Centella / Gotu Kola

Centella asiatica is a botanical extract long used within naturopathic practice to support connective tissue, circulation and nervous system function. In modern skincare, however, the ingredient is especially valued for its soothing and restorative profile.

Its activity is largely linked to naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins, particularly madecassoside and asiaticoside (1). These are bioactive plant compounds naturally found within centella that help support the skin’s repair response while reinforcing the moisture barrier.

As such, centella is often selected for formulations intended to comfort reactive or stressed out skin from environmental triggers.

Among centella’s best known constituents are its triterpenes, compounds associated with stimulating fibroblast activity within the skin (1). Fibroblasts are the cells responsible for producing collagen and structural proteins that help maintain firmness and overall skin integrity.

Madecassoside and asiaticoside are also associated with calming visible redness following irritation. To add to this, they help support recovery when the skin barrier has become weakened through environmental stress or dryness.

Lightweight in texture yet comforting on the skin, centella lends itself particularly well to formulations designed for visible sensitivity or compromised skin barriers.

Its ability to support collagen production while easing the appearance of inflammation has made it increasingly popular within barrier focused skincare. Also, its calming profile allows it to work well alongside replenishing and hydrating ingredients commonly found in restorative formulations.

One of the primary reasons centella asiatica is used in skincare is its ability to support visible skin recovery without leaving behind a heavy or overly occlusive finish. Here’s why:

Collagen synthesis: By encouraging collagen synthesis and cellular renewal, the ingredient helps reinforce the skin’s structural framework over time. Skin can therefore appear firmer while feeling more supported and comfortable with continued use (2).

Supports healthy tissue regeneration: The botanical is also associated with angiogenesis, the process involved in forming new blood vessels in healthy tissue. Within skincare, this activity supports healthy tissue regeneration and contributes to improved visible recovery following environmental stress (3).

Calms inflammation: Centella additionally influences inflammatory mediators within the skin, helping ease the appearance of redness and discomfort. As such, it is frequently incorporated into formulations intended for reactive or blemish prone skin (4).

Centella asiatica is generally regarded as well tolerated in topical skincare and is commonly featured in formulations developed for sensitive skin types.

With its triterpene compounds supporting collagen synthesis and visible barrier recovery,  the ingredient is said to be particularly suited to sensitive, reactive or environmentally stressed skin.