Centella Asiatica

TYPE OF INGREDIENT

Anti-inflammatory, collagen builder

COMMONLY FOUND IN

Over-the-counter moisturizers, stretch mark creams, anti-aging creams

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CENTELLA ASIATICA?

Centella asiatica has shown to be effective in wound healing. In cosmetics, centella asiatica is used to address photoaging because of its ability to increase type I collagen. Because of its ability to enhance collagen, it has also been shown to improve stretch marks and cellulite.

WHAT IS CENTELLA ASIATICA?

Centella asiatica is also known as gotu kola or tiger grass. It is an herb that grows mainly in Asia. Centella asiatica has been used in ayurvedic medicine for centuries.

IS CENTELLA ASIATICA SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?

Cases of allergic contact dermatitis have been reported from use of topical preparations.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

There is little data regarding its use in pregnancy and those breastfeeding.

Sources:

Bylka W et al., Centella asiatica in cosmetology. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2013 Feb; 30(1): 46–49.

Gohil KJ, Patel JA, Gajjar AK. Pharmacological Review on Centella asiatica: A Potential Herbal Cure-all. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2010 Sep-Oct; 72(5): 546–556.

Cindy Wassef, MD

Author

Cindy Wassef is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New Jersey. She completed a 7-year BA/MD program with New Jersey Institute of Technology and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. She completed her residency at Stony Brook University in 2018. She continues to remain active in academics mentoring students and producing numerous publications yearly. Her clinical interests include psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and alopecia. Dr. Wassef is assistant professor of dermatology at Rutgers Health Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.