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Before Cica became a K-Beauty superstar, India knew it as Gotu Kola, an Ayurvedic herb with centuries of healing power. Experts explain its journey.
From Ayurveda to K-Beauty: Gotu Kola, India’s herb of longevity, is the original Cica now loved worldwide for soothing and repairing skin.
K-Beauty has taken the skincare world by storm with star ingredients like snail mucin, ginseng, and green tea. Among these, Cica has become a global favorite for its soothing and healing benefits. What many don’t realize, however, is that this wonder ingredient has its roots in India. Cica is none other than Gotu Kola, a herb long celebrated in Ayurveda for its powerful healing properties.
The Indian Heritage of Gotu Kola
“Gotu Kola is a small green herb that grows in India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia. Ayurveda calls it the herb of longevity,” explains Dr. Shifa Yadav, Consultant, Dermatology & Cosmetology, Artemis Hospitals. “For centuries, it has been used to heal wounds, improve circulation, and calm the mind. In Sanskrit, it’s known as Mandukaparni and has always been linked to youth and vitality.”
Traditional medicine valued Gotu Kola not just for skin health but also for its holistic benefits from reducing anxiety to improving memory. This rich history makes its transformation into a modern skincare hero all the more fascinating.
From Ayurveda to K-Beauty Fame
The leap from Indian households to global beauty counters began when Korean brands spotlighted Gotu Kola for its skin-soothing potential. Rich in compounds like asiaticoside, madecassoside, and asiatic acid, it helps repair skin, calm redness, and strengthen the skin barrier.
“Korean skincare may have popularized Cica, but the ingredient itself is deeply rooted in Indian traditions,” notes Akanksha Sharma, CEO & founder, CITTA. “Generations before it became a beauty buzzword, Gotu Kola was already valued in Indian homes as a multipurpose remedy.”
By rebranding Gotu Kola as Cica, K-beauty made the herb trendy and appealing to younger consumers, while keeping its core healing benefits intact.
Why Gotu Kola Matters Today
In today’s world of pollution, stress, and harsh skincare routines, Cica’s relevance is greater than ever. “It stands apart as a natural healer, it reduces inflammation, heals wounds, and hydrates skin, making it perfect for dry, acne-prone, and sensitive skin,” says Dr. Yadav.
For Indian skin in particular, the benefits are striking. “Higher melanin levels make Indian skin prone to tanning, pigmentation, and dark spots,” explains Akanksha Sharma. “Gotu Kola’s ability to calm inflammation and repair damage is especially valuable when combined with ingredients like licorice or turmeric.”
A Rediscovered Indian Strength
New-age Indian skincare brands are now reclaiming Gotu Kola, presenting it not as a borrowed trend but as a rediscovered heritage.
“Gotu Kola is rich in compounds that stimulate collagen production and speed up skin recovery,” says Sharma. “At CITTA, our goal isn’t to chase trends but to refine what we’ve always known through research and precision.”
Once hailed in Ayurveda as a herb of longevity, Gotu Kola has now circled back into the global beauty spotlight as Cica. Its journey from Indian roots to K-Beauty fame is a reminder that timeless remedies often travel across cultures—only to be rediscovered at home.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
September 12, 2025, 16:15 IST
