What the science says about Centella/Cica

Few or mixed studies. This claim isn't established.

• The one study that tested it on its own found it helped redness and irritation
• It reduced redness more than a placebo after laser treatment
• It also lowered crusting and improved overall skin healing

4 studies

1. 1.

   Randomized-Controlled Trial Comparing Safety and Efficacy of Repairing Balm vs Topical Antimicrobial for Post-Procedural Wounds.

   Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD·2025RCT60 participantsNeutral

   In a trial of 60 people, a balm with Centella/Cica worked about the same as a topical antibiotic for healing skin after cryotherapy, with no treatment-related side effects reported.

   PubMed 40327581DOI

2. 2.

   A Split-Face Randomized Study on the Efficacy of a Platinum-Liposome-Based Facial Mask Containing Soothing Ingredients for Post-Photorejuvenation Skin Recovery.

   Journal of cosmetic dermatology·2025RCT30 participantsPositive

   In a 14-day split-face trial of 30 people after photorejuvenation, a mask with madecassoside improved skin moisture and reduced redness, tightness, dryness, and scaling versus a control product.

   PubMed 40957858DOI

3. 3.

   The Effects of a Standardized Extract of Centella asiatica on Postlaser Resurfacing Wound Healing on the Face: A Split-Face, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

   Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.)·2020RCT30 participants0.05% w/wPositive

   In a 3-month trial of 30 people after laser treatment for acne scars, Centella/Cica reduced redness and crusting and improved overall wound appearance versus a placebo.

   PubMed 32310680DOI

4. 4.

   Efficacy and safety of moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese versus 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in decreasing adverse reaction and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing: A split-face, double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial.

   Journal of cosmetic dermatology·2019RCT20 participantsPositive

   In a 7-day trial of 20 people after carbon dioxide laser treatment, madecassoside in a cream worked about as well as triamcinolone cream to reduce redness, swelling, crusting, and scaling.

   PubMed 30945430DOI