CENTELLA asiatica may not ring a bell to many, but pegaga is something most Malaysians are familiar with. A typical ulam in local Malay food, it is often eaten with sambal or made into kerabu.
In the beauty industry, however, Centella asiatica -- the low, creeping plant also known as gotu kola, Indian pennywort and tiger grass, among others -- is fast becoming a focal ingredient for its skin repairing properties. Certain brands, especially those from Korea, call it in its short form -- Cica.
Sisley Malaysia general manager Jacqueline Chen says the plant helps skin healing and repair, making it a coveted skincare ingredient.
"Legend has it that when tigers are wounded from their fights in the wild, they will look for the tiger grass to heal their wounds, hence the name," she says.
Sisley's Ecological Compound, which will see an upgrade in 2023 this year, is formulated with Centella asiatica, along with ginseng, rosemary, hops and horsetail — a concoction selected for their revitalising actions.
"It hydrates the epidermis and restores comfort and radiance. And the plant extracts, including Centella asiatica, help to do that," she says.
Health and wellness website health.com cites the plant as one that can be used "to soothe, treat and improve skin conditions."
Indians, it says, have used the herb for years as a medicinal, anti-ageing remedy for the skin.
"High concentrations of amino acids, beta-carotene and fatty acids are what make the herb so beneficial," says Dr Mona Gohara, associate clinical professor of dermatology, Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Conneticut, on the website.
For New York-based skincare brand Kiehl's, this plant has soothing and protective properties, which contribute to its skin enhancing qualities.
"These attributes help calm the skin and Centella asiatica skincare may help treat the appearance of a variety of skin concerns, including sun damage, fine lines, and discoloration,"
Kiehl's has products that contain its extract, including the Centella Sensitive Facial Cleanser and Cica-Cream.
Innisfree, owned by Korean beauty conglomerate Amorepacific, is also big in using Cica. The brand has Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule that contains retinol and Jeju Cica-Liposomlogy to soothe skin troubles and repair texture.
Retinol promotes skin cell turnover and controls sebum, which helps to tighten pores, and lighten blemish scars and dull skin tone. It can also turn skin sensitive and Centella asiatica helps reduce skin irritation.
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