What it is
Madecassic acid is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoid with the molecular formula C30H48O6, closely related to asiatic acid but bearing an extra hydroxyl group. It is one of the biologically active components of Centella asiatica and is classified in cosmetics as a skin-conditioning agent linked to the plant's traditional soothing and skin-renewing reputation. It is frequently formulated alongside asiatic acid, asiaticoside, and madecassoside in 'cica' products. In sunscreens it appears as a calming botanical active rather than as a UV filter.
Safety & warnings
Madecassic acid is used as a botanical skin-conditioning and soothing agent, and cosmetic ingredient references describe it as part of barrier-supportive 'cica' formulations without listing it as a common irritant or sensitizer. People with a known sensitivity to Centella asiatica or other plant extracts may prefer to patch test products that feature it. It is not a fragrance component, so it is not typically tied to fragrance-type contact allergy.
Origin & sourcing
Madecassic acid is plant-derived, extracted from Centella asiatica, a creeping perennial in the celery family (Apiaceae) native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, Australia, and the western Pacific. Historically it was also called brahmic acid, and it occurs in the plant alongside its glycoside form (madecassoside), from which the free acid can be obtained by hydrolysis.
History
Centella asiatica has been used for generations in traditional Asian medicine for skin and wound care, and its triterpene constituents, including brahmic (madecassic) acid, were identified as the plant's chemistry was characterized. Modern reviews caution that, despite this long traditional use, clinical efficacy and safety have not been fully proven in controlled research.
Questions everyone asks
How is madecassic acid different from asiatic acid?
Both are triterpenoids from gotu kola; madecassic acid simply has one additional hydroxyl group, giving the formula C30H48O6 versus C30H48O5.
What is it used for in skincare?
It is a soothing, skin-conditioning botanical active, one of the 'cica' compounds associated with calming and barrier support.
Does it add SPF to a sunscreen?
No. It is included as a calming active and is not a UV filter, so it does not raise a product's sun protection factor.