We’ve done enough deep dives into the origin of K-beauty ingredients to know that most of them are plant-derived. And although a substantial number of them bear monikers that we’ve heard at one point or another, an equally large amount are also completely foreign.
For instance, we’d never heard of centella asiatica until it started making regular appearances on our fave K-beauty destinations, like Soko Glam and Peach & Lily. The teeny herb, also known as Indian pennywort, brahmi, or gotu kola, grows a mere six inches in height but still packs a heavy punch. Its medicinal uses can be dated back to the 17th century in places like India, Africa, and Sri Lanka. And according to Alicia Yoon, CEO/founder of Peach & Lily and licensed aesthetician, Korean folklore describes it as a botanical that tigers would roll around in to heal their wounds. Although its uses are wide-ranging, the beauty benefits are rooted in a rich amount of amino acids and beta-carotene that help replenish the collagen we lose during the aging process. Centella asiatica also contains a significant amount of phytochemicals (aka chemical compounds produced by plants) that cover a host of skin concerns, such as dehydration, inflammation, and dullness. In short: It’s an all-in-one ingredient that you won’t be able to escape … sort of like coconut oil.
For those who want to give it a shot, ahead are 11 budget-friendly centella asiatica?infused products to get you sta...