Centella Asiatica vs Tretinoin
Both target acne. Here's how they differ, and whether you should pick one or use both.
| Centella Asiatica | Tretinoin | |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | Redness, barrier and acne | Aging, acne, pigmentation and texture |
| Typical strength | varies | 0.025% – 0.1% (prescription) |
| Best time | AM/PM | PM |
| Irritation | ||
| Best for | Sensitive, Oily, Combination, Normal And Dry | Oily, Normal And Combination |
| Pregnancy | Safe | Avoid |
| Price in India | ₹400 – ₹2,000 | ₹150 – ₹700 |
The verdict
For acne, Tretinoin is the stronger option, while Centella Asiatica is gentler and better suited to sensitive or beginner skin.
Using both? Great combo Centella Asiatica cushions Tretinoin: it hydrates and supports the barrier while the active does its work. That means less irritation and better results. How to layer them →
Centella Asiatica in short
The K-beauty hero known as cica (in India, gotu kola or brahmi). It calms irritation and redness and helps a stressed barrier recover. That makes it a perfect sidekick to strong actives.
Tretinoin in short
The prescription-strength retinoid, and the gold standard for acne and photo-ageing, with decades of evidence. It works directly (no conversion needed), so it is stronger and more irritating than retinol or retinal.
Not sure which fits your skin?
The routine builder picks actives for your skin type, concern and climate automatically.