Centella asiatica, often called "cica" on Korean skincare labels, is a soothing plant extract used to calm redness, support the skin barrier and help skin recover from irritation. It is one of the most reliable ingredients for sensitive, reactive or compromised skin.
If you have seen "cica" on a label and wondered what it actually does, here is a straightforward guide, plus how to bring it into your routine.
What is centella asiatica?
Centella asiatica is a small leafy plant, also known as Gotu Kola or tiger grass, long used in traditional Asian medicine for wound healing. In skincare, it is extracted and concentrated into serums, toners, creams and masks. Korean brands shortened the name to "cica," and the word now signals a soothing, barrier-supporting formula.
What does centella do for skin?
Centella extract is rich in compounds called triterpenoids, which research links to calming inflammation, supporting collagen production and helping skin barrier repair. In everyday terms, that means:
- Calms visible redness from irritation, breakouts or weather
- Soothes a compromised barrier, including skin that feels tight, dry or reactive after over-exfoliating
- Supports recovery after using actives like retinol or acids
- Hydrates without heaviness, which is why it suits oily and sensitive skin alike
Who should use centella products?
Centella suits almost every skin type, but it is especially useful if you have:
- Sensitive or easily-flushed skin
- A weakened barrier from over-exfoliation or harsh products
- Redness-prone or reactive skin
- Skin recovering from sun exposure, breakouts or a new active ingredient
How to use centella in your routine
Centella products layer easily because they are formulated to be gentle, so there is little risk of irritation when combining them:
- Toner step: a centella toner preps and calms skin right after cleansing
- Serum step: a concentrated centella serum targets redness and barrier repair directly
- Moisturiser step: a centella cream seals hydration in and finishes the calming effect
- As a rescue routine: if your skin feels irritated after trying a new active, a simple centella toner, serum and cream routine for a few days can help it settle
Look for "unscented" or "fragrance-free" on the label if your skin is reactive, since fragrance is one of the most common irritants even in otherwise gentle formulas.
Centella vs other soothing ingredients
Centella is often compared to panthenol (provitamin B5) and allantoin, two other common calming ingredients. They work well together rather than competing: panthenol focuses on hydration and barrier support, allantoin softens and soothes surface irritation, and centella adds both calming and reparative benefits. Many Korean formulas combine two or three of these for a stronger soothing effect.
Frequently asked questions
What does cica mean on a Korean skincare label?
"Cica" is shorthand for centella asiatica, a soothing plant extract used to calm redness and support the skin barrier. You will see it on serums, toners, creams and masks aimed at sensitive or reactive skin.
Can I use centella every day?
Yes. Centella is gentle enough for daily use, morning and night, and is often used as a permanent part of a routine rather than an occasional treatment.
Is centella good for acne-prone skin?
Yes. Centella calms the redness and inflammation that comes with breakouts and supports the skin as it heals, without clogging pores. It pairs well with acne treatments that can be drying or irritating.
Can I layer centella with retinol or vitamin C?
Yes, and many people use centella specifically to balance out stronger actives. A centella moisturiser or serum can help reduce irritation from retinol, exfoliating acids or vitamin C, especially while your skin adjusts.
Ready to try it? Shop our full soothing and sensitive skin collection, including the Purito Seoul Wonder Releaf Centella range. Visit us in store at 79 West Regent Street, Glasgow for personalised advice.
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