Can you use glycolic acid with centella asiatica?
Reasoning: why this verdict
Centella asiatica is gentle and well tolerated, and a calm serum or moisturizer step can make exfoliating acids easier to live with. There is no known conflict.
Who should be careful: People with very sensitive skin, rosacea or eczema should patch test new products first.
How to use glycolic acid and centella asiatica together
- Apply glycolic acid on clean skin.
- Follow with centella asiatica and moisturizer.
- Wear sunscreen every day.
Products with glycolic acid
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
Picked for glycolic acid
Glycolic acid sits second on the label, with aloe and glycerin.
Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)About the ingredients
Glycolic Acid (AHA)
The smallest alpha hydroxy acid. A chemical exfoliant for texture and dullness. It can increase sun sensitivity.
Centella Asiatica (Cica)
A soothing plant extract (also called cica or gotu kola). Its compounds, such as madecassoside and asiaticoside, are studied for calming and repairing skin, mostly in lab work so far.
Related combinations
How Glycolic Acid and centella asiatica each mix with other common actives.
FAQ
Do I need sunscreen with glycolic acid and centella asiatica?
Yes. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is recommended with any active skincare routine.
Is this answer based on a study of glycolic acid and centella asiatica together?
Evidence strength: Limited. Based on ingredient-level evidence and a conservative general rule for this ingredient class. Direct research on this pair is limited.
Which goes on first, glycolic acid or centella asiatica?
Glycolic Acid first, then centella asiatica. In general, apply thinner, watery textures before thicker creams.
Sources
Studies and reviews on these ingredients and, where available, on this specific combination. Numbers match the citation chips above.
- Kornhauser A, Coelho SG, Hearing VJ. Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2010;3:135-142.
- Kaidbey K, et al. Topical glycolic acid enhances photodamage by ultraviolet light. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2003;19(1):21-27.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Alpha Hydroxy Acids. Cosmetic ingredients. Content current as of 11/22/2022.
- Ditre CM, Griffin TD, Murphy GF, et al. Effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on photoaged skin: a pilot clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural study. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1996;34(2 Pt 1):187-95.
- Park KS. Pharmacological effects of Centella asiatica on skin diseases: evidence and possible mechanisms. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2021;2021:5462633.
- Bylka W, et al. Centella asiatica in cosmetology. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2013;30(1):46-49.