Centella asiatica: The Cica Active, Barrier & Comfort
The iconic "cica" plant in Korean routines, Centella asiatica (or gotu kola) is praised for its benefits on sensitive skin. At NOPAL LIFE, it soothes the appearance of the face and supports barrier comfort, in addition to prickly pear oil.
Centella in pictures
NOPAL LIFE proprietary visuals — botanical luxury identity.
Centella asiatica in brief
Origin and composition of centella
Centella asiatica is a small creeping plant native to Asia, cultivated in the wetlands of India, China, and Madagascar. It is also known as gotu kola or "tiger grass". Its leaves and aerial parts are harvested and then processed into an extract rich in triterpenes — the molecules that make this botanical active so renowned.
The 4 triterpenes of centella asiatica
| Molecule | What it is known for (appearance & comfort) |
|---|---|
| Asiaticoside | Reputed to support the supple and comfortable appearance of the skin. |
| Madecassoside | Appreciated for soothing the appearance of temporary redness and discomfort. |
| Asiatic acid | Associated with the smoothed appearance and visible firmness of skin texture. |
| Madecassic acid | Contributes to the felt comfort of fragile and reactive areas. |
Together, these four actives form the complex that cosmetics familiarly call "cica". Information for cosmetic and educational purposes, without promise of efficacy or medical advice.
Centella asiatica: its benefits
Documented interest; neither promise of efficacy, nor medical advice.
In short: immediate comfort for reactive areas, support for barrier comfort, soothing the appearance of temporary redness, and a firm and smooth texture. The details of each benefit, and the molecules that explain it, are developed in our complete guide.
Read about centella benefits in the Skin Guide →
Why centella at NOPAL LIFE
Centella is the cica active ingredient par excellence: it soothes and provides comfort where the skin is weakened. Combined with the nourishment of prickly pear oil, it creates an ideal comforting routine for sensitive, reactive, or weakened skin.
Discover our barrier care productsHow to integrate centella into your routine
Gentle cleansing, cica serum on sensitive areas, barrier cream, then a few drops of prickly pear oil in the evening: the texture and application time should be chosen according to your skin. Our guide covers each step, morning and evening.
See how to use centella daily →Choosing the right centella cream
Not all "cica" products are created equal: choose an extract standardized in triterpenes, a short plant-based formula, and a useful synergy (aloe vera or hyaluronic acid for hydration). We detail the benchmarks for recognizing a good treatment in the guide.
How to recognize a good centella care product →NOPAL LIFE synergistic care products
Selected to support the comfort of sensitive skin.
Recommended combinations
Centella + Aloe vera
Soothing and hydrating, for sensitive skin and barrier comfort.
Discover aloe veraNOPAL LIFE Skin Intelligence™
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Frequently asked questions about centella asiatica
What are the benefits of centella asiatica?
Its most cited benefits: soothing the appearance of reactive areas, supporting barrier comfort, and maintaining the firm and smooth appearance of skin texture.
Can a cica face cream be used daily?
Yes. A centella cica face cream can be applied morning and evening to sensitive areas. A patch test in the crook of the elbow is still recommended if your skin is very reactive.
Do centella and hydration go well together?
Very well: the plant readily combines with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. It provides comfort, while hydration retains water — the duo leaves the skin supple and plump.
What active ingredients should it be combined with?
Prickly pear, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, beta-glucan — allies for comfort and barrier function.
Read in the Skin Guide
Aloe vera: complete NOPAL LIFE guide
The reference hydrating and soothing active ingredient.
Read articleInformation provided for cosmetic and educational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice.
Understand the science of this ingredient and integrate it into your routine:
Read chapter: Sensitive Skin →