CICA PEPTIDE
TYPE OF INGREDIENT
Peptide
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Hair products, creams, serums, masks, scalp treatments
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CICA PEPTIDE?
Cica extract has effects on multiple organ systems, particularly the skin. Among dermatologic conditions, it improves burn wound contraction and increases collagen production, decreases inflammation in atopic dermatitis and attenuates mitochondrial damage in vitiligo. It is an adjunctive treatment for rosacea, where it was found to be efficacious and safe. It has been used topically to improve hypertrophic scars and psoriasis, where it purportedly modulates the JAK/STAT and STAT3 pathways; through this same pathway, it is thought to improve hair growth.
WHAT IS CICA PEPTIDE?
Cica peptide is a combination of peptides to enhance collagen production in conjunction with the effect of cica, an extract from the Centella asiatica plant native to Asia. Cica has multiple metabolites presumed to exert its antioxidant actions, including triterpenoids, sesquiterpenes and flavonoids.
IS CICA PEPTIDE SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?
Cica peptide is likely safe for all skin types and tones based on available data. It is particularly useful for dry skin due to its moisturizing properties, but even those individuals with moist skin are unlikely to be harmed by its use.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
There are no contraindications to the use of cica peptide based on available data. However, individuals with a prior reaction to products containing it should use these products with caution. A safety profile of cica showed it was in safe quantities in tested cosmetic products.
Sources:
Choi YM, An S, Lee J, et al. Titrated extract of Centella asiatica increases hair inductive property through inhibition of STAT signaling pathway in three-dimensional spheroid cultured human dermal papilla cells. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2017;81(12):2323-2329.
Johnson W Jr, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, et al. Safety Assessment of Centella asiatica-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics. Int J Toxicol. 2023;42(1_suppl):5S-22S.
Park KS. Pharmacological Effects of Centella asiatica on Skin Diseases: Evidence and Possible Mechanisms. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2021;2021:5462633. Published 2021 Nov 20.
