What it is
Centella Asiatica Root Extract is obtained from the root portion of the gotu kola plant, a species widely used in skincare for its calming reputation. It contains plant compounds associated with the broader centella, or cica, ingredient family. In sunscreens it is used as a conditioning and soothing botanical, often in formulas positioned for sensitive or stressed skin.
Safety & warnings
Centella extracts are generally well tolerated and commonly used in soothing formulas. As with any botanical, rare sensitivity can occur, and composition varies by plant part and extraction.
Origin & sourcing
Natural, derived from the roots of the Centella asiatica plant.
History
Centella asiatica has a long traditional use in herbal practice and has become a popular soothing ingredient in modern, especially Korean, skincare.
Questions everyone asks
Is this the same as cica?
It is part of the centella, or cica, family; this version is specifically extracted from the roots of the gotu kola plant.
What does it do in a sunscreen?
It acts as a soothing, skin-conditioning botanical often used in formulas for sensitive or easily irritated skin.