Gotu Kola, a hero ingredient you may not have heard of, but will no doubt end up loving as much as we do for its ability to care for skin.
We’ve long been fans of plant-based, organic skin care. We know how powerful and effective natural ingredients can be, and have worked passionately to create MASK Skincare to showcase the beauty of these ingredients.
So it’s no surprise that we’re singing the praises of Gotu Kola, a hero ingredient you may not have heard of, but will no doubt end up loving as much as we do for its ability to care for skin. Read on and get to know all about Gotu Kola.
What is Gotu Kola?
Native to China, India, Japan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the South Pacific, Gotu Kola—Centella asiatica—is a member of the parsley family, though it lacks taste or smell. This water- loving plant has small, green leaves and white or mauve colored flowers, and bears small, oval-shaped fruit. But it is the leaves and stems that make Gotu Kola memorable, as they have been used in medicine since ancient times.
According to Mount Sanai , “Gotu Kola…has been used to treat many conditions for thousands of years in India, China, and Indonesia. It was used to heal wounds, improve mental clarity, and treat skin conditions such as leprosy and psoriasis.
Historically, Gotu Kola has also been used to treat syphilis, hepatitis, stomach ulcers, mental fatigue, epilepsy, diarrhea, fever, and asthma. Today, in the U.S. and Europe Gotu Kola is most often used to treat varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where blood pools in the legs. It is also used in ointments to treat psoriasis and help heal minor wounds.”
What are the skin benefits of Gotu Kola?
Gotu Kola contains compounds called triterpenoids, which, according to Mount Sinai, have been studied in animal and lab studies and “seem to help heal wounds.” Some of the studies “suggest that triterpenoids strengthen the skin, boost antioxidants in wounds, and increase blood supply to the area. Based on these findings, Gotu Kola has been applied to the skin, or used topically, for minor burns, psoriasis, preventing scars after surgery, and preventing or reducing stretch marks.”
DaySpa Magazine also highlighted this as a "Skincare Allstar" in their recent edition, saying "It’s these restorative benefits that have brought the powerhouse plant beyond the medical community and into the world of wellness, where its healing and anti-aging properties have been promptly embraced and incorporated into spas’ top rejuvenating services."
With such high levels of antioxidants, Gotu Kola is a powerhouse ingredient for fighting free radicals that cause premature aging by way of fine lines and wrinkles. Its strengthening properties may work to improve the look and feel of skin, and encourage cell turnover for a more healthy glow.
When used in skincare products like MASK Skincare, Gotu Kola can help to sooth irritation—including acne and breakouts—and redness, improve the look of scarring and help leave skin looking radiant.
Where can I find Gotu Kola in skin care?
If you’re ready to give this powerhouse plant-based ingredient a try, you can find Gotu Kola in MASK Spotless Blemishes + Oily Skin Soothing Sheet Mask and Spotless Balancing Serum.
“We formulated our Spotless line with Gotu Kola because of its soothing properties,” notes Sarah Mirsini, founder of MASK Skincare.
“But calming irritated skin is just one of the powerful benefits of this ancient plant. We love how Gotu Kola also helps protect skin from environmental stressors and just encourages a beautiful, healthy-looking radiance. It’s one of my greatest wishes that everyone who uses MASK products falls in love with the power of plant-based skin care ingredients. Mother Nature is wise beyond our wildest imagination!”