Centella Asiatica Extract Selection Criteria, Check This Only

Although the name 'centella asiatica extract' is singular, it appears in cosmetic ingredient lists under various notations including Centella asiatica extract, centella asiatica extract, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and centella water (purified water). Since different notations mean different ways they contact the skin and serve different purposes, selecting based on name alone can make it difficult to achieve desired care effects.

Why is centella asiatica extract called a skin-calming care ingredient?

Centella asiatica contains triterpenoid-class ingredients such as madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassoside. These ingredients are widely used as skin-conditioning care components when the skin is in a state requiring calming after experiencing external irritation.

However, separate from the calming care nature of the ingredient itself, it is difficult to determine from the ingredient name alone how effectively it is actually formulated in the finished product. This is where 'how to read ingredient names' and 'verifying ingredient list position' become necessary.

Distinguish ingredient notation differences this way

① Centella Asiatica Extract (Cica Extract): A raw material extract obtained by extracting leaves and stems with water or ethanol, which includes diverse plant-derived ingredients alongside active components such as madecassoside. It is the most commonly used form in skincare products designed for soothing care.

② Madecassoside·Asiaticoside: A form in which specific components are isolated and refined from cica, characterized by the ability to design the concentration of desired active ingredients with relative clarity. The closer to the front of the ingredient list, the higher the proportion of the ingredient can be assumed.

③ Centella Asiatica (Cica) Water: A water base obtained by distilling cica, often used as a substitute for purified water, which occupies a large proportion in overall formulation but may have a lower concentration of active ingredients compared to extracts or refined ingredients.

Since the ingredient list is listed in order of quantity, the practical selection criterion is to check whether cica-related ingredients are positioned after purified water and glycerin, or whether they are placed among minor ingredients toward the end of the list.

Selection Criteria 1 — Consider the ingredients combined with it

Cica extract tends to work in a beneficial direction for the skin when combined with moisturizing and barrier care ingredients such as panthenol, allantoin, beta-glucan, and ceramides, rather than used alone. This is because skin that requires soothing often has compromised moisture and barrier function simultaneously.

Therefore, prioritizing products with a balanced composition of soothing care ingredients and moisturizing and barrier care ingredients, rather than products that emphasize cica extract alone, can be more practically helpful.

Selection Criteria 2 — Verify irritation testing

Paradoxically, the more a product is designed for soothing care, the more important it is that the product itself causes no irritation. By checking whether the product has been determined as non-irritating in a primary irritation test (patch test), you can gauge whether it can be applied to sensitized skin without burden.

It is also helpful to check whether the product description or human application test data clearly state results along with testing methods such as 'dermatologist visual assessment.'

Selection Criteria 3 — Check if the formulation suits your usage timing

In the early stages when skin is sensitive, a lightweight formulation that absorbs without irritation can be more helpful, while after redness has subsided somewhat, a formulation that provides deep moisture may be more beneficial. Even if cica extract is included, if the formulation and usage timing don't match, it may be difficult to achieve the desired results.

Post-procedure recovery and home care make the difference

By examining the ingredient list with these criteria, you will realize that 'which ingredients it is combined with and at which stage it is used' is ultimately more important than cica extract alone. From this perspective, ABIGEU Cream is designed to provide care in two stages. In the early stages when irritation is felt, use the Ultra Sera-Rich Cream with panthenol, allantoin, and 5 types of ceramides combined for redness soothing and barrier care, and after redness subsides, continue with the Hydro Re-Boosting Cream containing high-dose panthenol and niacinamide for deep moisture care. Both products have been determined as non-irritating in primary irritation testing.