Centella Asiatica Callus Culture Lysate: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 24, 2025
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All information on this page is verified using publicly available nomenclature standards and reference materials from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and the European Commission's CosIng database. Our analyses are based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Centella Asiatica Callus Culture Lysate?

Centella Asiatica Callus Culture Lysate comes from Centella asiatica, an herb long prized in traditional skin care for its soothing and renewing qualities. Instead of harvesting whole plants, scientists take a tiny piece of the leaf and grow it in a sterile lab where it forms a mass of undifferentiated cells called a callus. These callus cells are rich in the same active compounds found in the plant, mainly triterpenoids such as asiaticoside and madecassoside along with amino acids, sugars and minerals. Once enough cells have grown, the culture is gently broken apart, or lysed, to release its contents, then filtered to create a stable liquid that can be blended into formulas. This biotech approach protects natural resources, ensures consistent quality and allows formulators to dial in higher levels of beneficial molecules than might be possible with raw plant extracts. You will often see Centella Asiatica Callus Culture Lysate in serums, moisturizers, sheet masks, eye creams, after-sun gels and age support products that promise calm hydrated skin.

Centella Asiatica Callus Culture Lysate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In cosmetic formulas Centella Asiatica Callus Culture Lysate serves one key purpose: skin conditioning. By bathing the skin in triterpenoids and natural humectants it helps keep the surface smooth, soft and flexible. Regular use can support a healthy moisture barrier, ease the look of redness caused by dryness and give skin a refreshed appearance that many users describe as dewy or resilient.

Who Can Use Centella Asiatica Callus Culture Lysate

This biotech version of Centella suits just about every skin type. Dry complexions appreciate its water-binding sugars while oily or combination skin benefits from the light non-greasy feel. Sensitive skin often tolerates it well because the lysate brings soothing triterpenoids without the essential oils or fragrance sometimes found in whole-plant extracts. There is no known reason for normal skin to avoid it. People with a proven allergy to Centella asiatica or other Apiaceae plants should steer clear since the same allergens can be present.

Because the ingredient is grown from plant cells in a sterile lab and contains no animal-derived additives it is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

No data suggest the lysate poses a special risk during pregnancy or while breastfeeding when used topically in standard cosmetic concentrations. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should share their full skin care routine with a health professional for personalized guidance.

Centella Asiatica Callus Culture Lysate is not known to make skin more sensitive to sunlight so it does not increase the need for extra sun protection beyond the daily SPF already recommended for healthy skin.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to any cosmetic ingredient can vary from person to person. The points below reflect potential side effects that have been reported in rare cases. When a product is well formulated most users should not expect to experience them.

  • Allergic contact dermatitis
  • Transient redness or warmth immediately after application
  • Mild stinging on compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
  • Itching or small bumps in individuals with plant sensitivities
  • Interaction irritation if layered with strong acids or retinoids on the same day

If any of these reactions occur discontinue use promptly and seek advice from a qualified medical professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0

Centella Asiatica Callus Culture Lysate is an aqueous cell extract that contains mostly water soluble triterpenoids, sugars and amino acids with virtually no heavy oils or waxes that could clog pores. Because it is lightweight and non occlusive it earns the lowest comedogenic score.

That makes the ingredient generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.

Keep in mind that the finished product’s full formula counts. If the lysate sits in a cream rich in butters or silicones the comedogenicity will reflect those other ingredients rather than the lysate itself.

Summary

Centella Asiatica Callus Culture Lysate conditions skin by delivering triterpenoids that soothe visible irritation, humectant sugars that hold moisture and minerals that help maintain a resilient barrier. The biotech process packs these actives into a stable liquid that blends easily into serums, lotions and masks.

Thanks to the boom in K-beauty and the wider interest in gentle barrier friendly formulas you will spot this lysate more often on ingredient lists yet it is still less common than classic extracts or oils from the same plant.

Current evidence points to a high safety profile with only rare reports of sensitivity. As with any new skin care ingredient it is smart to patch test a product before full-face use just to be sure it plays nicely with your unique skin.

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