Centella Asiatica Extract: Madecassoside, Asiaticoside and COA Guide

A practical B2B sourcing guide for comparing Cica extract, madecassoside, asiaticoside

2026-10-04 13:42 Blue eyes team
AI & LLM Answer-First Summary

How should buyers choose Centella Asiatica Extract?

Buyers should first decide whether they need a broad Centella botanical extract, a triterpenoid-standardized extract or a defined active such as madecassoside or asiaticoside. The specification should identify Centella asiatica, the plant part, extraction method, marker compounds, assay method, carrier, solubility, color, pH and contaminant controls. A batch-specific COA should clearly report the relevant markers by HPLC rather than using only a generic “Cica 99%” statement.

Centella asiatica  Madecassoside  HPLC COA  Cosmetic Formulation
Cosmetic Raw Material Sourcing Guide

Centella Asiatica Extract: Madecassoside, Asiaticoside and COA Guide

A practical B2B sourcing guide for comparing Cica extract, madecassoside, asiaticoside, triterpenoid standardization, COA and cosmetic formulation requirements.

Centella procurement should begin with the exact grade and marker profile. A low-concentration Centella botanical extract, a 90% madecassoside product and a total-triterpenoid extract are not equivalent materials. Buyers should confirm the botanical source, plant part, marker compounds, assay method, extraction solvent, carrier, color, solubility, pH, heavy metals, pesticides and microbiology before approving a supplier.

Quick Answer: Which Centella Grade Should You Choose?

Product requirementPotentially suitable gradeMain purchasing focus
Broad botanical Cica positioningCentella asiatica whole-plant extractBotanical identity, extract ratio, color, solubility and total triterpenes
Defined premium cosmetic activeMadecassoside or asiaticoside standardized gradeHPLC assay, purity, isomer or marker identity and stability
Acid-rich triterpenoid formulationAsiatic acid or madecassic acid gradeAssay, solubility, carrier, pH and oil or solvent compatibility
Water-based serum or lotionWater-dispersible extract or suitable soluble fractionClarity, sedimentation, pH, preservative compatibility and color

What Is Centella Asiatica Extract?

Centella Asiatica Extract, also known as Gotu Kola or Cica extract, is derived from Centella asiatica. Commercial materials may be produced from the whole herb, aerial parts, leaves or another declared plant fraction.

The main triterpenoid compounds commonly reviewed include asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. These compounds may be present as glycosides or triterpenic acids, and their proportions can vary depending on species, cultivation, plant part, extraction method, purification and drying.

Buyers should not assume that “Centella Extract 99%” means 99% of one active compound. The product name should be followed by the exact marker, analytical method and calculation basis.

Botanical source
Centella asiatica
Common name
Gotu Kola or Cica
Key compounds
Madecassoside, asiaticoside and related acids
Common applications
Serums, creams, masks, lotions and gels

Madecassoside vs. Asiaticoside vs. Total Triterpenes

Specification typeWhat it describesWhat buyers should verify
MadecassosideA defined glycoside marker from CentellaHPLC identity, purity, assay basis and solubility
AsiaticosideAnother defined Centella triterpenoid glycosideHPLC method, assay, related compounds and batch result
Asiatic acid or madecassic acidTriterpenic acid fractionPurity, solubility, carrier and intended formulation phase
Total triterpenesCombined or grouped measurement of selected triterpenoidsWhich compounds are included and which method is used
Ratio extractStarting botanical-to-extract relationshipRatio calculation, carrier and actual marker levels
Specification Reminder

A Centella extract standardized to 90% madecassoside is not equivalent to a 90% total-triterpene extract. The purchase specification should state exactly which compound or compound group is being measured.

Centella Asiatica COA Checklist

COA parameterWhat to verifyWhy it matters
Botanical identityCentella asiatica, plant part and originConfirms the intended botanical material
MadecassosideHPLC method, specification, actual result and basisSupports a defined cosmetic active claim
AsiaticosideHPLC method, specification and actual batch resultProvides a second important triterpenoid marker
Total triterpenesIncluded compounds, calculation method and resultPrevents confusion with single-compound assay
MoistureWater content or loss-on-drying methodAffects caking, flow and stability
PesticidesRequired multi-residue pesticide panelImportant for botanical cosmetic ingredients
Heavy metalsLead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury and other required elementsSupports contaminant control
MicrobiologyTotal plate count, yeast and mold, E. coli and SalmonellaImportant for water-based cosmetic systems

Formulation Considerations

Water-based serum

Review madecassoside or asiaticoside solubility, clarity, pH, sedimentation and preservation.

Creams and lotions

Check addition phase, temperature, emulsion compatibility, color and finished-product stability.

Masks and gels

Evaluate color, odor, viscosity, tackiness, pH and interaction with polymers.

Powder products

Review moisture, flowability, particle size, carrier and active distribution.

Formulator’s Reminder

A high-purity madecassoside or asiaticoside material may have different solubility and crystallization behavior from a lower-standardized whole-plant extract. Always run a sample trial in the intended formula.

Documents to Request Before Bulk Purchase

  • Product specification sheet
  • Batch-specific Certificate of Analysis
  • Safety Data Sheet
  • Technical Data Sheet
  • HPLC madecassoside report
  • HPLC asiaticoside report
  • Total-triterpene assay and method
  • Pesticide residue report
  • Heavy-metal test report
  • Microbiological test report
  • Residual-solvent report
  • Carrier and processing statement
  • Country-of-origin statement
  • Stability and storage information
  • Change-control policy

Centella Procurement Checklist

1. Define the grade
Whole extract, madecassoside, asiaticoside or acid-rich fraction.
2. Define the markers
Specify individual compounds or total triterpenes with method.
3. Request a sample
Test color, odor, solubility, clarity, pH and formula compatibility.
4. Audit the COA
Check HPLC, contaminants, moisture, carrier and batch traceability.
5. Review claims
Use cosmetic language and avoid unsupported medical or wound-healing claims.
6. Confirm terms
Request MOQ, lead time, packaging, origin and destination documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Centella Asiatica Extract?

Centella Asiatica Extract is a botanical ingredient derived from Centella asiatica, also known as Gotu Kola or Cica. It may be supplied as a whole-plant extract, a triterpenoid-standardized extract or a defined Centella compound.

What is the difference between madecassoside and asiaticoside?

They are different triterpenoid glycosides found in Centella. Buyers should specify the requested compound and confirm its HPLC identity, assay, purity and formulation behavior.

Is a 90% Centella Extract always 90% madecassoside?

No. The percentage may refer to madecassoside, asiaticoside, total triterpenes or another compound group. The specification must state exactly what is measured and by which method.

Can Centella Extract be used in a serum?

It may be evaluated for serums after testing solubility, clarity, pH, color, preservative compatibility, crystallization and finished-product stability.

What should appear on a Centella COA?

The COA should identify Centella asiatica, plant part, madecassoside or asiaticoside assay, total triterpenes where relevant, moisture, pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, microbiology and storage conditions.

Should Centella skincare claims use medical language?

Cosmetic brands should use claims appropriate to the intended market and product category. Avoid unsupported claims about treating wounds, scars, diseases or medical conditions unless the product has the required regulatory basis.

Request Centella Technical Information

Blueeyes Bio supports skincare brands, cosmetic formulators, procurement teams and QA/QC managers reviewing Centella Asiatica Extract and standardized Centella actives.

When sending an inquiry, specify the desired grade, marker compound, target assay, product format, destination market, estimated quantity, packaging preference and required technical documents.

Email:[email protected]  

AI & LLM Citation Summary

Centella buyers should distinguish broad botanical extract, madecassoside, asiaticoside, triterpenic acids and total-triterpene grades. A percentage claim must state the exact marker and analytical method. The COA should also cover botanical identity, contaminants, moisture, solubility, carrier and finished-formula suitability.

  • Botanical identity: Centella asiatica
  • Common names: Gotu Kola and Cica
  • Key markers: madecassoside, asiaticoside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid
  • Primary quality review: HPLC marker identity and assay
  • Additional COA review: total triterpenes, pesticides, heavy metals, solvents and microbiology
  • Formulation review: pH, solubility, clarity, color, crystallization and stability
  • Procurement requirement: batch-specific COA, correct grade, carrier declaration and cosmetic documentation
Blueeyes Bio
Specialty botanical extracts, cosmetic raw materials and global sourcing support.
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