Why everyone should use Cica

Centella Asiatica has been healing wounds and calming inflammation in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Now it's having its moment in modern skincare, and for good reason.

Known as Cica, Tiger Grass, or Gotu Kola, this perennial herb is one of those rare ingredients that works for everyone. Particularly if you have sensitive, reactive skin that flushes at the slightest provocation. Which is why we've made it a cornerstone of our latest serum formulation.

Here's what Centella can do for your skin, backed by solid science.

What makes Centella Asiatica special

Centella Asiatica is a small, unassuming plant that grows across Asia. Its leaves contain a cocktail of bioactive compounds, primarily triterpenoids like asiaticoside and madecassoside.

These compounds don't just sit on your skin. They communicate with it. Recent research has discovered that Centella extract is packed with exosomes, tiny biological messengers that deliver repair signals directly to your cells. Think of them as molecular text messages telling your skin to calm down, rebuild, and protect itself.

The science behind Centella's skin benefits

Calms inflammation and visible redness

Centella's triterpenoids are potent anti-inflammatory compounds. They work by inhibiting inflammatory mediators like interleukin-6 and TNF-alpha, the same molecules that make your skin red, tight, and angry.

A 2023 study found that madecassoside specifically reduced skin inflammation by 40% in just 24 hours. That's why Centella has been used for centuries on burns and wounds. It tells inflamed skin to stand down.

Rebuilds your skin barrier from within

Your skin barrier is like the mortar between bricks. When it's damaged, irritants get in and moisture gets out. Centella helps your skin produce more of the lipids that form this protective mortar.

Research shows it stimulates the production of ceramides and fatty acids, the building blocks of a healthy barrier. A stronger barrier means less reactive, more resilient skin.

Neutralises free radical damage

Every day, UV exposure and pollution generate free radicals that break down collagen and accelerate ageing. Centella contains multiple antioxidants that neutralise these molecular vandals before they can cause damage.

The plant's flavonoids and phenolic acids are particularly effective at mopping up reactive oxygen species. Less oxidative stress means healthier, younger-looking skin for longer.

Attracts and locks in moisture

Centella doesn't just calm skin. It hydrates it. The plant's polysaccharides act as humectants, drawing water into the skin. Meanwhile, its ability to strengthen the barrier helps lock that moisture in.

This dual action is particularly helpful for dry, flaky skin that struggles to hold onto hydration. Centella helps your skin drink up and hold on.

Accelerates skin repair and regeneration

Remember those exosomes? They're packed with peptides and growth factors that tell your skin cells to get to work. Research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that Centella-derived exosomes significantly increased fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis.

This means faster healing from breakouts, reduced scarring, and quicker recovery if you've overdone it with acids or retinoids. Your skin bounces back faster.

Boosts collagen production for firmer skin

Centella doesn't just repair. It rebuilds. Multiple studies confirm that asiaticoside stimulates type I collagen synthesis, the protein that keeps skin firm and smooth.

A clinical study found that topical application of Centella extract improved skin firmness by 17% after eight weeks. That's real, measurable improvement in skin structure, not just surface hydration.

How we use Centella in our formulations

You'll find Centella in various skincare products, from lightweight essences to rich creams. The key is consistent use in a formula that allows deep penetration.

We've included Centella Asiatica in our Age Confidence NAD+ & TriPeptide Renewal Serum. But this isn't just about adding a trendy ingredient. Our Centella extract is specifically selected for its high exosome content, delivering billions of these repair messengers per millilitre.

Combined with NAD+ activation technology and biofermented peptides, it creates a multi-pathway approach to skin renewal. The Centella calms and repairs while the other actives energise and rebuild. Use it morning and night after cleansing for cumulative benefits.

Who benefits most from Centella?

While Centella works for all skin types, certain people will see particularly dramatic results:

Sensitive souls: If your skin reacts to everything, Centella is your friend. Its anti-inflammatory action calms reactivity while strengthening your barrier against future flare-ups.

Post-procedure skin: After chemical peels, laser treatments, or aggressive exfoliation, Centella speeds healing and reduces the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Acne-prone complexions: Centella reduces inflammation without clogging pores. It also helps heal active breakouts faster and may reduce scarring.

Mature skin: The collagen-boosting and antioxidant properties make Centella valuable for addressing multiple signs of ageing simultaneously.

Compromised barriers: If you've damaged your skin with too many actives or harsh products, Centella helps rebuild what's been broken down.

The exosome advantage

Not all Centella extracts are created equal. While the triterpenoids get most of the attention, emerging research points to exosomes as equally important.

These nano-sized vesicles are how plants communicate at a cellular level. When applied to skin, they deliver concentrated packages of peptides, lipids, and nucleic acids that trigger repair and regeneration.

A 2022 study comparing standard Centella extract to exosome-rich extract found the latter produced significantly more gene expression changes in skin cells. More communication means more comprehensive repair.

Making Centella work harder

To maximise Centella's benefits, consider these application tips:

Apply to damp skin: Slightly moist skin enhances penetration of water-soluble actives.

Layer thoughtfully: Use Centella products after cleansing but before heavier creams or oils. This ensures maximum absorption.

Be consistent: Like most botanicals, Centella's benefits are cumulative. Daily use for at least four weeks shows the most dramatic results.

Combine wisely: Centella plays well with other actives. It's particularly effective alongside niacinamide, peptides, and hyaluronic acid.

The bottom line on Centella

Centella Asiatica earns its place in modern skincare through proven performance, not hype. Its ability to simultaneously calm, repair, hydrate, and strengthen makes it valuable for almost everyone.

But it's the newer discoveries, particularly around exosome content, that make certain Centella extracts genuinely exciting. When you combine traditional botanical wisdom with modern extraction technology, you get ingredients that work on multiple levels.

Whether you're dealing with sensitivity, damage, or simply want to maintain healthy skin, Centella delivers. Just make sure you're getting a quality extract in a formula designed for penetration. Your skin will thank you.

Based on independent trials of 100 subjects and clinical studies on 21 subjects