Centella Asiatica

About Centella Asiatica

A newer ingredient in western skincare, Centella Asiatica, is quickly becoming a buzzing trend. This tropical, medicinal plant that is mostly native to Southeast Asian countries is said to have numerous benefits not just for skin care but also for general health and wellness. Centella Asiatica has been used for centuries in traditional medicines across Asia and is used as a natural remedy for many conditions—now, it's sweeping the skincare industry.

Here is everything you need to know about Centella Asiatica and its benefits for your skin.

What Is Centella Asiatica?

Also known as Gotu Kola or Pennywort, Centella is a tropical, medicinal plant that grows in wild, damp, and shady places. It's native to places like riverbanks, streams, or ponds in Southeast Asian countries like India, Malaysia, China, and Sri Lanka and is also found in Australia, the US, and Madagascar. As an herb in the parsley family, Centella also has a long history of use in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicinal remedies and treatments. In skincare, its benefits range from anti-inflammatory properties to aiding healing and improving scratches and burns.

Benefits of Centella Asiatica

We use Centella, and so do tigers! Here's a fantastic fun fact: tigers like to roll around in Centella plants to help heal their wounds in the wild. Here are more wild and wide-reaching benefits of Centella Asiatica:

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in Centella Asiatica are super powerful, helping damaged areas of the skin and protecting against the harsh effects of sunlight, pollution, and stress.
Anti-aging properties of Centella help neutralize free radical damage that could be caused by exposure to sunlight and other toxins. They also help boost blood circulation and the synthesis of collagen, leaving your skin looking radiant and revitalized.
Mind and body benefits: in India, many refer to it as a powerful "brain food," while in some places in China, it's regarded as "the fountain of life."