Centella asiatica, often known as “cica,” has been celebrated in traditional medicine for centuries for its calming and restorative properties. In haircare, it shines as a scalp soother and protector, helping to reduce irritation, support circulation, and create a calmer environment for follicles. At Maze, we include centella asiatica in our Perinatal Complex because these qualities are particularly valuable during prenatal and postpartum phases, when the scalp often feels more sensitive or reactive.
What Centella Asiatica Does for the Scalp
Centella asiatica is naturally rich in compounds called triterpenes, which are known for their ability to calm inflammation and support skin repair. On the scalp, this translates into clear, tangible benefits:
- Soothes irritation caused by dryness, hormonal shifts, or environmental stress, leaving the scalp calmer and more comfortable
- Strengthens the barrier to help protect against sensitivity and flare-ups, keeping the scalp resilient
- Supports circulation at the surface, ensuring follicles are supplied with oxygen and nutrients they need to thrive
- Shields against oxidative stress that can weaken hair at the root over time
The result is a scalp that feels calmer, healthier, and more stable - the right foundation for strong, healthy hair growth.
Rinse-Off vs Mask Benefits
Like many of the actives in our formulas, centella asiatica can support your scalp in both short-contact and extended-use routines:
- In a shampoo or conditioner: Even with just a minute of contact, centella asiatica gets to work soothing irritation and providing lightweight protection against stress.
- As a mask: With more time on the scalp, it can go further to calm sensitivity, reinforce the barrier, and improve circulation — making it especially valuable when the scalp feels unsettled or fragile.
This flexibility makes centella asiatica a reliable ally for women navigating the ups and downs of scalp changes before and after birth.
Why It Earned Its Place in the Perinatal Complex
During pregnancy and postpartum, many women notice their scalp feels different - sometimes drier, itchier, or more sensitive than before. In our survey, scalp changes were one of the key new concerns that rose during this life stage, alongside shedding and regrowth. These insights became the foundation for our Perinatal Complex.
That’s why we included centella asiatica. With its calming and barrier-strengthening qualities, it helps to soothe irritation, restore balance, and create a more comfortable environment for healthy regrowth.
Calm, Balanced, Supported
Centella asiatica offers gentle but effective benefits for the scalp: it soothes irritation, strengthens resilience, supports circulation, and protects follicles against stress. Whether in a quick wash or a longer mask treatment, it helps keep the scalp steady and comfortable so hair can grow in healthier conditions.
At Maze, we believe understanding the why behind each ingredient makes your routine more meaningful. With centella asiatica, that why is calm and protection: giving your scalp the resilience it needs through life stages when it is most vulnerable.
And centella is only one part of our Perinatal Complex. Alongside green tea, niacinamide, and saw palmetto, it forms a carefully designed system that supports the most common hair and scalp concerns women told us about during pregnancy and postpartum - from shedding and regrowth to sensitivity and balance. Explore each of these actives in our ingredient spotlights on the Maze Website to see how they all connect.
