Centella asiatica — the calming icon hiding behind four names
Centella asiatica (“cica”), the tiger-grass extract that defined Korean soothing skincare, appears in 2,241 of 7,878 cataloged products — 28.4%.
Last reviewed 28 August 2026.
Centella asiatica (“cica”), the tiger-grass extract that defined Korean soothing skincare, appears in 2,241 of 7,878 cataloged products — 28.4%. On labels it splits into the whole-plant extract (병풀추출물) and its purified components: madecassoside, asiaticoside, madecassic acid, and asiatic acid. A product listing the purified four is making a purity statement, not just a plant-water one.
What it is
An extract of Centella asiatica, a herb with a long history in wound-adjacent traditional use. Modern Korean formulation isolated its four signature molecules (collectively “TECA” in dermatology literature) and built an entire product category — “cica care” — around them.
What it’s used for
Calming-focused formulation: products aimed at redness-prone, freshly stressed, or barrier-compromised skin. It became Korea’s default answer to “my skin is angry,” which is also why it’s the most common co-star for stronger actives.
In the Korean market
28.4% of the catalog: essences/serums (345), creams (273), sheet masks (234). The purified components are widespread on their own — madecassoside in 954 products, asiaticoside in 772 — so a “cica” product’s label depth varies enormously. Top partners: niacinamide (1,090), ceramide NP (821), hyaluronic acid (749). Most-committed brands: Dr.G (54 products — its Red Blemish line is the category’s flagship), Abib (43), d’Alba (34).
Who tends to like it / who should be careful
The go-to for reactive and post-procedure-adjacent skin, and generally very well tolerated. Note that many cica products pair the extract with fragrance or essential oils — if you’re choosing cica because your skin is reactive, read past the hero ingredient to the rest of the list.
On the label
병풀추출물 (extract), 마데카소사이드, 아시아티코사이드, 마데카식애씨드, 아시아틱애씨드. Korean marketing shorthand: 시카.