Centella asiática CICA en rutina de skincare calmante

Centella Asiatica (CICA): what it's for and what the science says

August 16 2026, 2 min reading time

CICA or Centella Asiatica is one of the most scientifically backed soothing ingredients. Discover what studies say and how to use it properly.

If there's one ingredient that embodies the soothing spirit of Korean cosmetics, it's Centella Asiatica, known on labels as CICA. It's not a passing fad: it's a plant with centuries of traditional use and, most importantly, with scientific studies backing its skin benefits.

What is Centella Asiatica (CICA)?

It is a plant whose main active compounds—asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid—have been studied for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and regenerative effects on the skin. In cosmetics, it's abbreviated as "CICA" and has become synonymous with calm and repaired skin.

What is it used for? What the evidence says

Skin repair: studies describe that Centella Asiatica promotes healing by improving angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) and stimulating collagen production.
Real soothing effect: it reduces the production of inflammation mediators (such as IL-6 and TNF-α), which translates to less visible redness and irritation.
Improved appearance of scars: a randomized clinical trial with 280 patients after carpal tunnel surgery showed that topical application of Centella Asiatica cream twice a day significantly improved the appearance of scars (measured with the Vancouver scale) compared to the control group, after 8 weeks of use.
Strengthening the skin barrier: evidence supports its role in improving barrier function, useful for sensitized or reactive skin.

As always, an honest nuance: these studies focus on specific applications (wound healing, damaged skin). A cosmetic serum for daily use provides this same active principle as maintenance care, not as medical treatment for wounds or significant scars.

Who is CICA for?

It is one of the most versatile and best-tolerated ingredients available:

Sensitive or reactive skin, due to its soothing effect.
Skin with a damaged barrier (due to excessive exfoliation, sun, or strong active ingredients).
Skin with redness or after gentle aesthetic procedures.
Any skin type seeking a moment of calm within its routine.

How to use it in your routine

After toner and before moisturizer, apply your CICA serum or ampoule to clean skin. Our Korean CICA Serum is a good entry point to calm your skin daily, and if you also seek firmness, the Exosome + PDRN + Cica Ampoule from VT Cosmetics combines CICA with other regenerative active ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CICA good for acne?
It helps to calm associated inflammation but is not a treatment for active acne.

Can it be used every day?
Yes, it is a daily maintenance ingredient, well-tolerated even daily.

Does it combine with other active ingredients?
Yes, it is especially compatible with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, and is often added to routines with stronger active ingredients precisely to soothe the skin.

In summary

Centella Asiatica is one of the few soothing ingredients with real clinical evidence behind it, including controlled trials on wound healing. If your skin needs a step of calm and repair, the Korean CICA Serum is a good starting point within our exclusive Korean skincare collection.