As a company devoted to scientific rigor, Skin Actives often touts its growing selection of innovative and game-changing actives. Epidermal Growth Factor is a prime example: its function only having been discovered within our lifetimes and its usable form created relatively recently, EGF represents the power of the latest research to bring new solutions to the skin care world. But not every active in our formulating toolkit comes from high-tech laboratory biochemistry. In fact, some have been in use for a remarkably long time. 

Such is the case for an active we’ll discuss today, Centella Asiatica. It may be surprising to consider that an ingredient in the sleekly packaged skin care products of 2022 may also have been found in strange shamanic remedies of distant centuries, but as we’ll see, there are genuine scientific reasons that this powerful botanical extract has stood the test of time. 

The Long History of Centella Asiatica

Centella Asiatica—otherwise known as “gotu kola”—is a tropical plant native to Asia that has been noted for medicinal qualities in China, India and Turkey. The plant’s edible leaves have been used in traditional medicine practiced by early shamans and healers for centuries. In this context, the main effects attributed to Centella Asiatica were the improvement of memory and the acceleration of wound recovery. While much research exists into the neurological basis for the claim of memory improvement, we will focus on the effects relevant to skin care. By examining four proven effects of Centella Asiatica on the skin, we will see that practitioners of traditional medicine had good reason to believe the plant was beneficial for the skin.

1. Centella Asiatica Stimulates Collagen If there’s one substance that every skin care user knows and loves, it’s collagen. Intriguingly, research has shown that Centella Asiatica promotes the formation of Type I Collagen in the skin. With more natural production of collagen in the dermal matrix, the skin is better able to fend off inflammation and promote the growth of new, healthy cells.
2. Centella Asiatica Supports Keratinization Keratinization is a process in which filaments create the resilient structures we need for our skin to be durable and strong. A form of active chemicals in Centella Asiatica called triterpenes are known to support keratinization. By enhancing this process, Centella Asiatica may improve recovery from damage like sores and acne. This property is likely the main reason why early practitioners of traditional medicine used the plant for wound healing.
3. Centella Asiatica Fortifies the Skin Barrier A well-functioning skin barrier depends on lipids to govern what goes in and out of the skin. Centella Asiatica has been shown to encourage the formation of these lipids. As a result, Centella Asiatica fortifies the skin barrier, helping it to repel unwanted substances and accept beneficial ones. The overall outcome is to soothe the skin and diminish inflammation.
4. Centella Asiatica Improves Circulation In another interesting quality, Centella Asiatica has been shown to lend structural support to veins and capillaries, helping to motivate blood flow through the skin. Since sufficient blood flow is essential for the skin to function, the benefits of this effect are clear.

Given these diverse positive effects, it is no surprise that Centella Asiatica turns up in a number of Skin Actives products. Exploring our range of formulas that include this powerful botanical extract may illuminate how it can be used in the real world. Let’s take a look:

Collagen Serum with ROS BioNet and Apocynin - For this serum, we were committed to including every available active that could support collagen production. Centella Asiatica was an obvious choice. Matching it with antioxidant ROS BioNet and moisturizing Apocynin ensured that this lightweight serum would deliver broad skin-renewing effects.

Anti-Aging Cream - The effort to reverse or prevent signs of aging requires a comprehensive formula. Here we paired Centella Asiatica with Epidermal Growth Factor for the ultimate fusion of old and new actives. A host of nourishing oils and antioxidants amplify the results. 

Scar Vanishing Gel - In this astonishing smoothing and renewing gel, Centella Asiatica goes back to its roots as a recovery tool by promoting healthy regrowth. Try it with Collagen Serum and Vitamin A Cream for the most pronounced improvement. 

UV Repair Cream - After a sunburn or similar damage, the skin suffers from multiple setbacks: aside from the obvious structural damage, it is also critically low on moisture, compounding the problem. Centella Asiatica works in UV Repair Cream not only to hasten structural repair, but to replenish lipids lost from the dehydrating exposure to heat.

This is just a sample of the Skin Actives products containing Centella Asiatica. To make the most of this exceptional active, we encourage DIY skin care enthusiasts to add it to your recipes with the purified powder from our ingredient store. Recipes focused on collagen support, soothing and damage recovery make the best fit. For inspiration, check out our YouTube tutorial on a DIY Firming & Elasticizing Serum. Now that you know the surprising history and potency of this remarkable plant, Centella Asiatica will seem like a natural choice. 

References

Orhan IE. Centella asiatica (L.) Urban: From Traditional Medicine to Modern Medicine with Neuroprotective Potential. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:946259. doi: 10.1155/2012/946259. Epub 2012 May 14. PMID: 22666298; PMCID: PMC3359802.