Centella Asiatica (known as “byoungpool” in Korean and nicknamed “Tiger Grass”) is the botanical source of Riman’s Giant Byoungpool leaf ingredient. This plant has a long history in traditional medicine for healing wounds and skin ailments. Riman – a Korean beauty brand behind the Incellderm line – has developed a proprietary “giant” cultivar of Centella Asiatica, claiming enhanced potency and skin benefits. Below is a detailed look at the Giant Byoungpool leaf’s scientific properties, its use in skincare, how it’s sourced sustainably, and its popularity in Korea.
1. Scientific Properties of Giant Byoungpool Leaf
Chemical Composition: Centella Asiatica is rich in pentacyclic triterpenoids, notably asiaticoside, madecassoside, and their corresponding aglycones asiatic acid and madecassic acid. These compounds are the key bioactives in the Giant Byoungpool leaf. Collectively, they exhibit anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects on skin tissue. For example, Centella’s triterpenes have been shown to promote fibroblast proliferation, increase collagen synthesis, and elevate intracellular fibronectin levels, which together accelerate wound healing and strengthen newly formed skin. Research also indicates these compounds act as antioxidants, scavenging free radicals that damage skin cells. In practical terms, this chemical profile means Byoungpool leaf extracts can soothe irritation, aid tissue repair, and protect the skin from oxidative stress.
Skincare Benefits and Efficacy: Thanks to its active constituents, Centella asiatica has well-documented dermatological benefits. Clinically, it’s been used to treat minor wounds, burns, and even inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Its mechanism includes reducing inflammation and stimulating collagen production, which helps improve the appearance of scars and boosts skin elasticity. In fact, studies confirm that topically applied Centella extract can speed up wound closure and improve skin hydration and barrier function. The ingredient is also associated with “anti-aging” effects: by increasing collagen and inhibiting chronic inflammation, it may help plump the skin and minimize fine lines. Notably, emerging research specifically on Riman’s giant cultivar of Centella suggests it might be even more potent. A 2024 study on a “Giant Centella asiatica” variety (registered in 2022) found it contains higher levels of madecassoside and asiaticoside and showed enhanced antioxidant activity compared to ordinary Centella. In laboratory tests, the giant Centella extract more effectively suppressed melanin formation (by downregulating key melanogenesis pathways), pointing to stronger brightening or anti-hyperpigmentation effects than the standard plant. This scientific finding aligns with Riman’s claims that their Giant Byoungpool leaf is a “more potent strain” of Centella, though it’s worth noting that comprehensive peer-reviewed studies on Riman’s exact formulations are still limited. Overall, the Giant Byoungpool leaf shares the renowned properties of Centella asiatica – soothing inflammation, healing skin, providing antioxidants – with indications that its larger, nutrient-rich leaves may amplify these dermatological benefits.
2. Skincare Application in Riman Products
Formulation Role: Riman centers its skincare line around the Giant Byoungpool leaf as the star ingredient. In practice, this means very high concentrations of Centella asiatica derivatives are used in their product formulas. For example, the Incellderm Dermatology First booster and serum are formulated with 88% and 81% Giant Byoungpool leaf water respectively as their base, and the Active Cream EX contains 57% pure Giant Byoungpool leaf extract. Such percentages are far above the norm for botanical extracts, indicating that Riman often replaces plain water with Centella asiatica leaf water to maximize the ingredient’s presence. By infusing over half of a product with Byoungpool leaf, Riman ensures that each application delivers a robust dose of Centella’s active compounds (asiaticoside, madecassoside, etc.) to the skin. The Giant Byoungpool leaf is used in various forms across the range – as leaf water or extract in toners, serums and creams, and even as an oil in certain products – showcasing its versatility. Riman also employs proprietary technologies (such as nano-liposome delivery) to enhance penetration of these actives into the skin, thereby increasing efficacy.
Effects on Skin Health: Incorporating such a high level of Centella extract has tangible benefits for skin. Riman’s products containing Giant Byoungpool are designed to calm sensitive or irritated skin, boost hydration, and strengthen the skin barrier, leveraging the natural properties of Centella. Users often report that these formulations leave the skin soothed and deeply moisturized without heaviness. The Active Cream EX, for instance, is described as nourishing skin “from its deepest layers out” and “strengthening and moisturizing every layer”. The rich triterpenoids from the leaf help reduce redness and inflammation, which is especially beneficial for those with acne, rosacea or eczema-prone skin. At the same time, the extract’s ability to stimulate collagen may contribute to improved firmness and elasticity, making it valuable in anti-aging routines. In Riman’s formulations, the Giant Byoungpool leaf often works in synergy with other ingredients – for example, their products also include botanical extracts like Artemisia (mugwort) and Scutellaria, plus niacinamide and peptides. Byoungpool acts as the core healing and hydrating agent, while these supporting ingredients address complementary aspects of skin health (brightening, nourishing, etc.). In summary, Riman utilizes the Giant Byoungpool leaf as a multi-functional hero ingredient: it serves as the primary skin soother, hydrator, and repair booster in their formulas, which helps set their products apart in a crowded skincare market. All Riman products are dermatologist-tested and the brand touts certifications (including German derma test approvals) to underline the gentleness and efficacy of Byoungpool-centered formulations.
3. Sustainability and Sourcing Practices
Cultivation of Giant Byoungpool: Riman’s approach to sourcing the Giant Byoungpool leaf is highly controlled and emphasizes sustainability. Rather than wild-harvesting Centella asiatica or buying from commodity suppliers, Riman cultivates its own Centella “super strain” in South Korea. In July 2022, the company secured plant variety protection for its new Centella asiatica cultivar via the Korea Forest Service. This means Riman essentially patented their Giant Byoungpool plant, allowing them to exclusively grow and harvest this variety. The cultivation is done domestically with careful oversight – Riman operates a high-tech “Smart Farm” on Jeju Island dedicated to growing Giant Byoungpool under optimal conditions. By partnering with advanced agri-tech (reportedly even a Dutch smart farming company) and leveraging Jeju’s clean environment, they can produce Centella in a controlled, eco-friendly setting. The farm monitors factors like temperature, humidity, soil/mineral content and even uses Jeju’s mineral-rich lava seawater for irrigation. Riman selects plants based on leaf size and vigor, and harvests the leaves 45 days after peak growth, timing it to maximize the phytochemical “life energy” content. This precise harvesting schedule ensures a potent raw material while allowing the plant to regenerate, illustrating a sustainable yield strategy.
Sourcing and Environmental Impact: Because Riman grows 100% of its Centella asiatica in-house, traceability is high and environmental impact can be managed. Local cultivation means fewer transportation emissions compared to importing herbal extracts, and it supports the local agriculture on Jeju. The Giant Byoungpool variety was developed to be hardier – it has larger leaves and greater resistance to pests and temperature changes– which implies that farming it can require less chemical pesticide use and less resource waste, improving sustainability. Riman claims its extraction methods are gentle and eco-friendly, aimed at maximizing efficacy without harsh solvents. Moreover, all products are listed as “sustainably made” and cruelty-free on their labeling. While specific details of their sustainability practices are not fully disclosed, this likely includes responsible farming techniques and quality control to avoid environmental degradation. It’s worth noting that Centella asiatica itself is not an endangered plant (it grows widely in many tropical regions), so utilizing a cultivated strain does not threaten wild plant populations – if anything, Riman’s controlled farming relieves pressure on wild harvesting. The company has even established a ByoungPool Research Institute to continue studying Centella’s varieties, functions, and active components, which indicates a commitment to long-term and sustainable use of this resource. In summary, Riman’s sourcing of Giant Byoungpool is vertically integrated: from smart farming to in-house extraction. This farm-to-lab approach not only ensures high-quality, fresh raw materials for their skincare, but also allows them to uphold environmental standards and maintain a smaller ecological footprint relative to traditional ingredient supply chains.
4. Popularity and Reception in the Korean Skincare Market
Market Reception: In its home market of South Korea, the Giant Byoungpool leaf (Centella asiatica) has ridden the wave of the “cica” skincare trend. In recent years, “cica creams” – products centered on Centella – have become hero items in K-beauty, valued for their gentle, soothing qualities. As consumers increasingly identify their skin as sensitive or irritation-prone, ingredients like Centella asiatica have surged in popularity for their proven calming and barrier-repair effects. The familiarity of Centella as a traditional herbal remedy (often called one of the “miracle elixirs of life” in Asia) made it an easy favorite among natural ingredients. Brands across Korea launched cica-infused lines – from budget to luxury – flooding the market with Centella-based products to meet the demand. Riman’s Incellderm brand entered this landscape in 2018 and quickly gained traction by positioning its Giant Byoungpool as a superior version of standard Centella. Despite being a direct sales (home-shopping/MLM) brand rather than a mainstream retail brand, Incellderm achieved remarkable success in Korea’s skincare sector. Within two years of launch, Riman Korea reported over 10 million units sold of Incellderm products and garnered multiple industry awards. Notably, Incellderm won the “2021 National Consumer-Centered Brand Grand Prize” in the functional cosmetics category for the second year in a row, an award backed by consumer surveys on trust and satisfaction. It also swept several 2020 brand accolades (e.g. Consumer Preference #1, Brand Power #1). Such recognition indicates a strong positive reception among Korean consumers, who valued the efficacy of the products. Indeed, user feedback in Korea tends to praise Incellderm’s formulas for delivering visible improvements in skin texture, hydration, and sensitivity. For example, some users noted calmer, clearer skin with reduced redness after switching to the Byoungpool-based regimen, and improvements in issues like sun spots and fine lines over time. The products have been especially lauded by those with sensitive or mature skin – there are testimonials of the regimen making skin look “smoother and tight” as if one had professional treatments, and even helping to plump up wrinkles for a more youthful look. The overall buzz in online communities is that while Riman’s skincare is premium-priced, it often “delivers on its promises” in terms of skin results, leading to loyal repeat customers.
Position Among Natural Ingredients: Compared to other popular natural Korean skincare ingredients, Centella (Byoungpool) holds a top-tier status. Earlier K-beauty trends like snail mucin, propolis, or green tea each had their moments, but Centella’s rise is unique in its broad appeal for both acne care and anti-aging. It is now a staple ingredient across countless brands and product types, symbolizing gentle yet effective care. In fact, the term “cica” – derived from French dermatological creams like “Cicaplast” – became a marketing keyword in Korea to signal a product that heals and calms. Riman’s Giant Byoungpool leverages this widespread recognition of Centella’s benefits while trying to differentiate itself with a proprietary twist (bigger, more potent leaves). In the Korean market, Centella asiatica is often a point of comparison for natural soothing efficacy. Riman emphasizes that its Giant Byoungpool leaf has higher concentrations of actives than ordinary Centella, suggesting superior performance in areas like antioxidant content and hydration. While independent dermatologists would note that many Centella products share similar core benefits, Riman’s formulations stand out by sheer concentration – few competitors use Centella at such high percentages. This has positioned Incellderm as a premium “cica” brand in Korea. The brand’s use of actor Won Bin as an ambassador and its word-of-mouth spread via beauty consultants helped build intrigue, even as it largely bypassed retail stores. Today, Incellderm (Riman) is often discussed alongside other famous “cica” lines (like Dr. Jart’s Cicapair or Etude House’s SoonJung line), but with an emphasis that it’s a cosmeceutical or spa-grade option. The popularity of Giant Byoungpool is also reflected in Riman’s global expansion – in 2023 the brand launched in the US and other markets, capitalizing on the global awareness of K-beauty’s innovative natural ingredients. In summary, within Korea, the Giant Byoungpool leaf enjoys a positive reputation as the powerhouse behind a top-performing skincare line. It exemplifies the Korean consumer preference for nature-derived, gentle, yet scientifically backed ingredients. As part of the larger Centella/cica trend, it holds its own by delivering results and has carved a niche where tradition meets innovation. The strong domestic reception and the “#1 K-beauty” marketing narrative have set Giant Byoungpool up to be a notable ingredient not just in Korea but potentially in the worldwide skincare community as well.