What is Asiatic acid?

Centella isolate

Asiatic acid is another of the compounds isolated from centella asiatica. It is a triterpene and dissolves poorly in water, so a formula carrying it needs a solvent or a solubiliser to keep it in the mix. It goes in at small amounts and sits low on an ingredient list, usually next to the other centella isolates.

What can you expect from it?

Not shown on human skin yet.

What won't it do?

Claims you often see, and what is actually true.

It isn't shown to firm skin.
Asiatic acid firms skin or builds collagen in humans
It isn't a stronger form of asiaticoside.
Asiatic acid is the stronger or purer form of asiaticoside
It doesn't absorb well on its own.
Asiatic acid absorbs well into skin
Don't count on it to repair sun aging.
Results for asiatic acid derivatives belong to asiatic acid
Calming skin isn't shown.
Asiatic acid is anti-inflammatory or soothes skin

Which products feature it?

97 of the 2320 products we've checked feature this as a key ingredient. Products that disclose a concentration or list it near the top of the ingredient list come first.

Showing 1 to 12.

Torriden
Balanceful For Men Cica Clearing Skin
Key: Asiatic Acid (#8 on the ingredient list), Centella Asiatica Extract, Asiaticoside
sidmool
SIDMOOL HOUTTUYNIA CORDATA CICA ESSENTIAL
It's made for better hydration and calmer skin.
Key: Asiatic Acid (#8 on the ingredient list), Houttuynia Cordata Water 92%, Panthenol
Official (Korean)
6 claims, summarized
Only partly backed:
better hydration · calmer skin
See each claim
claims, checked
SIDMOOL HOUTTUYNIA CORDATA CICA ESSENTIALbacked by evidence
92% houttuynia water rich in quercitrinpartly backed
Hydrating cica soothing care for sensitive and delicate skinpartly backed
A cosmetic containing 20 years of history and deep love for houttuyniano supporting source found
Even for inner-dry, oily, combination, and teenage skin, comfortable feel!no supporting source found
It is a natural functional derma cosmetic to solve skin concerns.no supporting source found
Torriden
Torriden Balanceful Cica Control Sebum Patch 5ea
Key: Asiatic Acid (#8 on the ingredient list), Centella Asiatica Extract, Madecassic Acid
Torriden
BALANCEFUL Mask
It's made for better hydration and calmer skin.
Key: Asiatic Acid (#10 on the ingredient list), Panthenol, Asiaticoside
Brand store Official (Korean)
16 claims, summarized
You can expect:
better hydration
Only partly backed:
calmer skin
Don't count on:
firmer skin · better barrier support · less visible dark spots · softer-looking fine lines
See each claim
claims, checked
Replenishes hydrationbacked by evidence
Calming Care: Soothes and comforts sensitive skin with 5D Cica Complexplausible, not tested
A gentle yet effective blend of five types of Cica ingredients helps soothe visible redness and support sensitive skin.plausible, not tested
Soothing Sheet Mask for Irritated Skinplausible, not tested
Soothes and comforts sensitive, stressed skin with five types of Cica ingredientsplausible, not tested
Daily soothing mask provides moisture and soothes with 5 types of centella asiatica extract ingredients. Soothes temporarily redness and red spots.partly backed
Gentle Formula: Suitable even for sensitive skinpartly backed
The human repeat insult patch test(Non-irritant)(1)partly backed
Delivers moisture, helps retain hydration, and soothes the skinpartly backed
Dense Sheet: A firm, essence-soaked sheet adheres closely to keep skin hydrated and supple all dayoverstated
60.01% improved soothing of temporary skin redness damaged by external stimulation (infrared)(2)overstated
38.94% improved skin barrier of temporary skin redness damaged by external stimulation (infrared)(3)overstated
High Adherence: Made with soft, lightweight TENCEL-blend fabric that hugs the skin seamlesslyno supporting source found
A functional cosmetic under the Cosmetics Act (triple functionality: UV protection, wrinkle improvement, whitening) has passed review (or reporting).contradicted by sources
Formulated with Torriden’s patented T-Percent™ Calming Complex together with T-TECA, a micro-sized complex smaller than pores, it delivers calming care without stickiness or heaviness.nothing specific to check
5D Cica Complex for Calm, Comforted Skinnothing specific to check
Torriden
BALANCEFUL Toner Pad
It's made for a smoother skin texture and calmer skin.
Key: Asiatic Acid (#10 on the ingredient list), Gluconolactone, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Brand store Official (Korean)
17 claims, summarized
Only partly backed:
calmer skin · a smoother skin texture · better hydration
See each claim
claims, checked
Gentle Daily Exfoliation for Smooth, Balanced Skinplausible, not tested
Embossed Pad: Textured pad with a 3D embossed surface that thoroughly and gently cleanses problem areas for smoother skin with daily useplausible, not tested
Delivers moisture, helps retain hydration, and soothes the skinplausible, not tested
it provides calming care without stickiness or heaviness.plausible, not tested
Daily toner pad formulated with 5 types of centella asiatica extract ingredients and LHA & PHA calms and provides smoothness for sensitive skin.partly backed
Daily Exfoliation: Gently melts away excess sebum and dead skin cells to refine rough texturepartly backed
Gentle Formula: Mild and non-irritating, even for sensitive skinpartly backed
The human repeat insult patch test(Non-irritant)(1)partly backed
11.2% improved skin texture(roughness)(2)partly backed
100% gave positive answers on feeling like my rough skin texture has become smooth and soft(5)partly backed
Soothes and comforts sensitive, stressed skin with five types of Cica ingredientspartly backed
Gently exfoliates dead skin and excess sebum with a mild, low-pH formulapartly backed
Gently exfoliates to remove old dead skin cells and refine texturepartly backed
84.3% improved skin exfoliation(3)overstated
50.8% improved in skin sebum(4)overstated
A gentle yet effective blend of five types of Cica ingredients helps soothe visible redness and support sensitive skin.overstated
Designed to keep skin balanced, smooth, and comfortablenothing specific to check
Torriden
Balanceful For Men Cica Oil-Free Lotion
Key: Asiatic Acid (#10 on the ingredient list), Niacinamide, Madecassoside
Abib
Heartleaf Calming Spot Patch
It's made for clearer-looking, calmer skin.
Key: Asiatic Acid (#10 on the ingredient list), Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Asiaticoside
Official (Korean)
23 claims, summarized
You can expect:
clearer-looking skin
Only partly backed:
calmer skin (amount unknown)
Tests passed:
non-comedogenic
See each claim
claims, checked
*Trouble such as sensitivity, sebum, excess oil, dryness, etc.backed by evidence
Step 1. Moist environment creation. Hydrocolloid patch quickly absorbs secretions and creates a moist environment, protecting the skin from external pollution.backed by evidence
*Limited to raw material characteristics.backed by evidence
2 type size. Highly versatile 2 sizes. Composed of 10mm and 12mm sizes, use according to the size of the concerned area.backed by evidence
*10mm: For small spots *12mm: For large spots (curved areas like chin and mouth area, or areas of greater concern).backed by evidence
Functional: -backed by evidence
Q. How long should it be attached? If the patch swells white and is no longer easy to attach, replace it, or replace it after a certain time (approximately 6-8 hours). It is recommended not to exceed 24 hours.backed by evidence
Q. What is the order of use? After cleansing, on a dry state, or after skincare, lightly wipe the area with a cotton swab and attach. Since adhesion may weaken if there is excess moisture or oil, be sure to dry the attachment area before use.backed by evidence
Trouble care. From early spots to after-calming! Experience emergency calming spot care.plausible, not tested
Slim fit. Invisible seamless cover, Slim fit ultra-adhesive patch!plausible, not tested
Beveling method. Applies a beveling method where the edges are 2 times thinner than the center, ensuring close adhesion without lifting.plausible, not tested
Matte patch. The matte transparent material ensures spot coverage that is unnoticeable even during makeup and outdoor activities.plausible, not tested
Cutting film. Tear along the cutting line for clean use. A cutting line is applied to the center of the back film with the patch, allowing easy removal and hygienic use.plausible, not tested
Q. When do you use it? It can be used at every stage, from the initial trouble spot to the after-spot.plausible, not tested
Heartleaf x Calming. Blocks external pollution and calms for sure!partly backed
Step 2. Soothing trio synergy. Contains heartleaf and TECA, a key ingredient of centella, which help soothe sensitive skin, and tea tree leaf oil that calms irritated skin, to quickly soothe skin spots.partly backed
Non Comedogenic. Acne-prone skin suitability test completed.partly backed
*Acne-prone skin suitability test (non-comedogenic test) completed / Korea Intertek Testing Services Co., Ltd.partly backed
Completed a human efficacy evaluation suitable for acne-prone skin, and since it does not clog pores, even sensitive skin can use it with confidence.overstated
Waterproof. The excellent patch fabric doesn't lift even when wet, and maintains for a long time during daily activities like washing and showering, as well as sweat, so it doesn't easily detach even during exercise.overstated
Less stress. Safe care for sensitive skin. Experience spot care without worry even on sensitive skin.overstated
The moment when Trouble* needs calmingnothing specific to check
Emergency spot care, heartleaf spot patchnothing specific to check
Torriden
BALANCEFUL Cleansing Gel
It's made for calmer skin.
Key: Asiatic Acid (#11 on the ingredient list), Centella Asiatica Extract, Madecassoside
Brand store Amazon· Seller not confirmed Official (Korean)
26 claims, summarized
Only partly backed:
less shine · calmer skin (amount unknown) · a smoother skin texture · better hydration (amount unknown)
Don't count on:
less visible pores
See each claim
claims, checked
Contains Torriden carefully blended 5D multi centella asiatica extractbacked by evidence
Dense Foam Texture: Thick, cushiony bubbles provide a deep, pore-cleansing experienceplausible, not tested
Panthenol Delivers moisture, helps retain hydration, and soothes the skinplausible, not tested
Contains panthenol : effective for moisturization and soothingplausible, not tested
Gel-type cleanser full of moistureplausible, not tested
Soft gel cleanser including 5 types of centella asiatica extract ingredients and LHA helps to remove sebum and dirt inside skin pores.partly backed
Skin Calming: Soothes sensitive skin with a gentle gel texture and 5D Cica complexpartly backed
Oil Control: Helps balance excess sebum and oil for refreshed, combination skinpartly backed
Gentle Formula: Suitable even for sensitive skinpartly backed
The human repeat insult patch test(Non-irritant)(1)partly backed
5D Cica Complex Soothes and comforts sensitive, stressed skin with five types of Cica ingredientspartly backed
LHA Gently exfoliates dead skin and excess sebum with a mild, low-pH formulapartly backed
Torriden Balanceful Cica Cleansing Gel is a light cleanser that clarifies pores and removes excessive sebum.partly backed
Formulated with LHA to gently melt excessive sebum and smooth the skin texturepartly backed
Contains T-Percent™ Calming Complex , which is Torriden patented ingredient, along with Asiatic Acid, Madecasoside, Asiaticoside, and Madecasic Acidpartly backed
Dissolves oil, clears sebum cleanly! Sebum-free cleansing gelpartly backed
Soothes skin with 5D Complex Cica Complexpartly backed
Pore Purifying: Gently clears pores and sebum buildup without irritationoverstated
68.7% improved immediate sebum cleanliness effect(2)overstated
90.2% improved immediate pore cleanliness effect(3)overstated
100% agreed feels gentle/softness/moistness and soothed on the skin.(4)overstated
Low-irritation LHA ingredient for irritation-free sebum careoverstated
A gentle yet effective blend of five types of Cica ingredients helps soothe visible redness and support sensitive skin.no supporting source found
Formulated with Torriden’s patented T-Percent™ Calming Complex, it provides calming care without stickiness or heaviness.no supporting source found
Vegan & Cruelty-freeno supporting source found
Designed to keep skin balanced, smooth, and comfortable - day after day.nothing specific to check
Torriden
Balanceful Cica Control Serum
It's registered in Korea as a functional cosmetic for brightening.
Key: Asiatic Acid (#11 on the ingredient list), Panthenol, Asiaticoside
Brand store Official (Korean)
2 claims, summarized
You can expect:
less visible dark spots
See each claim
claims, checked
Passed functional cosmetics (whitening) review (or reporting) according to the Cosmetics Act.backed by evidence
Rapid calming serum that soothes sensitized skin.partly backed
Dongkook
Madeca Medipatch ACQ
It's made for clearer-looking, calmer skin.
Key: Asiatic Acid (#11 on the ingredient list), Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside
Official (Korean)
41 claims, summarized
You can expect:
clearer-looking skin
Only partly backed:
calmer skin (amount unknown) · a brighter skin tone
Tests passed:
hypoallergenic · skin irritation
See each claim
claims, checked
Contains TECA, tea tree leaf oil, Centella Asiatica Extractbacked by evidence
A mixed patch with 2 sizes to choose and stick according to spot size!backed by evidence
Sticks perfectly to my skinplausible, not tested
When you stick it right! on troubled skin areas, it helps soothe spotsplausible, not tested
Sticks perfectly to my skin-! A slim matte patch that doesn't showplausible, not tested
A semi-transparent matte patch in skin tone, so it doesn't show on bare face or with makeupplausible, not tested
#CoolTone #WarmTone #Regardlessplausible, not tested
Half-cut method with cut lines in the film makes it easy to tear off and use, with no worry about foldingplausible, not tested
Before squeezing, for initial spot soothing carepartly backed
Soothing effect human application test completedpartly backed
Acne use suitability human application test completedpartly backed
Initial spot soothing carepartly backed
Dongkuk Pharmaceutical's key ingredient TECApartly backed
Helps soothe skinpartly backed
Acne-prone skin suitability cosmetic test completedpartly backed
Low irritation test completedpartly backed
Contains Soothing Solumix formula of TECA, Centella Asiatica Extract, and tea tree leaf oilpartly backed
Key ingredient of Soothing Solumix™, Dongkuk Pharmaceutical TECApartly backed
Oil improvement human application test completedpartly backed
1. Helps improve skin oil amount and sebum amountpartly backed
About 33% improvement effectpartly backed
2. Suitable for use on acne-prone skinpartly backed
Helps soothe skin!partly backed
Therefore, the test product “Madeca Medi Patch Arc Q” is judged to be - a product that helps immediate (temporary) soothing of skin irritation after physical stimulation with 1 use. - a product that helps soothe skin with 2 weeks of use.partly backed
Skin low irritation test completedpartly backed
Skin safety human application test completedpartly backed
0.00 low irritationpartly backed
Madeca Medi Patch Arc Q is judged to be non-(no)-irritating. All human application test subjects showed no skin adverse reactions during the test period.partly backed
Try it with confidence! Satisfaction 100%partly backed
Madeca Medi Patch Arc Q confirmed improvement effects through human application tests.partly backed
Patch thickness satisfaction 100%partly backed
Longevity (retention) satisfaction 100%partly backed
Spot coverage satisfaction 100%partly backed
Madeca Medi Patch Arc Q is a hydrocolloid patch that contains Soothing Solumix ingredients TECA, Centella Asiatica Extract, and tea tree leaf oil, helps improve skin oil, and soothes and cares for troubled skin areas.partly backed
Madeca Medi Patch Arc Q is suitable for use on acne-prone skin and is a product with 0.00 skin irritation, low irritation. (Test completed)partly backed
Even sensitive skin can use it with confidenceoverstated
About 33% improvement effectno supporting source found
About 41% improvement effectno supporting source found
Fast soothing effect 100%no supporting source found
Product use 100%no supporting source found
Adhesion completely perfect!no supporting source found
PHYSIOGEL
Cicabalance For Men Calming Cream
Key: Asiatic Acid (#13 on the ingredient list), Niacinamide, Madecassoside
Official (Korean)
SIDMOOL
Madagascar Centella Asiatica Lotion
It's made for calmer skin and better barrier support.
Key: Asiatic Acid (#13 on the ingredient list), Centella Asiatica Leaf Water 80%, Madecassoside
Official (Korean)
10 claims, summarized
Only partly backed:
calmer skin · better barrier support
See each claim
claims, checked
Silicone oil was not used.backed by evidence
The white color of raw ingredients that used no synthetic colorantsbacked by evidence
A moisturizing lotion with little oiliness!plausible, not tested
Highly concentrated! High content! Centella asiatica leaf water 80%partly backed
A barrier moisturizing lotion made with only skin health in mindpartly backed
Helps soothe troubled skin and care for the barrierpartly backed
pH approx. 6.3, weakly acidic productpartly backed
No synthetic fragrance is used, so it has the inherent scent of the raw ingredients.partly backed
Skin irritation test completedno supporting source found
Animal-derived freeno supporting source found

Often featured alongside it

Are the claims about it backed up?

We checked each claim that features this ingredient. Open the list below to see the result for each one.

See the results by claim

Result	Claims
backed by evidence	2 of 8
plausible, not tested	2 of 8
partly backed	2 of 8
no supporting source found	1 of 8
nothing specific to check	1 of 8

These are counts of claims, not products. One product can name the same ingredient in several claims, and we checked each one on its own.

Sources

We summarized the published studies and public records listed below, each with its DOI or PubMed number. Findings about treating medical conditions are outside what a cosmetics page covers, so we left them out.

What won't it do?

It isn't shown to firm skin.
The collagen results all come from cells in dishes, and the human wrinkle studies in this field tested the plant extract and a different compound, not asiatic acid.
Cell cultures on one side, and on the other a review of human wrinkle studies that does not list asiatic acid among what was applied.
The collagen evidence is fibroblast culture and keratinocyte culture under a glycation challenge.
Sources: 1, 3
It isn't a stronger form of asiaticoside.
Put side by side in the same test, both forms raised collagen by about the same amount, so neither one is the stronger form.
The one laboratory test that ran both forms in the same experiment on cultured human skin cells.
Contradicted by the one head to head assay.
Tested separately, the individual components stimulated collagen I synthesis to a similar extent, and the source concludes that "the sugar moiety of the molecule does not seem to be necessary" for this activity.
Sources: 1
It doesn't absorb well on its own.
Asiatic acid dissolves poorly, and in its own permeation test the plain version was a weak arm while the wrapped version let several times more through.
The same artificial sheet test, comparing a plain gel and a plain solution against a gel with tiny carriers in it.
Contradicted by the reason the delivery literature exists.
Low bioavailability due to poor solubility is stated as the limit on practical application, and a plain hydroethanolic asiatic acid solution in gel achieved 1.18% penetration against 8.53% for the transfersomal gel in the same experiment.
Sources: 2, 4
Don't count on it to repair sun aging.
The photoaging result belongs to a different, easier to dissolve version of the compound and was measured in mouse skin, so it does not carry over.
An animal study on a salt form of asiatic acid, which was chosen precisely because plain asiatic acid dissolves too poorly.
The anti photoaging result frequently associated with asiatic acid was generated with AAGS, asiatic acid compounded with glucosamine, introduced explicitly as a highly bioavailable form because plain asiatic acid's solubility is limiting.
Sources: 4
Calming skin isn't shown.
The calming result came from an animal study where the amount was set by body weight, which is not a dose you put on skin, so it says nothing about what a cosmetic does.
An animal study alongside cell culture work, with no amount applied to skin stated anywhere in it.
The retrieved abstract does not state the route, but mg/kg body weight dosing is a whole animal exposure and not a defined topical dose.

Lab and related-material results

In lab cells it boosts collagen, more so with vitamin C.
In dishes outside skin, asiatic acid made human skin cells put out more collagen, and more again when vitamin C was in the dish with it.
A laboratory test on cultured human skin cells, not on anyone's skin.
Demonstrated directly and comparatively.
Ascorbic acid raised the level of collagen I secretion for each component, so the assay condition matters.
Sources: 1
In lab cells it keeps collagen from dropping under stress.
Outside skin, when cells were put under sugar related stress, asiatic acid kept their collagen from dropping and held back the enzymes that break collagen apart.
Cultured cells from the outer skin layer, deliberately stressed in a dish rather than tested on skin.
Asiatic acid pretreatment maintained collagen I expression and reduced three MMPs under an AGE challenge.
Sources: 3
Packed in a carrier gel, several times more gets through in lab tests.
How it is packaged changed how much got through: a gel that wrapped asiatic acid in tiny carriers let several times more pass than plain gels or a plain solution did.
The passing through was measured on an artificial sheet standing in for skin, not on skin itself.
Transfersomal gels outperformed both non transfersomal gels and a hydroethanolic solution on percentage penetration and flux.
Sources: 2

Citations

1
Bonte F, Dumas M, Chaudagne C, Meybeck A. Influence of asiatic acid, madecassic acid, and asiaticoside on human collagen I synthesis. Planta Med. 1994;60(2):133-135.DOI 10.1055/s-2006-959434 PMID 8202564
2
Opatha SAT, Titapiwatanakun V, Boonpisutiinant K, Chutoprapat R. Preparation, Characterization and Permeation Study of Topical Gel Loaded with Transfersomes Containing Asiatic Acid. Molecules. 2022;27(15):4865.DOI 10.3390/molecules27154865 PMID 35956816
3
Wang ZH. Anti-glycative effects of asiatic acid in human keratinocyte cells. Biomedicine (Taipei). 2014;4(3):19.DOI 10.7603/s40681-014-0019-9 PMID 25520932
4
Huang J, Tu T, Wang W, Zhou G, Zhang W, Wu X, Liu W. Asiatic Acid Glucosamine Salt Alleviates Ultraviolet B-induced Photoaging of Human Dermal Fibroblasts and Nude Mouse Skin. Photochem Photobiol. 2020;96(1):124-138.DOI 10.1111/php.13160 PMID 31483870
5
Moon GH, Lee Y, Kim EK, Chung KH, Lee KJ, An JH. Immunomodulatory and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Asiatic Acid in a DNCB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis Animal Model. Nutrients. 2021;13(7):2448.DOI 10.3390/nu13072448 PMID 34371956

What each point on this page rests on, with full citations.