What is centella asiatica (cica)?
Centella asiatica is a small leafy plant that grows in damp, tropical regions of Asia and Africa. In South Asia you may know it as gotu kola or brahmi. Skincare uses extracts from its leaves, and the plant is rich in four well-studied compounds: madecassoside, asiaticoside, madecassic acid and asiatic acid. "Cica" is simply a short beauty-industry name for centella-based care, so cica and centella are the same ingredient family.
Centella is not a brand. Many brands use it, and some, such as SKIN1004 with its Madagascar Centella line, build whole ranges around it. Because it is gentle and soothing, it has become a signature ingredient of Korean skincare, appearing in toners, ampoules, creams, cleansers and sunscreens.
Centella asiatica benefits: why it is so popular
It calms redness and irritation
Centella is best known for comforting skin that feels hot, tight or reactive, whether that comes from sun, harsh cleansing, shaving or strong actives.
It supports a stronger skin barrier
Regular use helps skin hold on to moisture and recover from everyday stress, which is why centella often appears in "repair" and "barrier" creams.
It is kind to breakout-prone skin
Centella does not unclog pores the way salicylic acid does, but it helps settle the redness around active spots and supports skin while it heals.
It pairs with almost everything
Because it is so mild, centella sits comfortably alongside retinoids, acids and vitamin C, often making a strong routine easier to tolerate.
Is centella asiatica good for your skin type?
Centella for oily skin
Yes. Oily skin often reacts badly to heavy creams, and centella comes in very light toners, watery ampoules and gel creams that hydrate without shine. SKIN1004's "Poremizing" products combine centella with pore care for oily T-zones.
Centella for dry skin
Dry skin benefits from centella in richer creams and balms, where it is paired with ceramides, panthenol or shea. A barrier balm is ideal for flaky patches in winter.
Centella for acne-prone skin
Centella is a supportive ingredient for acne rather than a stand-alone fix. Pair it with a pore-clearing ingredient from our salicylic acid edit and use centella to keep the skin calm.
Centella for pigmentation and acne marks
Centella can help skin look more even as it calms inflammation, which matters because irritated skin darkens more easily. For marks that have already formed, combine it with brightening ingredients such as niacinamide or vitamin C.
Centella for sensitive skin
This is where centella shines. Fragrance-free centella serums and creams are among the gentlest products you can choose for easily irritated skin.
Best centella products in Pakistan
Here are the centella products that shoppers return to most. Each product page explains texture, use and who it suits.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
The classic: a light, near-watery ampoule built around centella.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner
A gentle exfoliating toner with centella for smoother skin.
Purito Seoul Wonder Releaf Centella Serum Unscented 60ml
A fragrance-free serum for very sensitive skin.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ Repairing Balm 100ml
A rich barrier balm for dry, irritated or freshly treated skin.
COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner 150ml
An alcohol-free toner that calms after cleansing.
Medicube Exosome Cica Cream 50ml
A cica cream for skin that feels stressed and reactive.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++
A centella sun serum that keeps daily SPF light and calm.
mixsoon Centella Cleansing Foam 150ml
A soft foaming cleanser that does not strip.
How to use centella in your routine
Morning
- Cleanse with a gentle face wash.
- Apply a centella toner or ampoule to damp skin.
- Follow with a light moisturiser.
- Finish with sunscreen.
Evening
- Double cleanse if you wore sunscreen or makeup.
- Use your treatment step (retinoid, acid or vitamin C) on alternate nights.
- Layer a centella serum or cream on top to keep skin comfortable.
How to use a centella serum
Press two or three drops into clean, slightly damp skin before moisturiser. It can be used morning and night, and you can apply an extra layer on red or irritated patches.
What can you mix with centella?
Can you use vitamin C with centella asiatica?
Yes. Centella and vitamin C are a popular pair: vitamin C targets dullness and uneven tone while centella keeps skin calm. Some formulas, such as Beauty of Joseon Light On Serum: Centella + Vita C 30ml, combine them in one bottle. Browse more in our vitamin C edit.
Centella with retinol
A centella cream applied after a retinoid can reduce the dryness and redness of the first few weeks. Explore options in our retinol and retinal edit.
Centella with niacinamide and peptides
Both are gentle partners. Niacinamide adds oil balance and tone support, while peptides add a smoother, firmer look. See our niacinamide and peptides and collagen edits.
Which centella format should you choose?
Toners and essences
The lightest way to add centella. They suit oily and combination skin and work well as a calming first layer after cleansing.
Ampoules and serums
More concentrated and targeted. Choose one if redness, irritation or post-breakout sensitivity is your main concern.
Creams and balms
Best for dry or compromised skin, or as the final step over strong actives at night. Balms also work on small dry patches around the nose and mouth.
Cleansers and sunscreens
Centella in a cleanser or SPF will not replace a serum, but it keeps these everyday steps gentler, which helps sensitive skin stay settled.
Centella vs other soothing ingredients
Centella is often compared with heartleaf, aloe, panthenol and mugwort. Heartleaf leans towards oil balance and is popular for acne-prone skin, aloe gives instant cooling, panthenol (vitamin B5) is a strong barrier helper, and mugwort is a traditional Korean calming herb. Centella sits in the middle: soothing like aloe, supportive like panthenol and gentle enough for daily use. Many products combine two or three of these, so you do not need to choose just one.
How long does centella take to work?
Many people notice skin feeling calmer and less tight within the first few uses. Visible improvement in redness and overall comfort usually builds over two to four weeks of daily use, while barrier support is a slower, steady benefit that continues as long as you keep using it.
Centella side effects and who should be careful
Centella is one of the best-tolerated skincare ingredients. Reactions are rare, but anyone can be sensitive to a plant extract or to other ingredients in a formula, such as fragrance or essential oils. Patch-test new products on your jawline for a day or two, especially if you have very reactive skin or eczema, and stop using anything that causes burning or a rash.
Centella for Pakistan's heat and humidity
In summer, centella toners, ampoules and gel creams give skin hydration and calm without heaviness, making them ideal for skin that feels irritated by sweat, sun and long commutes. In winter, switch to a richer centella cream or balm to protect against dry air and hot showers. Store products in a cool, dark place, never in a car or on a sunny windowsill.
Shop centella by brand
SKIN1004 offers the widest centella line-up, from cleansers to sun serums. Explore other brands that use cica well:
How to buy original centella skincare in Pakistan
Popular centella ampoules and toners are frequently copied. Buy from a seller that sources directly through each brand's official distribution channels, check the batch and expiry codes, and compare packaging with the brand's own images. Every centella product at YESBEAUTY is 100% original, imported from Seoul and backed by our 7-day authenticity return guarantee.
Every centella product at YESBEAUTY
SKIN1004
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Tone-Up Sunscreen 50ml
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Light Gel Cream
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Blue Serum 30ml
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tea-Trica Relief Ampoule
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Deep Cleansing Foam
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella ProBio-Cica Bakuchiol Eye Cream 20ml
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Brightening Cream 75ml
- SKIN1004 Centella Poremizing Quick Clay Stick Mask 27g
- SKIN1004 Centella Probio-Cica Ampoule
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tea-Trica BHA Foam
- SKIN1004 Centella Hyalu-Cica Silky-Fit Sun Stick 7g
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica First Ampoule
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Travel Kit (box version)
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Double Cleansing Duo
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Essence Toner 210ml
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Cleansing Gel Foam 125ml
- SKIN1004 Centella Tea-Trica Soothing Sun Milk 50ml
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Brightening Toner 210ml
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Clear Toner 210ml
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Boosting Toner 210ml - Korean
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tea-Trica Purifying Toner 210ml
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream Plus SPF50+ PA++++ - 50ml
- SKIN1004 Centella Glow Duo Set
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tea-Trica Mild Peeling Gel 125ml
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Travel Pouch Set
Purito Seoul
- Purito Seoul Wonder Releaf Centella Serum Unscented 60ml
- Purito Seoul Wonder Releaf Centella BB Cream SPF30 PA++
- Purito Seoul Wonder Releaf Centella Eye Cream 30ml
- Purito Seoul Wonder Releaf Centella Cream Unscented
- Purito Seoul Wonder Releaf Centella Mini Kit
Beauty of Joseon
- Beauty of Joseon Centella Asiatica Calming Mask - 1 Piece
- Beauty of Joseon Light On Serum: Centella + Vita C 30ml