Why You Should Add a Centella Asiatica Sunscreen to Your Daily Routine

Sunscreen daily is the foundation of good skin. Broad-spectrum SPF protection helps prevent sunburn and signs of premature aging (as well as skin cancer) associated with exposure to UVA/UVB rays. But not all sunscreens are made alike – many are heavy, drying or even irritating. Enter Centella Asiatica (commonly referred to as Cica). This ancient beauty herb contains potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is therefore an ideal fit for sun protection! That’s why it makes perfect sense to add a Centella Asiatica Sunscreen to Your Daily Routine. Centella calms redness, soothes irritation and repairs UV-stressed skin while blocking rays. Indeed, scientific assessments claim that the synergy of healing components in Centella “address inflammation, collagen degradation, and impaired barrier function caused by UV exposure”. In other words, not only is Centella “good” for sun-impaired skin – it was made for it.

With a Centella-rich sunscreen as part of the lineup in your morning regimen, you’ve got two: dependable SPF 50+ and skin-soothing therapy. Centella extract (and its isolates madecassoside) specifically work to soothe burn related heat and redness, facilitate collagen repair and increase hydration. One review of a Centella sunscreen notes that “it calms irritated skin and has an anti-inflammatory effect.” What’s more, Centella is packed with antioxidants which work to scavenge free radicals from UV rays. The result? Sensitive, acne-prone or ageing skin remains protected, hydrated and resilient even on the sunniest of days. In a nutshell, a Centella- charged SPF is a savvy daily essential for total defence and it defends you against, and takes gentle care of, what sun damage does.

	SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+	4.5/5	View on Amazon
	Purito Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++	4.4/5	View on Amazon
	Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++	4.3/5	View on Amazon
	Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+ SPF50+ PA++++	4.6/5	View on Amazon
	Dermalogica Ultracalming Serum Concentrate	4.7/5	View on Amazon

Top 5 Centella Asiatica Sunscreens to Add to Your Daily Routine

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+

A chemical sunscreen that feels less like a cream and more like a lightweight hydrating serum, SKIN1004’s best-selling Water-Fit Sun Serum. It has several organic filters to protect you from SP50+ PA++++, but also helps attract moisture in. It is fragrance free and clean (no parabens, alcohol or oil) and it’s specifically made so as not to sting or irritate. It’s even said to be “super lightweight, hydrating and easily absorbed”, with a moisturised and dewy finish and absolutely zero white cast. If you’re looking to add a Centella Asiatica Sunscreen to Your Daily Routine, this one’s a top contender.

• Key Benefits:

  This serum in a serum provides broad UVA/UVB protection as it soothes and repairs. At 9,800 ppm of Centella Asiatica extract and added niacinamide, it heals and calms irritation (great for after sun or post-procedure). And it’s packed with hyaluronic acid to really moisturize — it’s so nourishing you can skip your day lotion. The blend of centella and anti-ageing actives also works to improve barrier function, so in short, it means it leaves skin soft and smooth.

• Pros:

  This sunscreen is reef-friendly and fragrance-free, with no harsh additives. It sinks in immediately without any stickiness, with a very slight dewy finish – perfect if you like a smidge of radiance. It goes on well under makeup and doesn’t pill. And it’s not greasy or tacky — the texture is more like a serum, even for oily, combination skin types.

• Cons:

  The shinier finish may be overly dewy for those who prefer their skin to not look oily. (Some especially oily skin types might find it a little too moisturizing.) And it may be difficult to find in stock outside of Asia.

• Suitable for:

  Sensitive, acne prone, combination, or aging skin. (The niacinamide/calming version is particularly great for breakouts and barrier repair.) But actually every skin type can use it — yes, even oily skin, because it has such an ultra-light feel.

Purito Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

Purito Daily Sunscreen is a creamy, luxurious-feeling cream for consistent broad-spectrum sun protection (SPF50+ PA++++). This fragrance-free formula melts into skin without any white cast or residue. It’s full of soothing and balancing actives: Centella Asiatica extract and madecassoside to calm the skin, niacinamide to strengthen the skin barrier and even a little bit of salicylic acid to lightly exfoliate the pores. The result is a velvety, moisturized finish — keeping skin “baby-soft” and protecting against UV, according to one review.

• Key Benefits:

  Purito’s sunscreen “protects the skin from UV rays as well as free radicals” while balancing moisture and oiliness. The Centella & niacinamide duo calms and cools on application on top of any redness or sensitivity, and niacinamide also contributes to the fading of uneven tone over time. The small-portion BHA can also prevent direct sunlight breakout of the skin. It “moistens the skin and keeps it moist” and so even the skin which is naturally oily feels like it’s looked after.

• Pros:

  This sunscreen is super gentle and non-sticky, non-comedogenic and vegan. It goes on like a slick primer (one reviewer dubbed it “the best sunscreen ever”), so it’s perfect under makeup. It’s also cruelty-free and gentle on sensitive skin (fragrance and harmful UV filters are not included). Featuring broad UVA/UVB (PA++++), it’s serious protection in an easy, breezy bottle.

• Cons:

  It feels a little bit tightening if you have really dry skin since salicylic acid is one of the ingredients (so moisturize afterwards if you feel like you need it). Note: A small number of users claim a slight pilling when layered over heavy creams. Other than that, the cons are minuscule; it’s really just that is sometimes sells out fast!

• Suitable for:

  All skin types, particularly oily, acne prone or combination (blame salicylic acid) and sensitive (thank Centella). Good for those worried about anti-aging, too, as niacinamide and SPF address premature lines.

Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++

Relief Sun Cream is a moisturising sun lotion enriched with 30% rice extract and fermented grain probiotics. This one-of-a-kind blend not only protects skin against sun but also deeply moisturizes and brightens. It’s not too thick and a bit creamy and it does get absorbed pretty fast, without leaving a white cast. The rice and probiotics (which are loaded with vitamins B, C, E and minerals) in the formula have, according to the makers of the product, the power to “moistures dry skin comfortably calms skin” and will provide you with a naturally glowy finish.

• Key Benefits:

  Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, this sunscreen provides long-lasting moisture and skin barrier support. It has ‘rich natural moisture & nutrition from rice’ which ‘deep moisturises and nourishes the skin’ due to the high rice extract %. Fermented ingredients of this lotion help create a supple and firm skin. It also lightens pigmentation (rice is a natural lightener) and calms any irritation from sun exposure. Sticky: Unlike many natural sunscreens, it’s sticky — read: it makes sand stick to you to some degree.

• Pros: 

  It’s filled with skin-loving botanicals instead of dangerous chemicals. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, it goes on easy and won’t pill under makeup. It’s free from typical chemical filters, like oxybenzone, so it’s gentle on sensitive skin. Many say it imparts a dewy, even finish ( some call it a very subtle “glow” effect). Also reef-safe and cruelty-free.

• Cons:

  The creamy texture could be a bit heavy for extremely oily skin. It has a gentle, natural scent (from rice) that the sensitive of smeller might pick up on. Because it is so rich, very oily skin might prefer a lighter gel formula when it’s humid out.

• Suitable for:

  All skin types, especially dry or sensitive (for its hydrating, soothing effects). Also good for normal/combination skin that is having a drier day. Its mild profile makes it a good choice for people concerned about irritation or with a busy lifestyle (it’s a sunscreen+moisturiser in one).

Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+ SPF50+ PA++++

Dr.G’s Green Mild Up Sun+ is a mineral (physical) sunscreen for ultra sensitive skin types. This formula uses non-nano zinc oxide as its UV blocker, reflecting both UVA and UVB rays away from skin instead of getting absorbed into it. Its formula also features “Centella Asiatica extract” (along with other botanicals) to soothe as well as sodium hyaluronate to hydrate. Even though it’s a mineral cream, it almost magically feels light and a tiny bit matte, and not sticky at all. The brand boasts it is “refreshing and soft” with “5 layers of protection” for overall defence (UV, blue light, IR, pollution).

• Key Benefits:

  This is a sunscreen: SHEILD AND SOOTHE. It is one of the few sunscreen filters that is stable on skin and provides favorable protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Centella extract soothes any irritation (fantastic for redness or rosacea), and sodium hyaluronate keeps your skin cells plump and hydrated in the sun. It’s also made to be ocean-friendly (no reef-damaging filters). “It reduces the imbalance of oil and water of the skin” and, as one reviewer says, “it actually softened the skin in addition to protecting it.”

• Pros:

  One of the best sunscreens for sensitive skin. It does not have a scent and has hardly any white cast — any whitening effect “blends in so well” that it won’t show up on anyone with fair to medium skin, reviewers say. It is not a chalky or artificial looking finish ( the white cast is nowhere as bad as many minerals). It also layers beautifully — one fan said it gives her skin a little bit lighter/slightly matte version of itself, with your eyes feeling not irritated. It can even do double duty as an extremely sheer makeup primer with a healthy-looking tint.

• Cons:

  It can leave a feathery-like white residue and along with all mineral SPFs, it can feel almost filmy (which can be especially visible on dark skin). Deeper skintones will have to blend it out carefully. It’s 100% physical, so strap in for regular reapplication, particularly after sweating. (It also has a lightly thicker consistency than a fluid sunscreen, not heavier.)

• Suitable for:

  All skin types, sensitive, reactive and acne prone skin. It’s also good for dry skin because it includes hydrating ingredients, and for people who want reef-safe protection. (People who hate chemical filters or require an S.P.F. postprocedure will find this very comforting.) Even oily skin can make use of it, just make sure to let it set for a minute to a matte finish.

Dermalogica Ultracalming Serum Concentrate

Formulated specifically for sensitive, reactive skin, this powerhouse serum combines soothing botanicals—including Evening Primrose Oil, Oat Kernel Extract, and Avocado Oil—to reduce inflammation, redness, and irritation. While it doesn’t contain Centella Asiatica, it pairs excellently with Centella-rich sunscreens to calm and protect even the most fragile skin types. It’s a dermatologist-recommended option for those with rosacea-prone, post-procedure, or sun-damaged skin.

• Key Benefits: 

  The Dermalogica Ultracalming Serum Concentrate provides immediate relief to sensitive and inflamed skin by strengthening the skin’s natural barrier and reducing visible redness. Its advanced formula with Evening Primrose Oil and oat extracts soothes irritation while delivering long-lasting hydration. Ideal for daily use, it helps restore balance and comfort to reactive skin, leaving it calm, smooth, and more resilient over time. Additionally, its lightweight, fast-absorbing texture makes it suitable for layering with other skincare products without causing buildup or irritation.

• Pros: 

  This serum delivers an immediate calming effect on red or reactive skin, making it ideal for those dealing with sensitivity or inflammation. Thanks to its key ingredient, Evening Primrose Oil, it offers strong anti-inflammatory and moisturizing benefits. The formula is non-greasy and absorbs quickly, making it perfect for layering under a sunscreen or moisturizer. Developed by dermatologists and trusted by skincare professionals, it’s also fragrance-free and cruelty-free, which makes it a safe and ethical choice for sensitive skin users.

• Cons:

  On the downside, the serum comes with a premium price tag, which may not be ideal for budget-conscious shoppers. Additionally, it does not contain SPF, so it must be used in combination with a separate sunscreen. Lastly, while it is soothing, it may not provide enough hydration on its own for those with very dry skin and might require pairing with a richer moisturizer.

• Suitable for: 

  Sensitive, redness-prone, inflamed, or post-treatment skin looking for a gentle serum to restore calm and resilience—especially when combined with UV protection.

Comparison Table

Conclusion

And there you have it –a Centella Asiatica laced sunscreen is a great addition to your skincare routine. These are the products that not only provide you with full broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB, but also have a regimen for your skin. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant prowess of Centella also means that your skin isn’t just protected from the sun – it’s also being soothed, repaired and hydrated. Even if you’re religious about slathering on an SPF each and every day, upgrading to a Centella-based formula can go a long way toward cutting redness, calming sun-induced sensitivities and speeding up barrier recovery.

Dermatologists and skincare experts say integrating Centella into your regular routine is “one of the smartest, kindest things you can do” for sun-stressed skin. And by picking any of the sunscreens above, you get the best UV protection plus more gentle, soothed skin. In effect, you’re not just sunproofing your complexion – you’re nourishing it. For daily wear, especially on sensitive, acne-prone or mature skin, a Centella-powered SPF50+ is truly a daily essential. Your face will thank you for the extra boost of care under the sun!

Want to take your sun protection routine to the next level? Discover: How to Choose the Right Sunscreen for Your Skin Type