Is Centella Asiatica (Cica) Safe? What You Need to Know
Safety Score
Concern Level: low
Centella Asiatica (Cica) is generally considered safe for use in household and personal care products.
What Is Centella Asiatica (Cica)?
A tropical plant extract used for wound healing and skin barrier repair. Contains madecassoside, asiaticoside, and other triterpenes.
Commonly found in: recovery creams, anti-aging, scar treatment, sensitive skin care
Safety Research & Evidence
A tropical plant extract used for wound healing and skin barrier repair. Contains madecassoside, asiaticoside, and other triterpenes.
Regulatory status: CIR safe in cosmetics; traditional medicine in Asia for centuries
Health Concerns
No significant health concerns have been identified.
Safer Alternatives
| Alternative | Safety Score |
|---|---|
| Allantoin | 9/10 |
How to Avoid Centella Asiatica (Cica)
- Read ingredient labels carefully for "Centella Asiatica (Cica)" or its chemical synonyms
- Choose products with third-party certifications (EWG Verified, Made Safe)
- Consider alternatives like Allantoin
- Check the EWG Skin Deep database for product ratings
- Look for "Centella Asiatica (Cica)-free" labels on product packaging
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Centella Asiatica (Cica) safe for babies?
Centella Asiatica (Cica) is generally considered acceptable for use around babies at typical concentrations in consumer products.
What are the safest alternatives to Centella Asiatica (Cica)?
Safer alternatives include Allantoin (safety score: 9/10).
Is Centella Asiatica (Cica) banned in other countries?
Regulatory status: CIR safe in cosmetics; traditional medicine in Asia for centuries
How do I know if my product contains Centella Asiatica (Cica)?
Check the full ingredient list on the product label. Centella Asiatica (Cica) may also appear under different chemical names. Using apps like EWG Healthy Living or Think Dirty can help identify it.
Related Safety Guides
References
- Bylka W et al. (2013). Centella asiatica: dermatological applications and efficacy PMID: 24399761