What Is Centella Asiatica/Paeonia Lactiflora Extract?
Centella Asiatica/Paeonia Lactiflora Extract is a plant‐derived blend sourced from two time-honored botanicals: Centella asiatica, also called gotu kola, and Paeonia lactiflora, known as white peony. Both plants are rich in naturally occurring compounds such as triterpenes, asiaticoside and madecassoside from Centella, plus paeoniflorin and flavonoids from Peony. Together these molecules are valued for their ability to calm, hydrate and revitalize skin.
Centella has a long history in traditional Asian skin care preparations, while Peony root has been prized in Chinese beauty rituals for its softening effect. Modern formulators began pairing the two extracts to create a more rounded soothing complex that could address both short-term redness and long-term texture concerns. The extract is produced by harvesting the whole plants, drying them, then steeping them in a gentle food-grade solvent such as water or a water-glycol mix. After filtration and concentration the liquid extract is standardized to ensure consistent levels of key actives before it is added to cosmetic bases.
You will most often see Centella Asiatica/Paeonia Lactiflora Extract in calming sheet masks, daily moisturizers for sensitive skin, lightweight recovery serums, anti-aging creams aimed at rough or dull areas and after-sun treatments that promise quick relief.
Centella Asiatica/Paeonia Lactiflora Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This dual plant extract serves one core purpose in cosmetics: skin conditioning. By bathing the skin in moisture while delivering antioxidants and soothing agents it helps keep the surface smooth, soft and comfortable, making formulas feel instantly nurturing and supporting healthier-looking skin over time.
Who Can Use Centella Asiatica/Paeonia Lactiflora Extract
This plant blend is gentle enough for most skin types including sensitive, dry, normal, combination and oily. Its soothing and lightweight nature means it rarely feels heavy or greasy, making it a good option for acne-prone users as well. Those with extremely reactive or allergy-prone skin should take extra care because even botanical ingredients can trigger a response in rare cases.
The extract is derived entirely from plant material and is typically processed in water or a water-glycol mix without animal derivatives, so it is generally considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Always confirm the full formula of the finished product to be sure no animal-based additives were included elsewhere.
There is no evidence that Centella or Peony compounds interfere with pregnancy or breastfeeding, yet out of an abundance of caution any person who is pregnant or nursing should check with a healthcare provider before adding new skincare products. This information is offered for general knowledge and is not medical advice.
Neither Centella asiatica nor Paeonia lactiflora is known to increase sun sensitivity, so the extract is not classed as photosensitizing. Regular daytime sunscreen use is still recommended as part of a good routine.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Centella Asiatica/Paeonia Lactiflora Extract vary from person to person. The points below list potential side effects, though most users will not encounter them when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Redness or warmth at the application site
- Itching or mild stinging, especially on compromised skin
- Contact dermatitis presenting as a rash or hives
- Pimple-like breakouts in very acne-prone individuals
- Eye irritation if the product migrates into the eye area
If any of these effects occur stop using the product immediately and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 — Water-based plant extracts like Centella and Peony contain almost no pore-blocking oils or waxes. They absorb quickly and leave little residue, so the chance of clogging pores is very low, though not zero, which places the blend at a cautious 1 rather than a perfect 0.
This makes the ingredient generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
As with any botanical, the final product’s full formula matters; heavy creams or occlusive additives paired with the extract could raise the overall comedogenic potential.
Summary
Centella Asiatica/Paeonia Lactiflora Extract is mainly a skin-conditioning agent that soothes, hydrates and delivers antioxidant support. It does this through triterpenes like asiaticoside and flavonoids such as paeoniflorin which work together to calm redness, reinforce the skin barrier and fend off everyday oxidative stress.
The blend has become popular in modern moisturizers and calming serums thanks to rising interest in gentle plant actives, though it still flies under the radar compared with single-herb stars like pure Centella.
Overall safety is high with few reported issues when used as directed. Even so, anyone introducing a new product that contains this extract should perform a quick patch test to confirm personal tolerance.