BOTANICAL EXTRACT

Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract

An extract of the leaves of Centella asiatica, also known as gotu kola, rich in triterpenes such as asiaticoside and madecassoside, used to help skin feel hydrated and comfortable.

Source

Centella asiatica (gotu kola) leaves

Used for

Hydration, comfortable-feeling skin

How it works

The leaf known as gotu kola.

Centella asiatica is a small creeping plant of the carrot family (Apiaceae), known by common names including gotu kola and Indian pennywort. The extract is made from its leaves and helps keep skin in good condition.

Its best-known compounds are triterpenes, chiefly asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid, alongside flavonoids and phenolic acids. Studies on skin have looked at its moisturising effect, with creams and gels containing the extract helping skin stay hydrated and hold on to moisture.

It suits daily use in serums, creams and toners, morning or night.

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Extracted from the leaves of Centella asiatica, also known as gotu kola
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Naturally rich in triterpenes such as asiaticoside and madecassoside
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Studied on skin for its hydrating, moisture-holding effect

Questions

Is Centella asiatica the same as gotu kola?

Yes. Gotu kola is one of the common names of Centella asiatica, along with Indian pennywort and Asiatic pennywort. It is a plant of the carrot family (Apiaceae), and Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract is the name used on ingredient lists for an extract of its leaves. (USDA GRIN; Ratz-Łyko et al., 2016)

What does Centella asiatica contain?

Its most important compounds are triterpenes, especially asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. The plant also contains flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol, phenolic acids such as chlorogenic acid, plant sterols, amino acids and sugars. (Ratz-Łyko et al., 2016)

Is there research on Centella asiatica in skincare?

Yes. Studies on skin have looked at creams and gels containing Centella asiatica extract, which helped skin stay hydrated and lose less water than the same formulas without it. (Ratz-Łyko et al., 2016)

Is Centella asiatica leaf extract well tolerated?

Researchers who studied creams and gels containing Centella asiatica extract on skin reported no irritation or allergic reactions. If you have sensitive skin or a known plant allergy, patch test a new product first. (Ratz-Łyko et al., 2016)

About the plant

Centella asiatica belongs to the carrot family (Apiaceae). It grows naturally across tropical and southern Africa, much of Asia, including China, the Indian subcontinent and South-East Asia, and parts of Australia and South America, and its leaves are also eaten as a little-known vegetable. (USDA GRIN)

Its common names include gotu kola, Indian pennywort and Asiatic pennywort. In cosmetics, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves, used to help keep skin in good condition. (USDA GRIN; COSMILE Europe)

The research