What is Centella asiatica extract?
Plant extract
Centella asiatica extract is a water based extract of the centella plant, which Korean labels call byeongpul. Brands often list it next to the compounds isolated from the same plant, because the whole extract and the isolates are separate entries rather than one ingredient written twice. As with any extract, the composition depends on the supplier.
What can you expect from it?
Skin holds more moisture and loses less water.
5% strength · 4 weeks of use
Skin turns red less easily.
5% strength · 4 weeks of use
Eye and lip wrinkles look better.
What won't it do?
Claims you often see, and what is actually true.
One centella cream's results don't carry over to every centella product.
Results from a "centella cream" transfer to any centella product
The calming result for sensitive skin isn't centella's alone.
The sensitive skin cream studies prove centella calms sensitive skin
It isn't proven that centella works because of asiaticoside.
Centella extract works because of asiaticoside
Anything to watch out for?
- Over 48 hours on skin it caused no irritation or allergic reaction.
- A safety panel calls it safe when products are made not to trigger allergies.
- It isn't hypoallergenic.
How much, and for how long?
At 5% the extract does better than at 2.5% on every measure, using a raw material standardized to 10% active compounds.
Moisture and water loss change within the first week and more by week 4. Wrinkles take 8 to 12 weeks.
Which products feature it?
351 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.
It's made for calmer skin and better hydration.
Key: Centella Asiatica Extract (#1 on the ingredient list · 79.9%), Ceramide, Madecassoside
21 claims, summarized
- Only partly backed:
- calmer skin · better hydration · better barrier support
- Don't count on:
- a smoother skin texture
See each claim
claims, checked
For functional cosmetics, there is no requirement for review by the Korea Food and Drug Administration under the Cosmetics Act.
backed by evidenceAn oil-moisture emulsion that gently cares for skin that has become sensitive due to a disrupted skin balance!
plausible, not testedIf skin easily becomes dry, apply the emulsion twice to create moist, lively skin.
plausible, not tested79.9% Centella Asiatica extract instead of purified water
partly backedContains 79.9% Centella Asiatica extract instead of purified water, helping to comfortably soothe skin sensitized by external environments and to create clean, smooth skin.
partly backedFor proper oil retention, apply the emulsion once to create non-greasy, fresh skin.
partly backedContains 8 types of hyaluronic acid to offer richer moisturizing and hydration simultaneously, creating clear, lively skin.
partly backedThe sample of this product was determined to be a low-irritation sample in terms of primary irritation.
partly backedAs a pure white clean lotion type, it is lightly absorbed into the skin without stickiness, gently cares for skin sensitized by stress, and provides a moist moisture barrier.
partly backedKeep the balance of oil and moisture! It smooths rough skin texture caused by dryness and gently cares for oiliness and sensitivity caused by excess oil.
overstatedIf severe dryness and dead skin cells cause the skin to lift white, apply the emulsion three times to soothe sensitive skin and provide sufficient moisture.
overstated[ Origin of Centella Asiatica extract: Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do ]
no supporting source foundAdjust the 'number of uses' according to skin condition to maintain the oil-moisture balance.
no supporting source foundIf skin remains dry even after multiple applications, mix toner and emulsion and use like an ampoule.
no supporting source foundSoothing patented ingredients soothe and care for skin sensitized by stress, Patent No.: 10-1332214
no supporting source foundIt is a dermocosmetic containing only effective ingredients with an EWG green prescription that can be used with confidence.
contradicted by sourcesCleaner, boost efficacy
nothing specific to checkThe start of healthy skin changes, oil-moisture balance emulsion
nothing specific to checkThe above description is limited to the characteristics of the raw material.
nothing specific to checkAfter using toner, take an appropriate amount and gently spread along the skin texture to absorb.
nothing specific to checkNo next-step worries! Join the Cica line.
nothing specific to check
It's registered in Korea as a functional cosmetic for brightening.
Key: Centella Asiatica Extract (#1 on the ingredient list · 64.33%), Houttuynia Cordata Extract 20.16%, Niacinamide
25 claims, summarized
- You can expect:
- less visible dark spots
- Only partly backed:
- clearer-looking skin · calmer skin · a brighter skin tone (amount unknown)
- Tests passed:
- skin irritation
See each claim
claims, checked
Whitening functional cosmetic
backed by evidence1) Centella asiatica extract 64.33%
backed by evidence2) Houttuynia cordata (heartleaf) extract 20.16%
backed by evidenceConvenient 360° rotating spray!
plausible, not testedA mist toner usable for rough skin texture, dead skin cells, pores, sebum, and acne-prone skin, and made as a spray that sprays even when the container is upside down, making it easy to spray on your back!
plausible, not testedPETA/Vegan vegan cosmetic
plausible, not tested4) 25 allergy-related ingredients excluded
partly backedSuitable for acne-prone skin, skin sebum reduction effect clinical trial completed!
partly backedAcne severity index decreased by 32.13
partly backedSkin sebum 17.29% reduction
partly backedContains 64.33% Centella asiatica extract! The asiaticoside and madecassic acid components of Centella help soothe skin that has become reddened and sensitive due to external irritation.
partly backedContains 20.16% heartleaf extract to gently soothe the skin and keep it moisturized. Heartleaf is rich in a component called 'quercitrin', which helps to gently soothe dry and irritated skin.
partly backedA whitening functional cosmetic containing niacinamide helps manage dull skin and marks, helping to keep skin clear.
partly backedSkin irritation test completed! Safe ingredients for skin peace of mind.
partly backedClinical trial completed for suitability for acne-prone skin
partly backedAHA, BHA, PHA triple acid ingredients of different molecular sizes are gently and balancedly blended to cleanly refine dead skin cells and impurities in pores, and help soothe problem skin.
overstated2022 November 3rd week ~ 2023 February 2nd week Hwahae Ranking Body Mist/Shower Cologne category #1
no supporting source foundUS Costco entry! 🏆 2026 CertClean Awards win!
no supporting source foundNatural-origin 96.05%
no supporting source found3) 20 ingredients of concern excluded
no supporting source foundGentle mildly acidic mist for sensitive skin
no supporting source foundCanada Clean Beauty CertCLEAN
no supporting source foundEco-friendly container for protecting the global environment
no supporting source foundBack·chest skin concerns clear!
nothing specific to checkMaintains pH balance and skin condition in the most comfortable state for skin, caring for healthy skin.
nothing specific to check
BIOHEAL BOH
Pantecel Repair Cica Cream Mist
It's made for better hydration.
Key: Centella Asiatica Extract (#3 on the ingredient list · 10%), Panthenol 1%
3 claims, summarized
- You can expect:
- better hydration
See each claim
claims, checked
After shaking sufficiently to mix the water layer and cream layer, close your eyes and spray evenly over the entire face to allow absorption.
backed by evidenceThis feather-light cream mist is formulated to moisturize and nourish sensitive skin.
plausible, not testedTip) Right after cleansing, when skin tends to become dry, and also when it becomes dry after makeup, spray frequently to maintain skin moisture.
plausible, not tested
beplain
시카테롤 크림 (Korean)This brand publishes no English name for this product. The name above is as printed in Korean.
It's made for calmer skin and better hydration.
Key: Centella Asiatica Extract (#5 on the ingredient list · 3.5%), Niacinamide, Panthenol
18 claims, summarized
- Only partly backed:
- better hydration · calmer skin
- Tests passed:
- skin irritation
See each claim
claims, checked
It is a vitamin D-like ingredient naturally obtained from plants such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and pine trees.
backed by evidenceCentella Asiatica Extract Soothing Care / Madecassoside Soothing Hydration / Allantoin Soothing Barrier Care / Panthenol Barrier Care
backed by evidenceMoisture soothing with no room for dryness
plausible, not testedMoisture soothing / fresh and moist / gel to cream moisture barrier
plausible, not testedForms a comfortable, fresh and moist gel to cream moisture barrier
plausible, not testedIt absorbs lightly, leaving only moisture!
plausible, not testedGel to cream formula / fresh finish / moisture soothing
plausible, not testedA light and fresh moisture soothing cream for oily and dehydrated skin.
plausible, not testedAs a key soothing ingredient extracted from cica's phytosterol (vitamin D-like component), B.Plain applied it to cosmetics for the first time in Korea.
partly backedIt is an ingredient that helps plants grow healthily, and when applied to our skin, it helps soothe and protect the skin.
partly backedNo irritation worries! Skin irritation test completed.
partly backed2. Skin irritation test completed - Test institution: (Inc.) Human Ethic Clinical Trial Center - Test period: 2021.11.09 ~ 2021.11.11 - Test participants: 33 people
partly backedFast and powerful trouble solution
overstatedFirst in Korea! First in the industry! Contains cica-terol extracted only from cica's core ingredients.
no supporting source foundBecause we packed it a whopping 5 times more thickly!
no supporting source foundContains x5 high-concentrated cica
no supporting source foundEasy and enjoyable clean beauty, B.Plain's REAL CLEAN STORY / Smart farm-grown smart cica for reducing carbon emissions and waste
no supporting source foundWe minimized waste that can occur from chemical fertilizers, etc., and reduced transportation volume and carbon emissions by building in the city outskirts.
no supporting source found
beplain
Cicaterol Ampoule
It's made for calmer skin and better hydration.
Key: Centella Asiatica Extract (#5 on the ingredient list · 3.5%), Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid
30 claims, summarized
- Only partly backed:
- calmer skin · better hydration · less visible pores · less shine
- Tests passed:
- skin irritation
See each claim
claims, checked
Primary irritation test completed
backed by evidenceSuitability test for acne-prone skin completed
backed by evidenceNatural yellowish-brown formulation due to high-concentration cica
plausible, not testedIt is an ingredient that helps plants grow healthily, and when used on our skin, it helps soothe and protect the skin
plausible, not testedThe chewy, high-concentration natto formula clings to the skin without stickiness and finishes bouncy
plausible, not testedApplying a removable label that can be easily peeled off makes label removal convenient and easy
plausible, not testedNo waiting, 10-minute rapid soothing
partly backedInner moisture improvement
partly backedSebum care, pore care
partly backedThe product absorbs well into the skin
partly backedThere is intention to recommend the product to others
partly backedWith just one use, soothing & barrier improve approximately 2 times in 10 minutes
partly backedElevates inner moisture, a 10-layer inner moisture ampoule
partly backedEffect of improving stratum corneum moisture with just one use
partly backedA soothing ampoule that is comfortable even for sensitive and acne-prone skin
partly backed(approx.) 2 times faster soothing
overstated100% user satisfaction proven by clinical results
overstatedFast and powerful resolution of trouble concerns
overstatedIt is a key soothing ingredient extracted from cica, a phytosterol (a provitamin D-like ingredient)
overstatedFundamental care for redness, sebum, and pores without yielding to sensitivity
overstatedSoothing No.1
no supporting source foundBecause we packed it a full 5 times more richly!
no supporting source foundContains ×5 high-concentration cica
no supporting source foundHwahae No.1 original soothing item Cicaful Ampoule 2nd generation
no supporting source foundDeliver faster and more powerful soothing effects!
no supporting source foundIt seems that the inner moisture of 10 layers of the stratum corneum has improved
no supporting source foundKorea's first! Industry's first! Contains Cicasterol extracted only from the core ingredient of cica
no supporting source foundSmart cica grown via smart farming to reduce carbon emissions and waste
no supporting source foundWorries only delay soothing
nothing specific to checkSoothing, moist, bouncy, glossy ampoule
nothing specific to check
beplain
Cicaterol Spot Treatment
It's made for clearer-looking, calmer skin.
Key: Centella Asiatica Extract (#10 on the ingredient list · 2.4%), Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Madecassic Acid
28 claims, summarized
- Only partly backed:
- clearer-looking skin · calmer skin
- Tests passed:
- skin irritation
See each claim
claims, checked
Pat-pat on localized areas
backed by evidenceAs it contains a large amount of soothing powder ingredients, there is a slight white cast when applied, but it disappears after a certain time once absorbed.
backed by evidenceThe [Be Plain Cicaterol Spot Treatment] commissioned by Moments Company Inc. was judged to be a non-irritating product in terms of primary skin irritation on human skin.
backed by evidenceSpot soothing
plausible, not testedIntensive buff spot care
plausible, not testedIt is a provitamin D-like component naturally obtained from plants such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and pine trees.
plausible, not testedCica powder #ConcentratedSoothing
plausible, not testedFocused soothing spot care for localized skin troubles.
plausible, not testedAs a core soothing ingredient extracted from phytosterol (a provitamin D-like component) from cica, Be Plain was the first in Korea to apply it to cosmetics.
partly backedCentella extract #ImmediateSoothing
partly backedWe packed different forms of cica into one jar to UP the soothing synergy!
partly backedNo need to worry about irritation! Skin irritation test completed.
partly backedFast and powerful resolution of skin trouble
overstatedHigh-concentration soothing
no supporting source foundFirst in Korea! First in the industry! Contains cicaterol, extracted only from cica's key ingredients.
no supporting source foundA component that helps plants grow healthily, and when used on our skin, it helps soothe and protect the skin.
no supporting source foundBecause we packed it 5 times more richly!
no supporting source foundContains ×5 high-concentration cica
no supporting source foundProvides faster and more powerful soothing effects!
no supporting source foundCica powder's concentrated penetration power for focused spot care.
no supporting source foundCica oil #DeepSoothing
no supporting source foundThe fine, uniform X-TECA cica powder particles adhere to the skin to provide focused care for problem areas.
no supporting source foundApply thickly on problem areas and sleep, and the next day, amazing soothing.
no supporting source foundWe minimized waste that can occur from chemical fertilizers, and reduced transportation volume & carbon emissions by building near the city outskirts.
no supporting source foundNo-fail one-shot care
nothing specific to checkFrom cica, the king of soothing, we extracted only the core ingredients – that's exactly cicaterol!
nothing specific to checkEasy and enjoyable clean beauty, Be Plain's REAL CLEAN STORY.
nothing specific to checkBefore sleep, one layer of #SoothingBlanket for my skin.
nothing specific to check
beplain
Cicaterol Toner
Key: Centella Asiatica Extract (#3 on the ingredient list · 2%), Beta-Sitosterol
1 claim checked
claims, checked
Take an appropriate amount into your hands, pat and apply, and let it absorb.
backed by evidence
23YEARSOLD
BADECASIL D
It's made for a smoother skin texture and calmer skin.
Key: Centella Asiatica Extract (#8 on the ingredient list · 2%), Betaine Salicylate 0.5%, Glycolic Acid 1%
26 claims, summarized
- You can expect:
- a smoother skin texture
- Only partly backed:
- calmer skin · less visible pores · less shine (amount unknown) · better hydration
See each claim
claims, checked
Contains Glycolic Acid (AHA), which may increase skin's sensitivity to sunlight, so it is recommended to use at night
backed by evidenceRemove dead cells
backed by evidenceRefine skin texture
backed by evidenceI have sensitive skin and worry about irritation / My skin is weak and easily turns red
plausible, not testedCentella Asiatica, Houttuynia cordata, Tea tree leaf extract - Soothes sensitive skin
plausible, not testedSoothe irritated skin
plausible, not testedMoisturize skin
plausible, not testedBetaine Salicylate - Removes dead skin cells and sebum
partly backedAHA 1% + BHA 0.5% + Centella Asiatica / Refreshingly exfoliates while protecting the skin on days with many external irritants
partly backedAHA/BHA - Removes dead skin cells from the skin surface and inside pores
partly backedBetaine Salicylate - Creates smooth skin texture through exfoliation and sebum control
partly backedImproves skin texture after 1 application / Improves rough skin surface / SESm(Skin Smoothness balue, A.U.) 199.74 -> 181.14 / -9.3% / Immediately improves skin surface irregularities
partly backedSkin texture improvement clinically verified / SKIN RESEARCH CENTER
partly backedA daily-use cream good for exfoliation and oil control
overstatedGlycolic Acid - Exfoliates, normalizes skin turnover cycle
overstatedCeramide NP - Strengthens moisture barrier, inhibits moisture evaporation
overstatedMildly acidic ingredients may cause a slight tingling sensation during exfoliation, but this is a beneficial stimulus to the skin, so you can rest assured
overstatedK-Optima Pharmacy's #1 Cream across 880 branches
no supporting source foundCumulative sales 200 man!
no supporting source foundBadeka™ - Removes unnecessary dead skin cells, smooth skin texture
no supporting source foundBioDtox - Soothes skin hypersensitivity reactions
no supporting source foundNon-comedogenic
no supporting source foundSuitable for acne-prone skin / NON COMEDOGENIC
no supporting source foundAdjust pH balance
no supporting source foundMoisture-hydrating blend formula provides refreshing texture and fast absorption
nothing specific to checkImprove problem
nothing specific to check
Chaebi Space
Centella Extract Vegan Toner
Key: Centella Asiatica Extract (#4 on the ingredient list · 1%), Centella Asiatica Leaf Water 95%
2 claims checked
claims, checked
Chaebigonggan,Centella asiatica extract,Centella asiatica extract toner,Centella asiatica,skin soothing,acne toner,trouble soothing,trouble care,weakly acidic toner,low irritation toner
plausible, not testedChaebigonggan, [100% organic centella leaf] Centella asiatica extract vegan toner,
overstated
ONE THING
병풀 추출물 토너 (Korean)This brand publishes no English name for this product. The name above is as printed in Korean.
It's made for calmer skin.
Key: Centella Asiatica Extract (#4 on the ingredient list · 1%), Centella Asiatica Leaf Water 94%
2 claims, summarized
- Only partly backed:
- calmer skin
See each claim
claims, checked
Soothes red, blotchy sensitive skin.
plausible, not testedThe one thing your skin wants, Wonsing. It is an ingredient-focused skincare brand that focuses on key ingredients such as centella asiatica·houttuynia cordata·niacinamide, and more.
nothing specific to check
beplain
Cicaterol Blemish Pad
Key: Centella Asiatica Extract (#9 on the ingredient list · 0.1%), Niacinamide, Madecassoside
3 claims, summarized
- Don't count on:
- calmer skin · clearer-looking skin
See each claim
claims, checked
Centella asiatica extract (0.1%)
partly backed#alcohol-free, #fragrance & essentialoil-free
partly backedA concentrated calming pad that helps relieve blemish marks.
no supporting source found
Key: Centella Asiatica Extract (#14 on the ingredient list · 0.02%), Salicylic Acid 0.45%, Lactobionic Acid
1 claim checked
claims, checked
It was confirmed as a low-irritation product through a sensitive skin irritation test.
no 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 | 14 of 89 |
| plausible, not tested | 14 of 89 |
| partly backed | 45 of 89 |
| overstated | 7 of 89 |
| no supporting source found | 5 of 89 |
| contradicted by sources | 3 of 89 |
| nothing specific to check | 1 of 89 |
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 can you expect from it?
Skin holds more moisture and loses less water.
At 5% the extract raised the water held in the outermost layer of skin and lowered the amount of water escaping through skin, and both changes were larger at 4 weeks than at 1 week.
A 4 week comparison in 25 healthy people aged 18 to 55, applying a cream or a gel to the forearms twice a day against a plain base and an untreated patch.
In 25 healthy volunteers aged 18 to 55 applying an O/W emulsion or a hydrogel twice daily to the forearms for 4 weeks, formulations with 5% Centella asiatica extract performed best.
Skin turns red less easily.
When healthy skin was deliberately provoked with a reddening substance, the sites using the extract turned red less, and the 5% cream did best. This reads as skin reacting less, nothing more.
The same 4 week forearm comparison, with a reddening substance applied at the end to see how strongly each site answered.
In the same study, on a methyl nicotinate model of microinflammation, all extract formulations produced a statistically significant reduction of erythema (a* parameter), a decrease in TEWL and a decrease in skin pH compared to the control area and the placebo, best with the 5% emulsion.
Eye and lip wrinkles look better.
Reading five controlled trials together, the reviewers found centella improved wrinkles around the eyes and on the lips. They also wrote that the reporting was weak and the extracts are not made to one standard, so the finding does not carry to any centella product.
A review pooling 5 blinded controlled trials in 172 Asian women, the eye area studies running 12 weeks and the lip study 8 weeks.
A systematic review and network meta analysis of 5 double blinded randomised controlled trials in 172 Asian females concluded that C. asiatica improved lip and periocular wrinkles.
What won't it do?
One centella cream's results don't carry over to every centella product.
They do not transfer. The review itself names the lack of one standard as the reason its results cannot be generalized, and the one trial with a fully described material used an extract whose active content was stated, so a product that does not say what is in its extract cannot borrow those numbers.
Not a trial. This is the review's own stated limit, set beside the one cosmetic study that described its material.
Contradicted by the review's own conclusion: lack of C. asiatica standardization prevents general application of the trial results.
The calming result for sensitive skin isn't centella's alone.
The result belongs to the product, not to centella. That cream carried two other active ingredients as well and everyone in the study used the same cream with nothing to compare against, so no part of the change can be handed to centella.
A single arm study in 88 Chinese women using one cream, measured at 2 and 4 weeks, with no comparison group.
The relevant study is single arm. 88 Chinese females applied a facial cream containing Centella asiatica leaf extract plus ceramide NP plus panthenol, self controlled with no comparator, and mean SS-10 scores fell 66% and 76% at 2 and 4 weeks with reduced TEWL and increased hydration.
It isn't proven that centella works because of asiaticoside.
No study here shows that. The one place a single compound is named as the reason is a discussion passage quoting earlier papers, and no source here separates out what any one compound inside the whole extract contributes.
No study here pulls a single compound out of the whole extract to measure it on its own.
The attribution of the human anti irritation result to asiaticoside inhibiting cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase is made in the discussion by citation to earlier work, not demonstrated by the study.
Citations
- 1Johnson W Jr, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD, Liebler DC, Marks JG Jr, Shank RC, Slaga TJ, Snyder PW, Gill LJ, Heldreth B; Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety. Safety Assessment of Centella asiatica-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics. Int J Toxicol. 2023;42(1_suppl):5S-22S.DOI 10.1177/10915818231158272PMID 36812692
- 2Ratz-Lyko A, Arct J, Pytkowska K. Moisturizing and Antiinflammatory Properties of Cosmetic Formulations Containing Centella asiatica Extract. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2016;78(1):27-33.DOI 10.4103/0250-474x.180247PMID 27168678
- 3Kongkaew C, Meesomperm P, Scholfield CN, Chaiwiang N, Waranuch N. Efficacy and Safety of Centella Asiatica (L.) Urb. on Wrinkles: A Systematic Review of Published Data and Network Meta-Analysis. J Cosmet Sci. 2020;71(6):439-454.PMID 33413787
- 4Su Z, Zheng Y, Yi J, Lai W, Ye C. The Effectiveness and Safety of a Skin Care Product With Centella asiatica Leaf Extract, Ceramide NP, and Panthenol in Subjects With Sensitive Skin: A Prospective, Observational Study. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(7):e70324.DOI 10.1111/jocd.70324PMID 40682399
What each point on this page rests on, with full citations.