Centella for skin: benefits and how to use it

If you’re looking for an ingredient that can help care for, hydrate, and soothe your skin, you may have come across the name Centella asiatica in many Korean skincare products. But what are the benefits of centella for the skin? How can you use it in your daily routine? And is it suitable for sensitive skin?

In this guide from Dar Beauty, you’ll learn what centella is, its potential benefits, how to use it, and how to choose a product suited to your skin without overestimating the results.

What is centella for the skin?

Centella asiatica is a plant whose extract is used in skincare products. It is also known as Cica or Gotu Kola. Its extracts contain plant compounds, including the well-known madecassoside and asiaticoside, which are of interest in skincare formulations.

Centella is found in a variety of products, including serums, creams, ampoules, and cleansers. A product’s effectiveness varies depending on the extract concentration, accompanying ingredients, and formulation, so the word centella alone isn’t enough to judge a product’s quality.

What are the benefits of centella for the skin?

1. Helping soothe the skin

Centella is used in formulations designed for skin that feels irritated or looks red. Some formulations containing it may help improve skin comfort, but results aren’t guaranteed, and persistent redness may have causes that require professional assessment.

2. Supporting skin hydration

Some centella products combine the extract with moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid. Depending on the product’s other ingredients, this blend may help reduce the feeling of dryness and improve skin softness.

If your main concern is dryness, you can read the guide Causes of Dry Facial Skin and How to Care for It to learn about steps that can help support hydration.

3. Helping support the skin barrier

The skin barrier is the outer layer that helps limit water loss and protect the skin from external factors. Centella may be a useful part of a gentle routine, especially when included in a formula that also contains moisturizers and barrier-supporting ingredients. However, it should not be considered a replacement for moisturizer or for a treatment recommended by a dermatologist.

4. Caring for irritation-prone skin

Centella is included in some products designed for sensitive or easily irritated skin. However, sensitive skin can react to any ingredient, including plant extracts, so it’s best to choose a simple formula and try it gradually.

5. Improving the appearance of skin indirectly

When skin is properly hydrated and feels less dry, its texture and appearance may seem smoother. However, evidence for some other benefits attributed to centella, such as reducing wrinkles or scar marks, is still mixed, and it should not be considered a standalone treatment for these concerns.

Which skin types may benefit from centella?

If you’re not sure what your skin type is, start by reading the guide How to Identify Your Skin Type before choosing products.

How to Use Centella on Your Skin

How to use it depends on the product type and the manufacturer's instructions. If you use a serum or ampoule containing centella, you can follow these general steps unless the product instructions say otherwise:

1. Cleanse your skin: Use a cleanser suited to your skin type, then pat your skin dry gently.
2. Apply the centella product: Use the amount indicated on the package and spread it gently without rubbing too hard.
3. Use moisturizer: Choose a moisturizer suited to your skin to help maintain hydration.
4. Apply sunscreen in the morning: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an appropriate SPF, and reapply according to the instructions and sun exposure.
5. Start gradually: If you have sensitive skin or the product is new to you, start using it less often and monitor your skin’s response.

You don’t need to use several products containing centella in the same routine. Start with one product and see how well it suits your skin before adding others.

How to Choose the Right Centella Product

When comparing centella products, don’t rely on the ingredient’s name or popularity alone. Consider the following:

• Product type: Serums, ampoules, and creams are leave-on products, while cleansers are rinsed off after use.
• Complete formula: Check for fragrances or other ingredients you know irritate your skin.
• Your skin’s needs: If your goal is hydration, look for moisturizing ingredients alongside centella.
• Instructions for use: Follow the usage directions and frequency shown on the packaging.
• Realistic expectations: Don’t choose a product based on promises to treat pigmentation or acne, or to remove wrinkles, with guaranteed results.

You can check out Purito Wonder Releaf Centella Unscented Serum, one of the options offered by Dar Beauty, and read about its formula and instructions for use before deciding to purchase.

You can also explore the SKIN1004 collection to compare available products containing centella. Check each product’s details and availability before purchasing.

Can Centella Be Used with Other Ingredients?

This depends on the other ingredients, the product’s formula, and your skin’s tolerance. Here are some general considerations:

• Hyaluronic acid: You can use them together in the same routine if the formulas are suitable. Hyaluronic acid is used to help attract and retain moisture.
• Niacinamide: It may be included with centella in the same product or in the same routine, while taking your skin’s tolerance of the complete formula into account.
• Exfoliating acids and retinoids: Centella doesn’t mean irritation from these ingredients will go away. Introduce active ingredients gradually and follow the instructions for each product.
• Moisturizer and sunscreen: Moisturizer remains important when needed, and sunscreen is an essential step in your morning routine.

If you’d like to learn more about a popular moisturizing ingredient, read our guide to Hyaluronic Acid for Skin: Benefits and How to Use It.

Side Effects and Precautions When Using Centella

Many people tolerate Centella products well, but this does not guarantee that they will be reaction-free for everyone. Some formulations may cause irritation, itching, or redness, and sensitivity to one of the product’s ingredients may occur.

• Patch-test the product on a small area of skin according to the package instructions before using it on your face.
• Do not use it on cracked or damaged skin unless a professional recommends it.
• Stop using the product if you experience persistent burning, a rash, swelling, or noticeable irritation.
• Don’t introduce several new products at the same time, so you can identify the cause of any reaction.
• If you have an ongoing skin condition or use a prescription treatment, consult a dermatologist before changing your routine.

If you experience severe swelling or difficulty breathing after using a product, seek urgent medical attention.

Frequently asked questions about Centella for skin

Is Centella suitable for sensitive skin?

Some products may suit sensitive skin, especially if you choose a gentle formulation, but no ingredient is suitable for everyone. Patch-test the product first, and avoid ingredients that have caused irritation before.

Can Centella be used daily?

Some Centella products can be used daily, according to the manufacturer’s instructions and your skin’s tolerance. Start gradually if the product is new to you.

Does Centella treat acne?

Centella should not be considered a standalone acne treatment. It may be found in products intended for acne-prone skin, but the choice of treatment depends on the type and severity of acne and may require consultation with a dermatologist.

Does Centella remove pigmentation and acne marks?

There is no guarantee that it will remove pigmentation or acne marks. If that is your main concern, choose a routine designed for it, use sunscreen, and consult a professional if needed.

When do Centella results appear?

There is no single timeframe that applies to all products and skin types. You may notice improvements in hydration or comfort sooner than changes in appearance, and results also depend on the formulation, consistency of use, and concern being addressed.

What is the difference between Centella and the name Cica?

The name Cica is used on many skincare products that contain or are associated with Centella, but the term does not guarantee a standardized formulation. Always check the product’s actual ingredient list.

Summary

Centella asiatica is a common ingredient in skincare products, and some formulations may help support hydration and skin comfort. However, results depend on the overall formulation and your skin’s needs, and it should not be considered a guaranteed treatment for acne, pigmentation, or signs of aging.

Start with one product, follow the directions for use, and monitor how your skin responds. You can visit Dar Beauty to explore the available skincare products and compare options based on your needs before buying.