Ingredient Encyclopedia

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Discover what’s inside your skincare — from retinol to aloe vera — with clear guides on benefits, uses, and safety.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Centella Leaf Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Centella Leaf Extract (Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract) is the "daily harmonizer" of the Cica family, specifically utilized for routines that require breathable comfort and consistent barrier stability. Unlike the more concentrated isolated triterpenes found in clinical-grade powders, the leaf extract offers a holistic phytochemical profile—including polyphenols and flavonoids—that excels at soothing the "warm, tight" sensation often associated with over-exfoliation or environmental stress. It functions as a strategic tolerance buffer, smoothing the application of potent actives like L-ascorbic acid or retinoids by lowering the skin's reactivity threshold. This makes it an ideal choice for sensitive or oily/combination skin types that need calming support without the occlusive weight of heavy balms. Over 2 to 6 weeks, the cumulative result is a more predictable complexion and a significant reduction in "routine sting," allowing for long-term adherence to a treatment-focused regimen.