Madecassoside
Also known as: centella derivative, asiaticoside
Madecassoside is one of the key active compounds extracted from Centella asiatica, isolated for more targeted soothing and healing effects. It's the ingredient doing much of the heavy lifting in 'cica' products โ promoting collagen synthesis, reducing inflammation, and accelerating wound healing.
What It Does
Deep Dive
Centella's Star Compound
Centella asiatica contains four primary active triterpenoids: madecassoside, asiaticoside, madecassic acid, and asiatic acid. Madecassoside has shown particularly strong anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties in comparative studies. Some researchers consider it the most therapeutically valuable of the four.
Mechanism of Action
Madecassoside works by stimulating type I collagen synthesis, inhibiting the inflammatory NF-kB pathway, and promoting fibroblast migration to wound sites. This makes it effective for both acute skin damage (post-procedure, irritation) and chronic inflammation (rosacea-prone, sensitive skin).
Isolated vs Whole Extract
Products using isolated madecassoside offer more standardized dosing than whole centella extract, where the concentration of active compounds can vary. However, some research suggests the four centella triterpenoids work synergistically โ which is why TECA (standardized blend of all four) is often preferred.
Clinical Applications
Madecassoside-rich formulations are increasingly used in post-laser and post-procedure care in Korean dermatology clinics. The evidence supports their use for reducing redness, accelerating healing, and minimizing scarring after ablative procedures.
