Centella Asiatica, or Asiatic pennywort, in cosmetics

It can be found under many names – gotu kola, centella, kodavan, cica – but it is always one of the most important medicinal plants: Asiatic pennywort. Korean cosmetics make extensive use of this perennial marsh plant, and it’s no wonder – its beneficial effects were known even to ancient cultures and it is often referred to as a rejuvenating miracle. 

Beneficial effects

Asiatic pennywort has a reputation as a rejuvenating miracle with a tradition spanning thousands of years. Its health and healing effects have been confirmed by many scientific studies and medical research, and it has even been used since ancient times in Ayurvedic medicine to treat skin diseases. It has amazing antioxidant and antibacterial effects, helps damaged skin to heal and supports its regeneration. It also soothes and reduces irritation, helps with psoriasis and eczema, reduces the risk of cellulite and slows skin ageing. However, it is not used only in cosmetics or for the skin – on the contrary, it has a very wide range of uses: it helps with digestive problems and fevers, and when fresh its leaves are a popular ingredient in salads. It also supports appetite, improves cognitive functions and helps with rheumatism, asthma or allergies. It is even said that Bengal tigers know the effects of pennywort too – they roll around in places where pennywort grows and heal the wounds they suffered in the fight for prey. 

A marsh plant full of vitamins

In Latin it is called centella asiatica and it is a small perennial marsh plant with a creeping rhizome that can grow up to 2 metres in length. It has long stalked flowers that are green at first and then turn red. This medicinal herb originally occurred in South-East Asia, from where it spread from the swampy mountain areas throughout the humid belt of the tropics and subtropics – so we can find it in Australia or Indonesia, as well as in Madagascar or southern Africa. You can also grow it at home, as it is an undemanding plant that prefers sunny or semi-shaded places. However, it is valued mainly for its herb, which contains many medicinal substances, such as asiaticoside, brahmoside or asiatic and centellic acids – these have a strong regenerative and healing effect. It is also a plant packed with a huge amount of minerals. For example calcium, magnesium and potassium, selenium, chromium, as well as vitamins A, C and B. 

Try this miracle for your skin too 

Try this beneficial plant on your own skin! In Korean cosmetics you can find many soothing and hydrating products containing an extract of this herb. You can make full use of its effects, for example, with the Etude House Soonjung Centella Skincare set for sensitive skin, containing a cleansing toner, a nourishing emulsion and a soothing balm. Their low-pH formula maintains balance in the skin and contributes to its health. Also worth exploring is the Some By Mi Set Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Starter Kit – a set with a cleansing gel, a highly regenerative toner and a refreshing cream. It contains not only a highly nourishing snail mucin extract, but also a truecica complex with extracts of tea tree leaves, mugwort and, of course, Asiatic pennywort.
For deep cleansing and soothing irritated skin, reach for a cleansing face mask with activated charcoal and clay and with Asiatic pennywort extract, Some By Mi Cleansing Face Mask Charcoal BHA Pore Clay Bubble Mask, which absorbs excess sebum, fights blackheads, acne and imperfections, and intensely soothes skin irritation. 

The ultra-light gel face cream Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Calming Gel Cream, thanks to Asiatic pennywort hydrolate, helps your skin to heal and regenerate, soothes irritation and reduces redness, leaving the complexion calmed, evened out and hydrated. You can also opt for the regenerative cream Purito Centella Green Level Recovery Cream, which deeply regenerates, hydrates and nourishes the skin and has smoothing effects thanks to supporting collagen production.