Centella Asiatica: The Healing Botanical Your Skin Actually Needs

You’ve seen the buzzwords — cica creams, tiger grass, K-beauty’s favorite herb. But Centella Asiatica is more than hype. It’s one of the few plant-based ingredients that’s backed by real science.

Used for centuries in traditional medicine and now validated by dermatological research, Centella helps skin heal faster, calm down, and bounce back stronger.

Let’s break down what it is, what it does, and why your skin actually benefits from it.

What Is Centella Asiatica?

Centella Asiatica (also called gotu kola or cica) is a leafy herb native to Asia. Rich in bioactive compounds like asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid, it delivers powerful anti-inflammatory, healing, and antioxidant effects.

In skincare, Centella is known for helping skin stay resilient, calm, and hydrated — especially after irritation, breakouts, or barrier stress.

Clinically Proven Benefits of Centella Asiatica

1. Speeds Up Healing

Centella helps stimulate collagen synthesis and cell regeneration, making it ideal for skin recovery — whether you’re healing from acne, shaving, or sensitivity.

🔬 In animal models, asiaticoside (a compound in Centella) improved wound healing, collagen formation, and tensile strength.

Source: Shukla et al., J Ethnopharmacol, 1999

2. Strengthens the Skin Barrier

Centella improves moisture retention and helps restore the lipid matrix that keeps your skin protected and less reactive.

🔬 A 2021 study confirmed that topical Centella extract enhanced hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss — a key sign of a stronger skin barrier.

Source: Anggraeni et al., J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol, 2021

3. Calms Inflammation and Redness

Struggling with sensitivity, post-acne flareups, or redness? Centella contains potent anti-inflammatory molecules that soothe and normalize skin responses.

🔬 In a study using UV-induced inflammation models, Centella significantly reduced redness and inflammatory markers.

Source: Somboonwong et al., BMC Complement Altern Med, 2012

4. Provides Anti-Aging Support

Centella’s antioxidant action and collagen-stimulating effects also help reduce signs of aging, such as fine lines and loss of elasticity.

🔬 Review studies show Centella boosts fibroblast activity and improves skin firmness when applied consistently.

Source: Bylka et al., Phytother Res, 2013

Why We Use Centella in Bareborn

In our Multi-Purpose Face Solution, Centella is part of a 12% calming and hydrating complex — blended with glycerin and green tea extract.

It’s here to:

• Calm breakouts, redness, and post-shave irritation

• Support skin recovery from active ingredients

• Prevent dryness and help your skin bounce back faster

• Keep the formula effective, but never harsh

TL;DR – What Centella Asiatica Does for Skin

• ✅ Heals faster with better collagen production

• ✅ Restores moisture and strengthens your barrier

• ✅ Reduces redness and inflammation

• ✅ Improves skin firmness and elasticity

• ✅ Gentle and non-sensitizing — even for reactive skin