Centella asiatica extract is the new skincare ingredient everyone is talking about, and if you have sensitive skin, then you’ll definitely want to listen! We’ve selected the best centella asiatica skincare products to heal, nourish, and soothe your skin, and then finish things off with an explanation of how to choose the right tiger grass skincare products for you.
In this article:
- Our Picks for the Best Centella Asiatica Skincare Products
- How to Choose the Right Centella Asiatica Product for Your Skin?
Our Picks for the Best Centella Asiatica Skincare Products
From creams to serums to cleansers, find the best skincare products on the beauty market featuring centella asiatica extract, also known as tiger grass, gotu kola or cica!
1. Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Re.Pair Serum
This is the brand that started the craze, and for a good reason – their variety of cica products work exceptionally well. This potent soothing serum is formulated with centella asiatica extract, water, and stem cell culture, as well as with its various synthesized components. There is also niacinamide in the mix along with a variety of hydrators. No matter the reason for inflammation, this serum should be a good fit. You can find it at Sephora.
2. PureHeals Centella 90 Ampoule
This incredible little skin ampoule is comprised of 90% centella asiatica extract. This is an exceptional dose of the skin-soothing extract that will quickly alleviate signs of sensitivity. It comes in the form of a gel that sinks into the skin quickly and works for all skin types. The remaining 10% of the formula include other skin favorites like niacinamide, borage oil, and hyaluronic acid. Buy it from Ulta!
3. 111SKIN Nocturnal Eclipse Recovery Cream NAC Y2
This night cream will nourish your skin and restore it overnight, helping to reverse the damaging effects of pollution and a dry environment. It has a rich texture that is ideal for dry skin and normal skin, though it sinks in quickly and won’t aggravate acne or oiliness. In addition to soothing centella asiatica, it also contains potent anti-aging ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinyl palmitate, and acetylcysteine. It is available at Nordstrom.
4. iS Clinical Hydra-Cool Serum
This serum will refresh your skin and make you feel calm, cool and collected. It’s the perfect way to soothe the skin when it gets hot from irritation or sunburn, though it also has benefits as a daily serum. In addition to the healing centella asiatica constituents, it also contains hyaluronic acid to give intense hydration. There is a touch of menthol in the skin, which provides the cooling effect, but may not work for everyone. Order it online from Dermstore!
5. Kiehl’s Since 1851 Centella Sensitive Facial Cleanser
Centella asiatica extract is the magic ingredient that turns this cleanser from simple and non-irritating to super skin-calming. This creamy cleanser is on the lighter side of things, perfect as the second step in dual cleansing or as a morning cleanser, with a pH-balanced formula that can be rinsed off or just wiped off without water. You can order it from Ulta.
6. Lancer Skincare Lift & Plump Sheet Mask
This anti-aging sheet mask will get your skin feeling firm and plump. The first ingredient is ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid, followed by refreshing rose water. There’s enough centella asiatica to really calm the skin, while the big anti-aging hits come from Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3 and licorice root extract. Despite the major ingredients, this mask can be used by people with any skin type and at any age. You can get it at Nordstrom.
7. CosRx Cooling Aqua Facial Mist
Use this face mist any time of day for a calming hit of centella asiatica. This light and hydrating liquid can be used after cleansing and before moisturizing, or as a dose of hydration throughout the day. In addition to gotu kola, it also contains the healing madecassoside synthesized from it. Its list of hydrators is a long one that includes butylene glycol and aloe vera. A touch of bergamot and lemon peel oil make it a very refreshing formula. It is sold online though Revolve.
8. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster
This time-release serum slowly infuses the skin with hydration courtesy of hyaluronic acid chronospheres. It gives comprehensive nourishment, since it also contains barrier-restoring ceramides and centella asiatica, along with linoleic acid and chamomile to calm down redness and irritation. It contains a touch of glycolic acid so it does resurface the skin gently, in a way that is ideal for sensitive and dry skin. Grab it from Sephora!
9. Verso Skincare Intense Facial Mask
This super anti-aging gel mask combines the soothing effects of centella with the fine line-fading effects of retinyl retinoate, a new, gentle version of retinol. The mask itself is very hydrating, infusing the skin with moisture in a way that will work for all skin types. You can buy it in a pack of 4 at Nordstrom.
10. Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream
Rich and creamy, this moisturizer is perfect for those with dry and normal skin, especially in drier climates. The formula is quite natural, featuring jojoba oil and shea butter to keep the skin soft, with a whole variety of antioxidant-rich plant extracts in addition to the soothing centella. Check it out online at Dermstore!
11. Lancôme Advanced Génifique Sensitive Dual Concentrate Serum
This super effective and highly concentrated serum has remarkable soothing and anti-aging effects. It is loaded with some really powerful antioxidants beyond the centella extract. They include ferulic acid, vitamin E, and a few other plant extracts. The formula also contains barrier-rebuilding ferments and hydrators to keep the skin strong. Get it at Nordstrom!
12. DermaQuest Essential B5 Hydrating Serum
This simple serum is gentle and hydrating, with a small anti-aging boost. The centella asiatica extract in this formula is boosted by the presence of mallow and ivy extracts. The serum also includes glycosaminoglycans, which help support and maintain skin hydration. Find it at Dermstore!
13. Patchology FlashPatch Eye Gels
The eyes can certainly benefit from the soothing effects of tiger grass! If the area around your eyes gets red or itchy occasionally, or if you just need a boost of moisture and antioxidants, then these eye patches are phenomenal. They contain caffeine to tighten and awaken the eye area, along with various hydrators like ferment extracts, glycerin, collagen, and betaine. Pop them on for 5 minutes and you’ll be amazed by their effect! Order them online from Revolve!
How to Choose the Right Centella Asiatica Product for Your Skin?
Centella asiatica extract is a versatile ingredient that can show up in all kinds of skincare products, although it is most common in serums, moisturizers, and masks. Your reason for needing a product with centella asiatica will influence which product you should choose.
- As always, if you have extremely oily skin you might want to avoid creams and you might instead prefer to use a hydrating serum, mist, or mask with centella asiatica in it, in lieu of a cream moisturizer. Beyond that, most products with centella asiatica extract are great for all skin types!
- If you have chronically sensitive skin, then it’d be best to use centella asiatica skin care weekly, and it’d be better to choose a product that stays on the skin rather than something that gets washed off like a cleanser. Whether you opt for a moisturizer or a serum is totally up to you!
- If you only get flare-ups occasionally or if you occasionally experience red, angry breakouts then you can opt for a centella asiatica skincare product that is only used every once in a while. You can keep a centella asiatica mask in the skincare fridge or you can just apply a serum when necessary.
However, there is no harm in using centella asiatica on a daily basis, even if you don’t suffer from signs of sensitivity regularly! After all, it has other long-term benefits for preventing premature aging, and it is usually used in really fabulous formulas that contain lots of other excellent ingredients.
Photos via @xeniaadonts, Sephora, Dermstore