Calming Serum: Green Tea + Panthenol
Calming Serum: Green Tea + Panthenol
Product Description
Product overview
A lightweight, fast-absorbing calming serum formulated with 50.9% green tea leaf water, 30% mugwort extract, and 5% panthenol to instantly soothe stressed, reactive, and UV-irritated skin while strengthening the moisture barrier.
Antioxidant Shield
50.9% green tea leaf water rich in EGCG catechins helps neutralize free radicals and protect skin from UV-induced damage.
Texture & feel
SENSORYAntioxidant Shield
50.9% green tea leaf water rich in EGCG catechins helps neutralize free radicals and protect skin from UV-induced damage.
Intense Soothing
30% mugwort (Artemisia) extract delivers a potent calming effect, reducing redness and soothing reactive, irritated skin on contact.
Barrier Repair
5% panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) strengthens the moisture barrier, promotes skin healing, and locks in long-lasting hydration.
Lightweight Hydration
Watery-gel texture absorbs rapidly without stickiness or residue, making it ideal for layering in both AM and PM routines.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEFree from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy. As always, consult your doctor before introducing new products.
Contains no fermented ingredients, fatty acids, oils, esters, or polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast. Confirmed fungal-acne safe by SkinCarisma and SkinSort.
Oil-free, silicone-free formula with no pore-clogging ingredients. Very unlikely to cause breakouts or congestion for most skin types.
Free from artificial fragrance, essential oils, alcohol, parabens, sulfates, and artificial colorants. Hypoallergenic formula at a gentle pH of 6.6.
Can be used alongside retinol/retinoids to buffer irritation. Many users apply it before retinal products to reduce sensitivity and support skin recovery.
Safe to layer with vitamin C, niacinamide, AHA, and BHA. No known interactions with common skincare actives. Apply before heavier treatments.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGreen Tea Leaf Water (Camellia Sinensis) 50.9%Proven
The primary base of this serum, green tea leaf water is rich in EGCG catechins, tannins, and polyphenols — powerful antioxidants that protect skin from UV-induced free radical damage, reduce inflammation, and help even skin tone.
- Antioxidant: EGCG catechins scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress caused by UV exposure
- Anti-inflammatory: Polyphenols help suppress melanin synthesis triggered by UV rays
- Vitamin C content: Green tea contains 5–8x more vitamin C than lemon, supporting skin brightening
Mugwort Extract (Artemisia Capillaris) 30%Proven
A traditional Korean medicinal herb (hanbang) known for its powerful calming and anti-inflammatory properties. Mugwort improves blood circulation and provides an immediate cooling, soothing effect on irritated skin.
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces visible redness, itching, and burning associated with skin sensitivity
- Antimicrobial: Helps keep skin clear of irritation-causing microbes
- Hanbang tradition: Used in Korean medicine for centuries to treat skin inflammation and wounds
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) 5%Proven
A well-researched humectant and skin-conditioning agent that attracts water into the skin, strengthens the moisture barrier, and promotes wound healing by stimulating fibroblast proliferation.
- Barrier repair: Promotes healthy lipid production essential for a strong skin barrier
- Humectant: Binds and holds water in the upper skin layers for lasting hydration
- Anti-irritant: Studies show it reduces irritation from harsh ingredients like fragrance and preservatives
- Wound healing: Promotes fibroblast proliferation for faster skin recovery
Sodium Hyaluronate <1%Proven
A low-molecular-weight form of hyaluronic acid that penetrates deeper into the skin to deliver hydration from within. Holds up to 1,000x its weight in water.
- Deep hydration: Smaller molecule size allows better skin penetration than standard hyaluronic acid
- Plumping: Attracts and retains moisture to improve skin elasticity and reduce fine lines
Allantoin <1%Proven
A soothing, protective ingredient known for its moisturizing and skin-calming properties. Promotes cell regeneration and supports healing of irritated skin.
- Cell renewal: Stimulates healthy tissue growth for smoother skin texture
- Skin protectant: Forms a protective layer that shields skin from environmental irritants
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (Licorice) <1%Promising
A salt derived from licorice root that acts as an emollient and anti-inflammatory agent. Helps calm redness and may contribute to skin brightening over time.
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces skin inflammation and helps calm irritated, reactive skin
- Brightening: May help inhibit melanin production for a more even skin tone
21 ingredients
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water (50.9%), Artemisia Capillaris Extract (30%), Panthenol (5%), Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Methylpropanediol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Betaine, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Polyquaternium-51, Malt Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse morning and night after cleansing and toning. Apply before heavier serums or moisturizers. Layer with retinol at night for a soothing buffer.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Tone
Start with a clean face. Apply your toner or essence if you use one, then let it absorb for a few seconds.
Dispense 2–3 Drops
Use the dropper to place 2–3 drops onto clean hands. Avoid touching the dropper directly to skin to keep the formula clean.
Pat Gently Into Skin
Gently pat and press the serum into your face and neck until fully absorbed. Focus on areas with redness or irritation.
Follow With Moisturizer
Seal in the serum with your moisturizer. In the morning, finish with sunscreen. At night, you can layer with retinol if desired.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive, reactive, or redness-prone skin
- Your skin is stressed from retinoid use or overexfoliation
- You want a lightweight, non-greasy calming serum
- You need a fragrance-free, fungal-acne-safe product
- You are looking for a soothing serum to use under retinol
- You prefer clean, minimal-ingredient K-beauty formulas
Consider alternatives if:
- You need intense, heavy-duty hydration for very dry skin
- You want visible anti-aging results like wrinkle reduction
- You prefer a thick, rich serum texture
- You are looking for a serum with high niacinamide or vitamin C concentrations
- You want a larger bottle size for extended daily use
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight, watery formula absorbs instantly without adding shine or greasiness. Won't interfere with makeup or sunscreen.
Provides calming hydration but may not be moisturizing enough alone. Layer with a richer moisturizer or heavier serum on top for best results.
Balances well across oily and dry zones. Light enough for the T-zone, hydrating enough for cheeks when layered.
Specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Fragrance-free, minimal irritants, and loaded with soothing green tea, mugwort, and panthenol.
Non-comedogenic, oil-free, and fungal-acne safe. Anti-inflammatory ingredients help calm active breakouts without clogging pores.
A pleasant daily hydrating serum with antioxidant and soothing benefits. Works great as a preventive care step in any routine.
Results timeline
MONTH 2–3Immediate Soothing & Cooling
Instant cooling sensation upon application. Skin feels calmer and less reactive. Redness from irritation or shaving is visibly reduced within hours.
85% noticed immediate calmingImproved Hydration & Comfort
Skin feels more hydrated and supple throughout the day. The moisture barrier begins to strengthen. Dryness-related tightness diminishes significantly.
78% noticed improved hydrationReduced Redness & Irritation
Consistent use shows visible reduction in baseline redness, especially on cheeks. Skin becomes more resilient to external stressors and retinoid irritation.
70% noticed reduced rednessClearer, Calmer Complexion
Skin tone appears more even and brighter. Barrier function is noticeably stronger. Fewer reactive flare-ups and overall healthier-looking skin texture.
65% noticed improved skin toneRatings by platform
12K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Immediately calms and soothes irritated, red skin
- Lightweight, non-greasy texture that layers well
- Fragrance-free and free of common irritants
- Works great as a buffer before retinol/retinal products
- Fungal-acne and pregnancy safe
- Clean, short ingredient list (21 ingredients)
- Affordable for a high-quality K-beauty serum
- Lasts a long time despite the 30ml size (2–3 drops per use)
Criticized
- Small 30ml bottle may not last heavy users long
- Slight tackiness for 1–2 minutes after application
- Not moisturizing enough for very dry skin on its own
- Results are gradual — not a quick-fix for severe redness
- Natural green color may vary between batches
- Dropper packaging is less hygienic than airless pumps
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Focuses on 76% centella asiatica complex instead of green tea. Stronger cica-based soothing, but lacks mugwort and antioxidant-rich green tea benefits. Similar lightweight texture.
Closest ingredient match with similar calming botanicals. Slightly more intensive formula but less well-known brand. Comparable soothing benefits.
Uses birch juice as the main hydrating base instead of green tea. More hydration-focused and less calming. Larger 30ml bottle with popular community reviews.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Unopened shelf life is 3 years from manufacturing date.
Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight and extreme heat to preserve the active ingredients.
Plastic dropper bottle with natural yellowish-green tint from green tea (no artificial colorants). Keep dropper clean — avoid direct skin contact.
Yes — 30ml is well under the 100ml carry-on liquid limit. Compact, lightweight bottle fits easily in any travel pouch.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this serum is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters. The key ingredients — green tea, mugwort, and panthenol — are gentle, naturally-derived, and have no known contraindications for pregnant or nursing women. That said, the brand recommends consulting your doctor before using any new skincare products during pregnancy, as hormonal changes can affect skin sensitivity.
Yes, this serum is fungal acne safe. It contains no fermented ingredients, fatty acids, oils, esters, or polysorbates that are known to feed malassezia yeast. This has been confirmed by multiple independent ingredient-analysis platforms including SkinCarisma and SkinSort. It is one of the few calming serums that is both effective and safe for fungal acne-prone skin.
Yes, this serum is compatible with all common actives. Many users specifically use it as a soothing buffer before applying retinol or retinal to reduce irritation. It can be layered with vitamin C serums, niacinamide, AHAs, and BHAs without any known interactions. Its calming properties actually help counteract the dryness and irritation that stronger actives can cause.
This serum works well for all skin types but is especially excellent for sensitive, oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. Its lightweight, oil-free formula absorbs quickly without adding greasiness, making it ideal for oily skin. For dry skin, it provides calming hydration but works best when layered with a richer moisturizer on top. It is specifically formulated for stressed, reactive skin that needs soothing and barrier repair.
Most users notice an immediate cooling and soothing effect from the very first application. Within 1–2 weeks of consistent use, hydration and skin comfort improve significantly. Visible reduction in baseline redness typically occurs around weeks 3–4. For overall skin tone improvement and barrier strengthening, expect 2–3 months of regular use. Results are gradual and cumulative.
Apply the Calming Serum after cleansing and toning, but before heavier serums, moisturizers, and sunscreen. It goes in the serum step (Step 3) of a typical routine: Cleanser → Toner → Calming Serum → Moisturizer → Sunscreen (AM). At night, you can apply it before retinol as a soothing buffer. Use 2–3 drops morning and night for best results.
No, this serum has a very low comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. It is completely oil-free, silicone-free, and contains no known pore-clogging ingredients. The water-based, lightweight formula is specifically designed to not congest pores, making it suitable for acne-prone and oily skin types. It is also fungal acne safe, which is an additional safety measure for breakout-prone skin.
The Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. Unopened, it has a shelf life of 3 years from the manufacturing date. Store it at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Despite the compact 30ml size, most users find that using 2–3 drops per application allows the bottle to last approximately 2–3 months with daily AM/PM use.
Verdict: The Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum is one of the best affordable K-beauty serums for sensitive, irritated, and redness-prone skin. Its clean, short ingredient list built around 50.9% green tea, 30% mugwort, and 5% panthenol delivers real soothing and barrier-repair benefits without any unnecessary irritants. It is fungal-acne safe, pregnancy-friendly, vegan, and works beautifully as a retinol buffer. The only drawback is the small 30ml size and the fact that very dry skin types may need additional hydration layers. For the price, ingredient quality, and effectiveness, this serum is an outstanding value and a must-try for anyone dealing with skin sensitivity.
Browse related
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water
Masking, Perfuming, Tonic
|
|
|
| 0 |
Artemisia Capillaris Extract
|
|
|
| 1 |
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|