Indeed, it seems like there's a new trending ingredient or "must-have" product popping up every day. But one of its better-known ingredients, Centella asiatica, has actually been used in countries like India and China for thousands of years to help heal wounds and treat certain skin conditions. Also known as centella asiatica, tiger grass or simply centella asiatica, this plant is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it particularly suitable for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin types. The best Centella asiatica creams contain Centella asiatica and/or one of its compounds (more on that later), and luckily, there are plenty of great products available for under $25.
Additionally, since centella asiatica cream is generally suitable for people with sensitive skin, it usually does not contain synthetic fragrances. On the previous list, you'll also find some options that don't contain essential oils, which can be used to naturally scent products but can also be triggering for people with particularly sensitive skin. Even if you don't consider your skin to be sensitive, centella asiatica creams are a good choice for dry skin or to use at night when using retinoids, as they are very gentle and nourishing. Many Centella asiatica creams are even great options for acne-prone skin, as they counteract the drying effects of ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, while Centella asiatica's calming properties can help reduce current and past breakouts Redness caused by acne.
One more thing to note
While centella asiatica creams are most commonly formulated by Korean skin care brands, you'll also notice that many French brands also have centella asiatica creams or creams. Now, things get tricky. Scar is the French term for healing and does not necessarily mean that the product is formulated with Centella asiatica. All of the products on the previous list contain some form of Centella asiatica, but when shopping online or in-store, you'll want to scan the ingredient list to confirm that it contains Centella asiatica extract or one of its other soothing compounds (Centella hydroxyasiatica glycosides, madecasic acid, madecassoside or madecasic acid).
Buy the Best Centella Asiatic Cream
hurry? Here are the best centella asiatica creams:
- Best Multipurpose Centella Asiatic Cream: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5
- Best Centella Asiatic Cream for Oily and Acne-Based Skin: Mediheal Tea Tree Biome Blemish Centella Asiatica Cream
- Best Centella Asiatic Cream with Ceramides: COSRX Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream
- Best Centella Asiatic Cream with Ceramides Under $20: PURITO Centella Green Level Recovery Cream
- Best Centella Asiatic Gel Cream: MIZON Cica Aloe 96% Soothing Gel Cream
- Best Cica Body Cream: Boscia Cica Soothing Universal Cream
1. Writer’s Pick: Best Multi-Purpose Centella Asiatic Cream
I rave about La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 and it has become the most important part of my nightly skin care routine. I first saw dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss rave about this cream on Instagram and decided to give it a try about a year ago when I was suffering from breakouts and contact dermatitis from wearing masks regularly. Not only does this cream relieve the redness and irritation I experience, but it also seems to help minimize the frequency and severity of my breakouts in the long run. Originally developed to relieve irritation caused by diaper rash, this fragrance-free, non-comedogenic cream contains anti-inflammatory ingredients like zinc gluconate and madecassoside, a component of Centella asiatica. Nourishing ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, and panthenol make it a winter-proof moisturizer, but since it's not greasy at all, you can use it in the warmer months, too.
Centella Asiatica Ingredients: Madecassoside Other Beneficial Ingredients: Glycerin, Shea Butter, Panthenol, Zinc Gluconate, Vitamin E, La Roche-Posay Thermal Water Fragrance-Free: Yes Size: 1.35 oz.
Related Reviews: "This is the only cream my face can tolerate, especially during rosacea flare-ups. I have very sensitive skin and all my prescription creams irritate my skin more. Super gentle, fragrance-free formula that works instantly Soothes itching and irritation. It is also good for dermatitis, eczema and diaper rash."
2. Best centella asiatica cream for oily and acne-prone skin
Yes, Centella Asiatica is great for acne-prone skin in general, but Mediheal's Tea Tree Biome Spot Clearing Centella Asiatica Cream goes a step further by adding tea tree. This essential oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help treat acne and is even thought to help reduce oil production. Formulated with 50% tea leaf water and 25% centella asiatica extract, this green face cream also contains hydrating and antioxidant-rich ingredients like hyaluronic acid, green tea leaf extract, and avocado fruit extract.
Centella asiatica ingredients: Centella asiatica extract, madecassoside, asiaticoside, asiatic acid, madecassoic acid Other beneficial ingredients: tea leaf water, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, green tea leaf extract, vitamins E. Avocado Fruit Extract Fragrance Free: Yes Size: 3.3 oz.
Related Reviews: "Significantly reduces breakouts and is very hydrating. I also love that it's unscented. Perfect for day or night."
3. Best Centella Asiatic Cream with Ceramides
COSRX may be best known for its snail mucin products, but the Korean beauty brand's Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream also has its own dedicated following on Reddit and Amazon. Here, Centella Asiatica leaf water (as well as several compounds of Centella Asiatica) has soothing and moisturizing properties, but the cream also contains Ceramide NPs. Not only do ceramides increase skin's hydration levels, they are also great for sensitive skin types as they help strengthen the skin's barrier to protect against moisture loss and environmental irritation. While it doesn't contain synthetic fragrances, it's worth noting that it does contain limonene and bergamot fruit oil, which can be potential irritants for people with extremely sensitive skin.
Centella Asiatica Ingredients: Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecasic Acid Other Beneficial Ingredients: Glycerin, Sunflower Oil, Ceramide, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Fragrance Free: Yes Size: 2.8 ounce.
Related Reviews: "I use this as my night cream. It goes after the retinoic acid and soothes the skin well and deeply moisturizes. But it's not heavy. It works in the winter when my skin gets really dry and exfoliation. I don’t like scented skin care products, but I love this cream with its subtle lemon scent. ”
4. Best Centella Asiatic Cream with Ceramides Under $20
For a slightly cheaper centella asiatica cream with ceramide benefits, choose this PURITO Centella Green Level Recovery Cream. This rich cream contains hydrating ingredients like squalane, shea butter and hyaluronic acid, as well as multi-action niacinamide to help protect the skin barrier and fade unwanted hyperpigmentation. Similar to COSRX, PURITO's Centella Asiatic Cream contains no synthetic fragrances, but it does contain natural fragrance compounds and essential oils such as limonene, linalool, bergamot oil, and lavender oil, which can be potential irritants.
Centella asiatica ingredients: Centella asiatica extract, asiaticoside, asiatic acid, madecasic acid Other beneficial ingredients: glycerin, squalane, nicotinamide, shea butter, coconut oil, mushroom extract, clear Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide Fragrance Free: Yes Size: 1.7 oz.
Related Reviews: “This is the first time I’ve used Centella Asiatica Cream, but it won’t be the last! Incredibly soothing, speeds healing, and reduces redness. I love putting it on when it’s extra hot outside Keeps in the fridge for a cooling effect. I will definitely repurchase – I just wish it came in a larger container.”
5. Best Centella Asiatic Gel Cream
If you've ever used cooling aloe gel to relieve irritation after shaving or spending a day in the sun, consider MIZON's Cica Aloe 96% Soothing Gel Cream. This lightweight gel contains primarily aloe vera leaf extract, but also uses centella asiatica extract to relieve minor burns, irritations, insect bites, dryness, and itching. The oil-free formula naturally has a cooling effect when applied, but to really soothe and refresh skin, try placing the container in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before applying.
Centella Asiatica Ingredients: Centella Asiatica Extract Other Beneficial Ingredients: Glycerin, Aloe Vera Leaf Extract, Hyaluronic Acid Fragrance Free: Yes Size: 10.6 oz.
Related Reviews: "Love this stuff and will work for any skin problem you want a gentler solution to. It works amazing on burns (especially wind burns) and is so soothing. It's almost cold and provides immediate pain relief, and You can feel the effects for a long time, even on the most severe burns. ”
6. Best Centella Asiatica Body Cream
Technically, you can use any of the creams on this list on your body, too. But except for the Mizon gel, they are all smaller in size and require you to use half the bottle to complete. Boscia's Cica Soothing Universal Cream comes in a slightly larger tube and is designed for use on the face and body. While Centella asiatica extract helps calm irritated skin, the cream also contains soothing bisabolol and ginger root extracts, as well as probiotics and ceramides to maintain a healthy skin barrier. You can use this lightweight cream on its own or layer it over the brand's Peptide Youth Repair Firming Body Serum for extra hydration.
Centella Asiatica Ingredients: Centella Asiatica Extract Other Beneficial Ingredients: Glycerin, Camellia Seed Oil, Panthenol, Bisabolol, Jojoba Seed Extract, Ceramides, Ginger Root Extract, Probiotics Fragrance-Free: Yes Size : 3.4 oz.
Related Reviews: "This is a must-have for dry, sensitive skin. Very lightweight and hydrating without leaving my skin feeling greasy like some moisturizers can. My new go-to!"
7. You may also like: This Snowy CC Cream
This isn't a centella asiatica cream in the traditional sense, but if you want to add some soothing benefits to your makeup routine, Erborian's CC Crème will be your new choice. Designed to correct skin tone and blur imperfections, this cream comes in three different shades and uses encapsulated pigments to adjust your complexion. The result will give you light coverage with a soft glow, plus SPF 25 for extra sun protection.
Shades: 3 Centella Asiatica Ingredients: Centella Asiatica Extract Other Beneficial Ingredients: SPF 25, Glycerin, Honey Extract, Vitamin E Fragrance Free: None Sizes: 1.5 oz.
Related Reviews: "Basically, this is just what I need - it has SPF25, it evens out my skin tone, keeps it moisturized, and looks completely natural. It also [contains] ingredients that are good for skin health, like snowflakes Grass, honey and vitamin E, so that’s a plus too […] This is a product I use almost every day and I’ve re-purchased it twice and I’m not looking for anything else. ”
