offering mild protection.

How to use it

Look for it in serums, moisturisers and post-shave balms labelled “cica”. Use it on nights you rest from strong actives, or layer it under moisturiser when starting retinol.

Who should use it

Sensitive skin, men with post-shave irritation, and anyone whose skin is reacting to actives.