Centella Asiatica vs Heartleaf

September 10, 2024

Centella asiatica (Cica) and Houttuynia cordata (Heartleaf) have been used as traditional remedies in Asia for centuries. Their healing properties have made them popular botanical ingredients in skincare products, especially within Korean beauty. While both offer unique benefits for the skin, their effectiveness can vary depending on individual skin types and concerns.

Here are some facts from various resources about these two plants.

	Centella Asiatica	Heartleaf
Scientific Name	Centella Asiatica	Houttuynia Cordata
AKA	cica, tiger grass. Indian pennywort, gotu kola. brahm	fish mint, fish leaf, rainbow plant, chameleon plant, heart leaf, fish wort, Chinese lizard tail
Family	Apiaceae (Parsley family)	Saururaceae (Lizard's-tail family)
Appearance
	It has long-stalked, green, rounded apices. The leaves are around 2 cm.	It can grow to 0.6 -1 m. The leaves are broadly heart-shaped, 4-9 cm long and 3-8 cm broad.
Cultivation	Grows in temperate and tropical swampy areas	Grows in moist to wet soil
Traditional Medicine	Used to treat various disorders, dermatological conditions, and minor wounds, although clinical efficacy and safety have not been scientifically confirmed.	Used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various disorders, although clinical efficacy and safety have not been scientifically confirmed.
Skin benefits	Wound healing: Promotes collagen production and skin repair Anti-inflammatory: Reduces redness and irritation Antioxidant: Protects against environmental damage Improves skin elasticity and firmness	Antibacterial: Helps combat acne-causing bacteria Anti-inflammatory: Soothes redness and irritation Antioxidant: Protects against free radicals Brightens skin: Can help reduce hyperpigmentation
Best for	Sensitive, irritated, or damaged skin; those seeking to improve skin texture and reduce fine lines	Acne-prone skin, those with oily or combination skin, and those seeking a brighter complexion

If you are not sure what to choose between Centella asiatica and Heartleaf, Centella asiatica is generally considered more suitable for those with sensitive, irritated, or damaged skin. It excels at promoting wound healing, reducing inflammation, and improving skin elasticity. Heartleaf is particularly effective for those with acne-prone, oily, or combination skin. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help combat acne-causing bacteria and soothe redness.

It's important to note that while these plants have shown promise in skincare, individual results may vary. If you have specific skin concerns, it's always recommended to consult with a dermatologist or healthcare professional for personalized advice.

FAQs

Q: Which is better for calming redness?

A: Both help reduce redness, but Centella Asiatica is especially effective for sensitive, irritated, or damaged skin, while Heartleaf shines for acne-related redness and inflammation.

Q: Which is better for acne-prone skin?

A: Heartleaf tends to be preferred, thanks to its antibacterial and sebum-regulating effects. Centella still helps by reducing post-acne marks and healing the skin.