Asiaticoside

Good

Antioxidant

Asiaticoside at a glance

  • One of the soothing compounds present in Centella asiatica
  • Has proven skin-soothing properties
  • Antioxidant benefits help reduce the chance of pro-aging damage
  • Used in cosmetics in amounts between 0.2% and 5%

Asiaticoside description

Asiaticoside’s one of the major triterpene saponins present in _Centella asiatica_ (AKA Gotu Kola and cica), functioning as an antioxidant and soothing ingredient when used in skin care. It might be easy to confuse asiaticoside for the plant extract _Centella asiatica_’s other impactful compounds, madecassoside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid, however asiaticoside is its own substance. Research continually demonstrates asiaticoside’s soothing properties on skin, making it particularly suitable for sensitive skin types, as well as even being suitable for skin prone to eczema or rosacea. Asiaticoside also assists skin in mitigating the damage that’s associated with external pro-aging aggressors, like UV rays and pollution. This additional defense helps keep skin appearing more youthful in the long-term, deterring the formation of wrinkles, fine lines and an uneven tone often associated with environmental damage. Further studies have suggested that asiaticoside might have a positive impact on skin firmness through helping to support skin’s underlying architectural structure, but more research needs to be conducted to confirm this conclusion. When used in skin care and cosmetics, asiaticoside’s usually included in formulas in amounts between 0.2% and 5%.

Asiaticoside references

  • ULProspector, Accessed December 2022, Webpage
  • Journal of Ethnopharmacology, November 2022, ePublication
  • Pharmaceutics, January 2022, ePublication
  • Materials Science and Engineering: C, February 2021, ePublication
  • Applied Biological Chemistry, December 2021, ePublication
  • Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, June 2016, pages 1269-1274
  • Phytochemical Analysis, November 2015, pages 436-443

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.