If you've come across the Cica vs Centella Asiatica skincare label debate, you may be wondering whether they're actually different ingredients. The answer is simpler than it seems.
So, is Cica and Centella the same thing? Yes. "Cica" is a common nickname for Centella asiatica, the botanical ingredient also known as Gotu Kola.
At Naturopathica, we refer to this botanical as Gotu Kola to honor its long history in Ayurvedic wellness traditions while recognizing the clinically studied ingredient listed as Centella asiatica on product labels
Regardless of the name, this powerful botanical ingredient can be used for skin repair and recovery. Our Gotu Kola balm here at Naturopathica combines it with Candelilla Wax and Raspberry Seed Oil to help soothe tired, irritated, and damaged skin. Learn more below!
Key Takeaways
- “Cica” comes from Korean skincare philosophies. It’s a short way to say cicatrix, which is the Latin term for scar.
- "Centella Asiatica" is the botanical name you'll find on ingredient lists in the Cica vs Centella comparison.
- “Gotu Kola” has been used to describe the exact same plant in Ayurvedic tradition for thousands of years
- All three names refer to the same plant and its naturally occurring compounds, including Asiaticoside and Madecassoside.
What is Centella Asiatica?
This small herbaceous plant naturally exists in tropical and subtropical regions across Asia, where it has been used in Indian and Southeast Asian medicine for centuries. It has well-documented healing properties, specifically for wounds on the skin.
Ayurvedic medicine has witnessed a lot of the same potential, and used it in its own culture as both a nerve tonic and a skin remedy. The people called it Gotu Kola, though. That’s the name we prefer here at Naturopathica.
A lot of these ancient anecdotes can be traced back to two triterpene compounds - Asiaticoside and Madecassoside. These show up in clinical research today, exploring these compounds for their role in supporting healthy-looking skin.
Asiaticoside and Madecassoside can encourage Collagen synthesis in damaged skin, while helping regulate the inflammatory response that’s behind skin redness and sensitivity. It can calm irritation and help support a healthy skin barrier.
What is Cica?
Korean beauty brands became a whole lot more popular over the past 10-15 years here in the Western World. That’s when we first started hearing more about this amazing Cica ingredient that was so powerful. But really, we’d known about the potential forever - we just called it Centella Asiatica. "Cica" became widely recognized through Korean skincare and is now commonly used as shorthand for Centella asiatica.
According to ancient folklore, tigers were believed to roll in the plant after injury, inspiring the nickname "Tiger Grass." That was to sell the idea that the plant could help repair damaged skin.
Now, is Cica good for oily skin? Maybe you’ve heard it could be used for this specific purpose. Some research says the answer is yes, because the same compounds we talked about earlier (Asiaticoside and Madecassoside) may help regulate without stripping moisture. Its soothing properties and compounds (Asiaticoside and Madecassoside) make it suitable for many skin types, including oily and blemish-prone skin.
Cica vs Centella: Are They the Same Thing?
The Cica vs Centella primarily one of terminology rather than ingredients. "Cica," "Centella asiatica," and "Gotu Kola" all refer to the same botanical ingredient.
We know this is a little confusing, but just chalk it up to different regions relying on the same ingredient for centuries - and choosing to call it something different.
Whatever You Call it, Our Intense Repair Balm Delivers
Rather than focusing on terminology, it's more important to consider how an ingredient is formulated within a finished product. We’ve gone with Gotu Kola, and our Intense Repair Balm is a must-have in your skincare arsenal for intensive hydration.
The balm brings Candelilla Wax and Raspberry Seed Oil into the mix as well, helping to rehydrate parched skin and calm visible redness on the face. The same formula also conditions lips and cuticles. It’s super versatile.
The texture is dense enough to protect compromised skin but absorbs without sitting on the surface. Apply wherever skin feels especially dry or in need of additional nourishment. Order yours now and see why customers keep coming back for more!
“This product is such a game changer for dry flaky patches. I have a small area where my glasses sit by my nose. I have never found anything that helps. Enter Gotu Kola and voilà! Completely healed in a week or so. It’s a miracle plant. Hope it is always available! Than you Naturopathica!🌹💕” - Margaret
“This product has quickly become a must-have to be included in my skincare routine! Naturopathica has some of the highest quality skincare products I have come across yet, you will not regret this product!” - Evan
“You will be glowing the next day. This is the all time miracle balm when your skin needs a glow up!” - Callie
Closing Thoughts on Centella vs Cica
Centella vs Cica is just a matter of names, not ingredients or results. What matters most is choosing thoughtfully formulated products that combine high-quality botanicals with clinically informed skincare science like we do at Naturopathica.
Take our Skincare Quiz and see which formulas we recommend for your skin type. Everything we make is crafted through a combination of ancient botanical wisdom and modern skincare science, backed by our clean beauty guarantee. Upgrade your skincare routine today!
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