Centella Asiatica (CICA) — The Ultimate Skin-Repair Ingredient for Sensitive & Damaged Skin | ELIXIR

What Is Centella Asiatica (CICA)?

Centella Asiatica — also called CICA, Gotu Kola, or Tiger Grass — is one of the most clinically respected botanical extracts for soothing, repairing, and strengthening the skin barrier.

Known for centuries in Asian skincare, it is now globally recognized as a must-have ingredient for sensitive, inflamed, or acne-prone skin.

At ELIXIR, we use purified, high-potency Centella extract rich in:

  • Asiaticoside

  • Madecassoside

  • Asiatic Acid

  • Madecassic Acid

These actives are scientifically proven to:

  • calm irritation

  • repair the skin barrier

  • support collagen

  • help fade post-acne marks

  • improve hydration

  • strengthen fragile skin

Perfect for winter dryness and sensitivity, and essential for people experiencing irritation from the climate, pollution, or active skincare.


🔬 The Science Behind Centella Asiatica


1️⃣ Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Centella reduces inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory pathways in the skin.

This helps with:

  • redness

  • sensitivity

  • acne flare-ups

  • sun irritation

  • rough texture

Ideal for Pakistani climates where skin gets stressed by heat, dust, and UV exposure.


2️⃣ Repairs & Strengthens the Skin Barrier

Centella stimulates skin-repair mechanisms by boosting:

  • collagen synthesis

  • elastin support

  • fibroblast activity

This leads to:

  • faster healing

  • stronger skin

  • reduced sensitivity over time

  • improved resilience


3️⃣ Fades Post-Acne Marks (PIE + PIH)

CICA improves microcirculation and reduces inflammation in the skin, helping fade:

  • redness after pimples (PIE)

  • dark post-acne scars (PIH)

This is crucial for melanin-rich Pakistani skin, which easily scars after acne.


4️⃣ Deep Hydration Without Oiliness

Centella contains natural humectants that bind moisture and enhance overall hydration.

Benefits:

  • smoother skin

  • improved texture

  • reduced dullness

  • lightweight hydration for oily skin


5️⃣ Antioxidant Defense Against Pollution & UV

CICA is rich in:

  • flavonoids

  • phenolic acids

  • antioxidant compounds

These defend against:

  • pollution damage

  • oxidative stress

  • premature aging


🌟 Benefits of Centella Asiatica for Pakistani Skin

  • Reduces redness & irritation

  • Repairs damaged or weakened skin barrier

  • Helps fade post-acne marks

  • Deeply hydrates & smooths skin

  • Calms acne-prone & sensitive skin

  • Strengthens skin for long-term resilience

  • Protects against pollution and environmental stress


🧴 Centella Asiatica in ELIXIR Products

ELIXIR Ultra-Lightweight Hydrating Moisturizer (Launching Soon December 2025)

Our moisturizer contains medical-grade Centella Extract to:

  • repair winter-damaged skin

  • soothe irritation

  • lock in hydration

  • restore the skin barrier

  • improve texture and glow

(Centella is one of the star ingredients in the formula.)


🎥 Relevant Influencer Videos

While no current influencer video speaks only about Centella, these reviews highlight how soothing and calming ELIXIR products feel — due in part to soothing botanicals like Centella: