Centella Asiatica: Comedogenic Rating & Safety Profile
Also known as: Cica · Gotu Kola · Tiger Grass
A botanical with proven anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and antioxidant properties. The hero of K-beauty 'Cica' creams.
Quick facts about Centella Asiatica
Safe
0 = won't clog pores · 5 = highly pore-clogging
Safe
0 = inert · 5 = often irritating
Antioxidants
Generally considered safe
Typically yes
Cica, Gotu Kola, Tiger Grass
Quick verdict
Centella Asiatica is a antioxidant with a safe comedogenic profile (0/5) and safe irritancy (0/5). A botanical with proven anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and antioxidant properties. The hero of K-beauty 'Cica' creams.
What is Centella Asiatica?
Centella asiatica — also called gotu kola, cica or tiger grass — is a small medicinal plant native to Asia. Its bioactive compounds (madecassoside, asiaticoside, madecassic acid and asiatic acid, collectively known as the 'centellosides') have anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, antioxidant and collagen-stimulating effects. Centella has been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and is the hero ingredient in K-beauty's 'Cica' category.
Comedogenic Rating: What 0/5 Means for Your Skin
Centella asiatica is rated 0–1/5 comedogenic. It is non-pore-clogging in extract form. The most useful Centella products list standardised extracts (e.g., 'Centella asiatica leaf extract', 'madecassoside') high in the ingredient list — those are the ones with measurable activity.
Benefits for skin
- Calms redness and inflammation
- Speeds barrier repair
- Boosts collagen synthesis
- Antioxidant protection
Potential side effects & who should avoid it
Centella is exceptionally well-tolerated. Allergy and irritation are very rare. It is suitable for sensitive, rosacea-prone, post-procedure and compromised skin.
Best for
- All skin types
- Sensitive
- Rosacea
- Acne-prone
- Compromised barrier
Avoid if
No widely reported groups need to avoid this ingredient. Patch-test if you have a history of sensitivities.
How to use Centella Asiatica safely
Use morning and night, especially as a barrier-supportive layer between active ingredients. Pairs well with retinol, acids and benzoyl peroxide to reduce irritation.
Commonly found in
Centella appears in soothing serums, moisturisers, sheet masks, scar gels and post-procedure recovery products.
Found Centella Asiatica in your skincare?
Paste the full ingredient list into our INCI Analyser to see how this ingredient interacts with everything else in the formula.
Frequently asked questions
Is centella asiatica comedogenic?
Is centella asiatica safe for sensitive or acne-prone skin?
Can I use centella asiatica every day?
What is the most active form of centella asiatica?
Other antioxidants to know
Niacinamide
A multi-tasking form of Vitamin B3 that reduces sebum, fades pigmentation, strengthens the moisture barrier and calms redness.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
A fat-soluble antioxidant that protects skin lipids from oxidative damage and stabilises formulations against rancidity.
Tea Tree Oil
A potent essential oil with antibacterial and antifungal properties — comparable to 5% benzoyl peroxide for spot treatment when used correctly.
Witch Hazel
An astringent botanical extract. Useful for very oily or congested skin but can be over-drying due to high tannin content.
Want the full picture on pore-clogging ingredients? Read our complete guide to comedogenic ingredients for the dermatology research behind the 0–5 scale and the full list of high-risk ingredients to avoid.
Written by ScanSkinAI Cosmetic Science Team · Last updated June 2026
This information is for educational purposes only. Always patch-test new products and consult a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns.