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Skincare Ingredient

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Asiaticoside

In Skincare: Is Asiaticoside Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Safety (overall safety)
2/5 — Low risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
1/5 — Very low risk

Safety Information

Centella asiatica saponin; generally well-tolerated and used for soothing/wound-healing. Limited safety data available, but it is considered safe for topical use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Quick Insights

At a glance

  • 01

    Asiaticoside is a soothing compound found in Centella asiatica.

  • 02

    Proven to soothe skin, asiaticoside is a valuable ingredient in cosmetic formulations.

  • 03

    Antioxidant properties of asiaticoside may help minimize the potential for pro-aging damage.

  • 04

    Cosmetic formulations typically include asiaticoside at concentrations ranging from 0.2% to 5%.

Key Benefits

What Asiaticoside does for your skin

2 benefits
Anti-Aging
Soothing

Overview

Ingredient Profile

Asiaticoside is a compound found in Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola/cica) known for its antioxidant and soothing properties. Research indicates it can help calm skin, making it beneficial for sensitive or conditions like eczema and rosacea. Additionally, asiaticoside may offer protection against damage from environmental factors such as UV rays and pollution, potentially supporting a more youthful appearance. While some studies suggest it could contribute to skin firmness, further research is needed to confirm this effect; it's typically used in skincare formulations at concentrations between 0.2% and 5%.
Classifications
Antioxidant
Plant Extracts

Role of Asiaticoside

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

ANTIOXIDANT

Anti-Aging Protector

Protects products and skin from oxidative damage and aging

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Antioxidants prevent or delay oxidation by donating electrons to free radicals, chelating pro-oxidant metals, or regenerating other antioxidants. Mechanisms include direct radical scavenging (vitamin E, vitamin C, BHT, BHA), metal chelation (EDTA), or enzymatic action. On skin, they neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by UV radiation and pollution, preventing lipid peroxidation and DNA damage.

PERFUMING

Fragrance Provider

Provides fragrance to enhance product appeal

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Perfuming ingredients add pleasant scents through complex mixtures of natural essential oils, aroma chemicals, and synthetic compounds. These volatile molecules evaporate and interact with olfactory receptors. Perfume construction uses top notes (citrus, herbs - high volatility), middle notes (floral, spice - moderate volatility), and base notes (woods, musks - low volatility) creating evolving scent profile. Must consider stability, allergen declaration, and IFRA compliance.

SKIN CONDITIONING

Skin Enhancer

Maintains skin in good condition and improves its feel

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Skin conditioning ingredients enhance appearance, texture, and health of skin through various mechanisms. This broad category encompasses emollients, humectants, occlusives, and other agents that improve skin feel, appearance, and function. May work by moisturizing, smoothing, softening, or protecting skin. Effects include improved tactile properties, enhanced barrier function, and better overall skin condition.

Products

containing Asiaticoside

1552 formulations
Insolution Milk Peel Cleanse Balm
Insolution Milk Peel Cleanse Balm
LEADERS · cleanser
Bariéderm Cleansing Cica-Gel
Bariéderm Cleansing Cica-Gel
Uriage · cleanser
Madecassoside Blue Cleansing Foam
Madecassoside Blue Cleansing Foam
A'Pieu · cleanser

References

Scientific sources

[1]

ULProspector, Accessed December 2022, Webpage

[2]

Journal of Ethnopharmacology, November 2022, ePublication

[3]

Pharmaceutics, January 2022, ePublication

[4]

Materials Science and Engineering: C, February 2021, ePublication

[5]

Applied Biological Chemistry, December 2021, ePublication

[6]

Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, June 2016, pages 1269-1274

[7]

Phytochemical Analysis, November 2015, pages 436-443

Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Asiaticoside — common questions

What is Asiaticoside in skincare?

Asiaticoside is a skincare ingredient commonly used in cosmetic formulations.

What does Asiaticoside do? / Functions of Asiaticoside?

Common functions: ANTIOXIDANT, PERFUMING, SKIN CONDITIONING.

What is the comedogenic rating of Asiaticoside? / Is Asiaticoside comedogenic?

The comedogenic rating of Asiaticoside has not been established in our database.

Does it clog pores?
No Rating Available

Whether Asiaticoside clogs pores depends on the formulation and concentration.

Is Asiaticoside safe for skin?
2 2/5 — Low risk

Asiaticoside has a safety rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Centella asiatica saponin; generally well-tolerated and used for soothing/wound-healing. Limited safety data available, but it is considered safe for topical use in cosmetics at typical concentrations

Is Asiaticoside good for sensitive skin?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Asiaticoside has an irritancy rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally well-tolerated.

What are the side effects of Asiaticoside in skincare?

Known considerations: Centella asiatica saponin; generally well-tolerated and used for soothing/wound-healing. Limited safety data available, but it is considered safe for topical use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

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