Centella Asiatica (Centella asiatica)

Ingredient context

Centella is the best-evidenced single ingredient in the entire Bump to Blossom range for its specific, stated purpose. A biological evaluation combining fibroblast studies, ex-vivo skin explants and a 28-day clinical study on 54 women found that a 0.5% Centella asiatica extract increased collagen fibre occupation in the dermis by 49% and elastin production by 37%, with a corresponding 39% increase in epidermal thickness at the centre of existing stretch marks. Separately, a trial of oral Centella supplementation found that six weeks of use improved skin collagen, elasticity, microcirculation and stretch mark thickness more effectively than a leading commercial stretch mark cream.

Evidence context

The mechanism is now reasonably well understood. Centella's active triterpenes, asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid, stimulate fibroblast proliferation, increase intracellular fibronectin, and reduce the collagen-I degradation that characterises the fibrotic, disorganised dermis beneath a stretch mark. In effect, the extract helps restore normal collagen architecture rather than simply moisturising the surface.

Formulation context

A systematic review of stretch mark treatments found that several commonly used carrier oils, including cocoa butter and olive oil, showed no measurable benefit for preventing or reducing stretch marks when used alone. FADE includes small amounts of both as part of a multi-active emollient base rather than as the ingredients doing the structural work. That role belongs primarily to Centella and Argan Oil.