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Centella Asiatica Extract

What Centella Asiatica Extract is & what it does

A soothing botanical (cica) rich in compounds that calm the look of redness, support the barrier, and aid recovery from stress. It suits sensitive and reactive skin.

What is Centella Asiatica Extract and what does it do in sunscreen?

Centella Asiatica Extract, often called cica, is a soothing botanical rich in calming compounds. In a sunscreen it helps calm the look of redness, supports the skin barrier and aids recovery from daily stress. It is a favourite ingredient for sensitive and reactive skin.

Is Centella Asiatica Extract safe?

Yes. Centella is a long-used, well-tolerated botanical that is popular precisely because it suits delicate, easily irritated skin. As with any plant extract a small number of people can be sensitive to it, so a patch test is wise if your skin reacts easily, but it is considered gentle.

Does Centella Asiatica Extract clog pores?

No. It is a water-friendly plant extract used in small amounts rather than a heavy oil, so it is regarded as non-comedogenic and friendly to acne-prone skin. It is one of the calming ingredients people specifically seek out when their skin is congested and irritated.

What is cica and is it the same as Centella Asiatica?

Yes, cica is just the popular nickname for Centella Asiatica. You will see it marketed as cica in serums, creams and sunscreens, but on the ingredient list it appears under its INCI name, Centella Asiatica Extract. They are the same thing.

Is Centella Asiatica Extract good for sensitive skin?

It is one of the more popular ingredients for sensitive and reactive skin because of its calming, barrier-supporting reputation. It helps skin feel soothed and look less red without being heavy or greasy. That said, it soothes rather than treats, so it is a comfort ingredient, not a medical one.

Is Centella Asiatica Extract natural or vegan?

Yes, it is plant-derived, extracted from the Centella asiatica herb, so it is botanical and vegan-friendly. Cosmetic versions are standardised for consistent strength, but the ingredient is naturally sourced.

Sunscreens with Centella Asiatica Extract

We rate 593 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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