Centella asiatica (gotu kola) appears to work by boosting collagen production and encouraging skin cells to repair themselves—which is why research shows it helps with wound healing, burns, and scars. Studies also suggest it may help with stretch marks, sun damage, and cellulite, though the research on those applications is less robust than the wound-healing data.

This is a review paper that surveyed existing scientific research on centella asiatica's active compounds (mainly asiaticoside and madecassoside) and their effects on skin. The authors compiled findings from studies on how these compounds work at a cellular level.

Funding not disclosed in abstract