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Active ingredient

Centella

INCI · Centella Asiatica Extract

Centella asiatica is a botanical extract used in skincare to support the barrier, calm reactive skin, and accelerate cosmetic post-procedure recovery. Its triterpenoid actives (asiaticoside, madecassoside, and asiatic acid) modulate fibroblast collagen synthesis and dampen inflammatory signalling. Pairs broadly with most actives. No major conflicts.

Last reviewed by BIOSAR Scientific Team, PharmD, Cosmetic Chemistry, Pharmacy practice on .

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

No specific caution is known for cosmetic use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Topical centella asiatica is considered acceptable during pregnancy and lactation per Mother to Baby. Oral centella extracts have less safety data and are typically avoided in pregnancy, but cosmetic surface use raises no documented concern.

Mechanism in detail

What Centella does

Botanical compound widely known in pharmacy copy as Cica. Calms the look of sensitivity and supports barrier comfort.

Evidence

What the research says

  • 5 trialsEye and lip wrinkles: better than placebo, evidence thin

    A meta-analysis of 5 trials in 172 Asian women: Centella asiatica looked more effective than placebo on eye-area and lip wrinkles, and raised hydration. The authors call the evidence weak so far.

    Read the study

    Kongkaew C, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Centella Asiatica (L.) Urb. on Wrinkles: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. J Cosmet Sci. 2020;71(6):439-454.

Where it helps

Concerns Centella addresses

  • Aging

    The first time you notice it is rarely a wrinkle. It is a quality of light — the way your skin catches it differently in a morning mirror, or the photo where you look more tired than you feel. The mechanism is real (collagen synthesis slows; elastin fragments; barrier turnover lengthens), but the felt experience comes first. Serenity Age is the range BIOSAR built for that pivot — Retinol for visible renewal and collagen support, peptides selected for documented signaling activity, and the SPF discipline that protects every other active you apply.

  • Sensitivity

    If you have sensitive skin, you have probably been told it is in your head — by a product that says "gentle" on the label, by a friend whose skin tolerates everything yours cannot, sometimes by a professional who could not find a visible cause for the symptoms. It is not in your head. The mechanisms are measurable, the biology is mapped, and the care that follows from understanding them is what the Sensimed range was built around.

  • Sun Damage

    Sun damage is the cumulative photoaging caused by ultraviolet radiation, presenting as solar lentigines, irregular pigmentation, fine lines, deeper wrinkles, leathery texture, and elevated skin cancer risk. UVA penetrates the dermis and drives collagen breakdown; UVB damages epidermal DNA and triggers melanin overproduction. Extrinsic factors, with UV exposure carrying the largest share, account for an estimated 80% of premature visible skin aging. Daily broad-spectrum SPF, antioxidant serums, and pigmentation correctors reverse early damage and prevent further progression. The BIOSAR Sunprotex range delivers broad-spectrum UVA + UVB protection layered with antioxidants for measurably stronger photoprotection.

From the BIOSAR catalog

Products formulated with Centella

  • Serenity Age50 ml

    Anti-Aging Night Cream

    Resveratrol · Centella · Ceramide

  • Sensimed50 ml

    Cica Cream SPF30

    Ceramide · Centella · Panthenol

  • Serenvit30 ml

    Cica Serum

    Centella · Squalane · Calendula

Next ingredientCeramide