Gotu Kola Liquid Extract is a cosmetic-grade herbal extract made from the leaves of Centella asiatica, used at 1–2% in creams, serums, lotions and gels to soothe irritated skin, support firmness and help minor blemishes fade. It carries active compounds like asiaticoside and madecassoside, and Azlok offers both water-soluble (glycerin-based) and oil-soluble versions to suit different formulas.
What Gotu Kola Extract Is Used For
Gotu Kola—also known as Indian pennywort, Asiatic pennywort or kodavan—has a long history in traditional skincare. In modern cosmetic formulation it is prized for a few practical reasons:
- Calming and soothing: it helps reduce the look of redness and comfort irritated or reactive skin.
- Skin repair support: the extract is associated with supporting collagen and promoting the appearance of smoother, more even skin.
- Firmness and elasticity: a popular choice in anti-ageing serums and creams aimed at firmer-looking skin.
- Antioxidant protection: helps defend the skin surface against everyday environmental stress.
Because the extract is tasteless and virtually odourless, it slots into fragrance-free and sensitive-skin formulas without altering the scent profile.
How to Use It in Your Formulations
The recommended usage rate is 1–2% of your total formula. That means for a 100 g batch of cream or serum, you would add roughly 1–2 g of extract. Start low and adjust.
- Choose the right version. Use the water-soluble (vegetable glycerin) extract for gels, toners, water-based serums and lotions. Use the oil-soluble (soy oil) extract for oil serums, balms and the oil phase of creams.
- Add at the cool-down stage. For emulsions, incorporate the extract after your mixture has cooled below about 40°C to protect the active compounds.
- Blend thoroughly. Stir gently but well so the extract disperses evenly through the base.
- Check your preservative. Any water-containing product needs a proper broad-spectrum preservative system—the extract itself is not a preservative for your finished product.
The extract is made at a 4:1 herb-to-extract ratio, so 4 kg of Gotu Kola herb yields 1 kg of concentrated extract. A little goes a long way.
Safety and Sensible Use
This is a cosmetic-grade ingredient meant for external use in formulations, not for eating or drinking.
- Patch-test any new product on a small area of skin before regular use.
- Avoid direct contact with eyes. Rinse with plenty of water if it happens.
- Keep away from children.
- The oil-soluble grade is extracted using soy oil, so keep that in mind if you or your customers have soy sensitivities.
- The product contains BHT as a preservative note for the raw material; always review the COA and MSDS supplied with your batch.
The extract is free from gluten, artificial colour, heavy metals and fertilizers, which makes it well suited to clean-label skincare projects.
Buying and Storage Tips
Azlok stocks Gotu Kola Liquid Extract in sizes from 100 g right up to 25 kg, so it works for hobby batches as well as small-scale manufacturing. Pricing starts at around ₹349, and packaging can be arranged as per requirement.
- Pick your grade first—water-soluble or oil-soluble—based on whether your base is water or oil.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Keep the container tightly closed to limit air and moisture exposure.
- The shelf life is 2 years; label your decanted bottles with the date you open them.
- Request the COA and MSDS for your specific batch, especially if you are formulating products to sell.
With its neutral scent, gentle character and versatility across product types, Gotu Kola Liquid Extract is a dependable addition to calming, anti-ageing and skin-repair recipes.
FAQ
What is the difference between the water-soluble and oil-soluble versions?
The water-soluble extract is made using vegetable glycerin and mixes into water-based products like gels, toners and lotions. The oil-soluble version is extracted using soy oil and blends into oil serums, balms and the oil phase of creams. Choose based on your base.
How much Gotu Kola extract should I add to a formula?
Use 1–2% of the total weight. For a 100 g batch that is about 1–2 g. Begin at the lower end and increase only if your recipe needs it.
Does it have a smell or taste?
No. It is described as tasteless and odourless, which is why it suits fragrance-free and sensitive-skin formulations without affecting the final scent.
Can I take Gotu Kola Liquid Extract internally?
No. This is a cosmetic-grade ingredient intended for external use in skincare formulations only. Do not ingest it, keep it away from children and avoid eye contact.
How long does it last and how should I store it?
It has a shelf life of about 2 years. Store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, keep the container sealed, and note the opening date on your bottle.