Centella Asiatica Side Effects: What You Need to Know

Centella asiatica – also known as Cica, tiger grass, Gotu Kola or Indian Pennywort, is a medicinal herb that’s often used in traditional medicine across Asia for its potential soothing, anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
Potential Skin Benefits
Often called the “herb of longevity”, Centella asiatica is becoming more and more popular as an ingredient in modern skin care products. Its soothing properties may help repair and strengthen the skin barrier, boost hydration and skin firmness, reduce the appearance of dark spots, calm skin irritation and inflammation, and even combat visible signs of ageing by stimulating collagen production. [1,2]
Before introducing any new skincare ingredient, it’s wise to do some research on the common side effects first. Fortunately, Centella asiatica is well tolerated by almost all skin types, including sensitive, rosacea-prone and acne-prone skin. But it’s still good to understand the potential side effects, especially if you have very reactive skin or allergies.

Does Centella Asiatica Have Any Side Effects?

Centella asiatica extract doesn’t cause adverse effects to the skin very often. [3] In fact, it’s often used to help reduce skin inflammation from active ingredients, and is recommended by our dermatologists for treating blemish-prone, sensitive, reactive or irritated skin. That said, everyone is different, and if you have highly sensitive skin that tends to react to unfamiliar cosmetic products, you may want to take extra care or speak to a dermatology expert before using it on your entire face.

Side Effects of Centella Asiatica

As we’ve covered, it’s very rare to experience side effects when using Centella Asiatica. However, if you have very sensitive or reactive skin, you might experience some of the below:

– Irritation: Applying Centella asiatica to the skin could occasionally lead to redness, itching, or a burning sensation. ​
– Breakouts: If a product containing Centella asiatica has been formulated with oils or other comedogenic (meaning pore-blocking) ingredients, it could trigger breakouts.
– Allergies: In extremely rare cases, some people may experience an allergic reaction.

How To Avoid Side Effects When Using Centella Asiatica

To take care of your skin like a dermatology expert would, it’s important to be mindful of how your skin reacts to different ingredients. Most people won’t experience any side effects when using Centella asiatica, but if you’re concerned, these are some guidelines to minimise your risk of irritation or skin allergies.

– Patch test an area first: Before applying a new topical treatment or ingredient to your entire face, apply a small amount to a discrete area (like the skin behind your ears) and monitor over the next 24 hours.
– Consult an expert: Speak to a dermatologist or skincare expert if you have any concerns, especially if you suffer from chronic skin conditions like acne, eczema or psoriasis, or you have highly sensitive skin.
– Follow the guidelines: Always read the packaging and stick to the guidelines provided in terms of how often to apply the product and when to avoid it.

Centella Asiatica Skincare Routine

A basic but effective skincare routine has (at least) three steps: Cleanse, treat and moisturise.

1. Cleanse with a gentle cleanser.

Our bestselling Caring Squalane Cream Cleanser is ideal for dry to balanced skin. Or if you have oily, very sensitive or blemish-prone skin, opt for our Balancing Glycerin Gel Cleanser.

2. Treat dry or dehydrated skin with a hydrating serum

Look for ingredients like Centella asiatica (Cica) and niacinamide to help to balance oil production and minimise the appearance of pores.

3. Moisturise to help strengthen your skin barrier.

Keeping your skin moisturised twice a day helps it stay healthy, supple and looking youthful. For balanced to dry skin, our Nourishing Ceramide + Peptide Moisturiser helps prevent moisture loss throughout the day, without feeling heavy under sunscreen and makeup.
Moisturisers are still beneficial for oily skin prone to breakouts, blemishes, inflammation or rosacea. Our Soothing Centella Gel Moisturiser has a cooling, lightweight texture and has been especially formulated in line with NICE guidance for very sensitive skin.
Both these moisturisers also contain Centella asiatica – along with ceramides and peptides, which are essential lipids and amino acids that support skin barrier health.

The Importance Of A Healthy Skin Barrier

A strong skin barrier is key to protect our skin against environmental or oxidative damage – anything from pollution, to UV exposure – while locking in essential moisture and nutrients.
But introducing an unfamiliar ingredient may cause your skin to react, and this can sometimes weaken the skin barrier, leading to irritation, redness, inflammation, dryness, contact dermatitis, or flare-ups of conditions like eczema and acne.
Getting to know your skin type and unique needs is the best way to avoid these reactions and maintain long-lasting skin health, whether you’re looking to treat a chronic condition or simply boost your healthy glow.
If you don’t have access to personalised guidance from a dermatology expert, our advice is to introduce any new skincare ingredient or topical treatment gradually. Once or twice a week, to start. Monitor your skin for any signs of irritation. This will help you avoid any unwanted reactions.
Find out what formulas are suitable for your skin by visiting our website.

References
1. Bylka W, Znajdek-Awiżeń P, Studzińska-Sroka E, Brzezińska M. Centella asiatica in cosmetology. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology [Internet]. 2013;1(1):46–9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3834700/
2. Ratz-lyko A, Arct J, Pytkowska K. Moisturizing and antiinflammatory properties of cosmetic formulations containing Centella asiatica extract. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2016;78(1):27.
3. Bylka W, Znajdek-Awiżeń P, Studzińska-Sroka E, Brzezińska M. Centella asiatica in cosmetology. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology [Internet]. 2013;1(1):46–9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3834700/