It also goes by the nickname of ‘cica’.
It’s made its way into serums, moisturisers, and soothing skin creams, not to mention cleansers and healing gels, but what exactly do we know about Centella Asiatica? This plant, grown primarily in Asia, has so many virtues — for skin and for health — that it has now become a popular ingredient for cosmetics.
So, what exactly are its benefits?
At a time when beauty is increasingly focused on all things natural, one plant seems to stand out from the crowd as a major ally when it comes to caring for skin and combatting skin aging — Centella Asiatica. Known and used for thousands of years in many countries, the plant only really started to gain interest in the West a few decades ago, progressively carving out a place on bathroom shelves, to the point where it has now become a must-have skin-care staple.
What exactly is Centella Asiatica?
If you haven’t heard the name Centella Asiatica, then you might have heard this plant referred to as Gotu Kola, or tiger grass. In parts of Southeast Asia, it is also known as Pegaga. Known for its medicinal properties, Centella Asiatica, taken internally or applied to the skin, can supposedly cure wounds, treat venous disorders, promote healing and even combat anxiety.
The plant itself is composed of thin strands forming runners or stolons — also seen in strawberry plants and violets — with green leaves and small flowers. Note that it is essentially the leaves that are used in cosmetics.
A host of virtues
Aside from its many health benefits, tiger grass also appears to have active compounds that can benefit the skin. Its strong regenerative power has inevitably drawn interest from the cosmetics industry, as well as its virtues against premature skin aging: two major advantages that appeal to consumers around the world.
But that’s not all, because the main advantage of Centella Asiatica lies in the plant’s multitude of properties, addressing, in fact, almost all skin types (mature, sensitive, dull, problem). Its most well-known benefits include its healing power, its hydrating and calming virtues, as well as its effect on microcirculation. In other words, it takes care of pretty much everything.
It’s therefore not surprising to see Centella Asiatica cropping up as an ingredient in a host of serums, moisturisers, cleansers, makeup removers, and even anti-pollution creams. Erborian, Dr. Jart+, Kiehl’s, Jowaé, and Darphin are just some of the brands using tiger grass in their ranges, sometimes with other active ingredients. Here are the best products available in the Indian market with Centella Asiatica as the star ingredient.
Dr. Sheth’s Centella & Niacinamide Serum, Rs 649
Available at Dr.Sheths
Purito Centella Green Level Recovery Cream, Rs 1,450
Available at Beauty Barn
Phyto Gel with Centella Asiatica & Horsetail Extract, Rs 795
Available at Earth Rhythm
Just Herbs Gotukula Indian Ginseng Rejuvenating Beauty Elixir Facial Serum, Rs 1,925
Available at Just Herbs
Perenne Moisturizing Cream with Centella Asiatica, Rs 799
Available at Perenne
Benton Goodbye Redness Centella Mask, Rs 200
Pic via Soko Glam
Available at Maccaron.in
Cosrx Centella Blemish Cream, Rs 1,550
Available at Limese
Kiehl’s Centella Sensitive Cica Balm, Rs 3,650
Available at Kiehl’s
Jumiso Super Soothing Cica & Aloe Facial Serum, Rs 1,450
Available at Beauty Barn
This article is published via AFP Relaxnews. Products Reccos by Latha Sunadh.
