Centella asiatica,
benefits for reactive skin
Skin that stings after cleansing, flushes at the slightest change in temperature or suddenly dislikes a serum it used to love doesn't necessarily need more actives. More often, it needs less stimulation and more support.
Centella asiatica: what are the benefits for reactive skin?
Also known as cica or gotu kola, centella asiatica is a plant extract prized for its soothing action, thanks to molecules such as asiaticoside, madecassoside and asiatic acid. It helps reduce the feeling of heated skin and the appearance of irritation-related redness.
It also supports the barrier function: weakened skin loses water more easily and reacts more to friction, fragrance or changes in climate. Finally, its antioxidant properties make it a great ally when your complexion looks stressed or uneven.
Sensitive, sensitised or reactive skin: the nuance that changes everything
Sensitive skin has a lasting predisposition to discomfort. Skin can become sensitised after overusing acids or introducing retinol too quickly. Reactive skin mainly describes how it responds: redness, heat and stinging in the face of a trigger.
For oily skin with redness and blemishes, centella works well in a light texture, paired with gentle niacinamide.
How to spot a good centella formula
The word “cica” on the packaging isn't enough to guarantee a product will suit you. For reactive skin, favour a short, coherent formula, without excess fragrance or denatured alcohol near the top of the ingredient list.
Centella combined with a moderate concentration of niacinamide can help combination to oily skin find its balance, provided the niacinamide is already well tolerated.
When should you add it to your routine?
If your skin is very reactive, avoid using several cica products at once. Introduce just one new product, then give your skin one to two weeks to respond. In the evening, it's especially valuable on days without potent actives, as a recovery routine.
“Your reactive skin doesn't need to be corrected. It needs a clear routine and actives introduced at the right pace.”
- ANUA Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron for diffuse redness and reactive skin
- MEISANI Niacinamide Cucumber Gel Cream to soothe every day
- See the Sensitive Skin collection →
- Centella soothes redness and supports the skin barrier.
- Sensitive, sensitised and reactive skin aren't treated in exactly the same way.
- A good formula stays short, without excess fragrance.
- Introduce only one new product at a time.
At Haru & Bom, the right product is the one you enjoy using, without any feeling of overload. Discover our soothing skincare →
