Madecassoside
Madecassoside (INCI Madecassoside) is one of the main active compounds of gotu kola (Centella asiatica). It belongs to the triterpene saponins and is used in skincare to care for sensitive, irritated and red-looking skin.
It suits you if your skin reddens easily, stings after stronger products or simply needs calm, for example alongside actives such as azelaic acid.
Madecassoside and centella: what is the difference?
An extract of centella contains a whole mixture of compounds. The four main ones are madecassoside, asiaticoside, madecassic acid and asiatic acid. Some products use the extract, others madecassoside on its own or a standardised complex of these compounds. A single compound has a consistent, precisely defined composition, while an extract also contains other plant components.
What the evidence shows
Madecassoside has been investigated in laboratory and clinical research. One small clinical study evaluated a combination of 0.1% madecassoside and 5% vitamin C on photoaged skin and reported improvements in some measured parameters. However, the results cannot be attributed to madecassoside alone or automatically applied to other skincare products. When choosing a product, the overall formula and its suitability for your skin matter most.
How to use it in your routine
You will find madecassoside in serums, creams and gentle cleansers. It can be used morning and evening and has no special rules for combining. It works well as a soothing addition to a routine with actives.
What to watch out for
Even with soothing ingredients an allergy is possible, including to centella compounds. If your skin reacts to several products at once, patch test a new product on a small area first. See a dermatologist about lasting redness, stinging or itching.
Madecassoside products at VIONE
- Dr. Ceuracle Azelaic 10 & Madeca Ampoule – a serum with azelaic acid (10% according to the brand), panthenol and madecassoside for oily skin with red areas.
- HEVEBLUE Salmon Caring Centella Ampoule – a soothing serum based on centella water, with madecassoside and PDRN, for sensitive skin.
- PURITO Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream – a barrier cream with 10% panthenol (according to the brand), niacinamide and madecassoside.
- ETUDE SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser – a fragrance-free cleansing foam with panthenol and madecassoside for sensitive skin.
Frequently asked questions
Is madecassoside the same as cica?
Not quite. Cica is a general term for care with centella. Madecassoside is one specific centella compound, which a product may contain on its own, within an extract or not at all.
You will find care for sensitive skin in Sensitive and red skin.