Madecassic Acid
Madecassic Acid — one of the aglycone (non-sugar-bound) triterpenoid acids found in Centella Asiatica, studied for its soothing and antioxidant properties. It is closely related to madecassoside, which is its glycoside form. It is used in centella formulas aimed at calming and supporting stressed skin.
Key points
- It is a free triterpenoid acid, distinct from the glycoside madecassoside that carries an attached sugar group.
- Research associates it with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity in skin.
- It is one of the four principal actives that define standardized centella extracts.
- It is often present alongside asiatic acid, asiaticoside, and madecassoside in full-spectrum centella blends.
Frequently asked
Is madecassic acid an exfoliating acid like AHA or BHA?
No, despite the name it is a triterpenoid, not an exfoliating acid, and it does not work by shedding surface skin cells.
How does madecassic acid relate to madecassoside?
Madecassoside is the glycoside (sugar-bound) version of madecassic acid, so the two are chemically related forms of the same triterpenoid.
Related topics
This is a foundational entry in the SYNC Skin Encyclopedia and is expanded over time. Educational information only — not medical advice.
