Cica Houttuynia Tea Tree Calming Mask
Cica Houttuynia Tea Tree Calming Mask
Product Description
Product overview
A daily K-beauty sheet mask by Mary & May that delivers a powerful triple-extract soothing complex — 10,000ppm each of Centella Asiatica, Houttuynia Cordata, and Tea Tree — to instantly calm redness, reduce blemishes, and deeply hydrate sensitive, acne-prone, and irritated skin. EWG green-grade formula, cruelty-free, and skin-irritation-test certified for everyday use.
Triple Soothing Complex at 10,000ppm Each
Centella Asiatica, Houttuynia Cordata, and Tea Tree Extract are each dosed at 10,000ppm — a high, clinically meaningful concentration that delivers rapid anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and skin-calming effects.
Texture & feel
SENSORYTriple Soothing Complex at 10,000ppm Each
Centella Asiatica, Houttuynia Cordata, and Tea Tree Extract are each dosed at 10,000ppm — a high, clinically meaningful concentration that delivers rapid anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and skin-calming effects.
Hyaluronic Acid + Allantoin Hydration Boost
Sodium Hyaluronate binds moisture deep in the skin while Allantoin accelerates cell renewal and smooths rough texture. Together they reinforce the skin barrier and maintain hydration long after the mask is removed.
EWG Green-Grade Clean Formula
All 21 ingredients (except Parfum) carry an EWG green safety rating. Free from 16 known harmful substances including parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, and artificial dyes. Skin irritation test completed for daily confidence.
Eco-Friendly Pull-Out Case — 30 Daily Sheets
A hygienic, leak-proof canister holds 30 sheet masks with a built-in mini tweezer. One pull per day eliminates packaging waste, makes it bathroom-counter ready, and keeps each mask perfectly fresh.
Licorice Root (Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate) Brightening
Licorice-derived Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate works synergistically with Cica to reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, calm reactive skin, and visibly even skin tone with consistent use.
Acne-Safe Surfactants — No Pore-Clogging Oils
Uses Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate and Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside — ultra-mild, non-comedogenic emulsifiers derived from plant sugars. Confirmed fungal acne safe with no fatty acid esters or polysorbates.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical UV filters. All actives (Centella, Tea Tree extract, Allantoin, Hyaluronic Acid) are considered safe during pregnancy when used topically. Always consult your OB/GYN if uncertain.
No ferments, fatty acid esters, polysorbates, or high-risk oils. Emulsifiers are polyglyceryl-based plant derivatives with confirmed low malassezia risk. Safe for fungal acne-prone skin.
No known pore-clogging oils or waxes. Key emollients are glycerin and polyglyceryl surfactants rated 0–1 on the comedogenic scale. Suitable for oily, acne-prone, and combination skin.
Completed dermatological skin irritation testing. Free from 16 commonly irritating ingredients. EWG green-grade certified formula suitable for reactive and sensitized skin types.
One fragrance ingredient is listed. While the scent is mild and herbal, those with extreme fragrance sensitivity or contact dermatitis may wish to patch test first. Fragrance is the only non-EWG-green ingredient.
No strong acids or exfoliants. Can layer safely with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and peptides. Avoid using immediately after strong AHA/BHA treatments on broken or raw skin — wait for the skin barrier to recover first.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSCentella Asiatica Extract 10,000ppmProven
One of the most well-researched botanical actives in dermatology. Centella Asiatica (Cica) contains madecassoside, asiaticoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid — triterpenoids that stimulate collagen synthesis, strengthen the skin barrier, accelerate wound healing, and suppress inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6.
- Barrier Repair: Stimulates fibronectin and Type I collagen production in fibroblasts, reinforcing the extracellular matrix.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Asiaticoside inhibits NF-κB activation, reducing redness and swelling associated with breakouts and UV damage.
- Wound Healing: Madecassoside accelerates re-epithelialisation, making it highly effective for post-blemish recovery.
- Concentration: 10,000ppm = 1% — a meaningful therapeutic dose confirmed by the brand.
Houttuynia Cordata Extract 10,000ppmProven
Also known as Heartleaf or Eoseongcho in Korean beauty, Houttuynia Cordata is a powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory botanical native to Southeast Asia. Its flavonoid content — quercetin, quercitrin, rutin, and hyperoside — delivers antioxidant, anti-allergic, and antimicrobial benefits. Polysaccharides in the extract also act as natural humectants.
- Flavonoids: Quercetin and quercitrin exhibit strong anti-inflammatory activity and have been shown to reduce UVB-induced skin damage.
- Antimicrobial: Exhibits antibacterial activity against acne-causing Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus.
- Anti-allergic: In-vitro studies show inhibition of IgE-mediated skin allergic responses, beneficial for eczema-prone skin.
- Humectant: Polysaccharides (galacturonic acid, galactose, rhamnose) attract and bind moisture to the skin surface.
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract 10,000ppmProven
Tea Tree extract delivers the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits of Tea Tree in a gentler, diluted form compared to the essential oil. At 10,000ppm in a sheet mask format, it targets acne bacteria, reduces sebum oxidation, and calms inflamed breakouts without the dryness associated with pure essential oil application.
- Antimicrobial: Terpinen-4-ol, the primary active, disrupts bacterial cell membranes and is effective against C. acnes.
- Anti-inflammatory: Suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduces erythema (redness) in acne lesions.
- Sebum Control: Mild astringent properties help reduce excess oil production without stripping moisture.
Glycerin ~5–8%Proven
A foundational humectant that draws water from the environment and deeper skin layers to the surface. Glycerin strengthens the skin barrier by supporting natural moisturizing factor (NMF) production and is universally well-tolerated at all skin types and life stages.
- Humectant: Attracts and retains water molecules, keeping the stratum corneum plump and supple.
- Barrier Support: Promotes synthesis of aquaporin-3, the skin's water transport channel.
Allantoin ~0.1–0.5%Proven
A naturally derived compound (from comfrey root) that soothes irritation, promotes cell turnover, and softens rough skin texture. Allantoin works synergistically with Centella Asiatica to accelerate skin recovery after blemishes, sun exposure, or environmental stress.
- Cell Proliferant: Stimulates healthy cell regeneration and speeds healing of minor skin damage.
- Soothing: Anti-irritant that reduces sensitivity and calms reactive skin.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (Licorice Root) ~0.05–0.2%Proven
The potassium salt of glycyrrhizinic acid derived from licorice root. A powerful anti-inflammatory and brightening agent that reduces post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) by inhibiting tyrosinase enzyme activity. Works synergistically with Centella to calm and even skin tone.
- Brightening: Inhibits melanin synthesis via tyrosinase suppression, fading dark spots and post-acne marks.
- Anti-inflammatory: Inhibits phospholipase A2, reducing prostaglandin-mediated inflammation.
Sodium Hyaluronate 50ppmProven
The sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid with a smaller molecular weight that penetrates deeper into the skin than regular HA. Even at 50ppm, within a sheet mask format (prolonged contact delivery), it provides meaningful surface-level and sub-surface hydration by holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water.
- Deep Hydration: Smaller molecule size enables penetration beyond the stratum corneum into the epidermis.
- Plumping Effect: Temporary volumisation of fine lines and dehydration creases with consistent use.
21 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract (10,000ppm), Houttuynia Cordata Extract (10,000ppm), Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract (10,000ppm), Hydroxyacetophenone, Arginine, Carbomer, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Sodium Hyaluronate (50ppm)
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply after toner while skin is still slightly damp for maximum essence absorption. Pat remaining essence into skin — do not rinse. Safe for both AM and PM routines.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Your Face
Start with a clean, dry or slightly damp face. Double cleanse if you are wearing sunscreen or makeup. Pat skin gently dry with a soft towel.
Apply Toner (Optional)
Apply your regular toner or hydrating mist. This opens the skin and helps the mask essence absorb more effectively — especially helpful for drier skin types.
Remove One Sheet with the Mini Tweezer
Open the lid and protective cap of the canister. Use the included mini tweezer to pull out one sheet mask cleanly and hygienically. Unfold carefully.
Apply the Mask to Your Face
Place the sheet mask over your face, aligning the cutouts with your eyes, nose, and mouth. Smooth down edges to ensure full skin contact and no air pockets.
Leave for 10–15 Minutes
Relax and allow the essence to absorb. Do not exceed 20 minutes — leaving sheet masks on too long can have a reverse-osmosis effect and draw moisture back out of skin.
Remove and Pat in Remaining Essence
Remove the sheet mask and gently pat any remaining essence into the face, neck, and décolletage. Avoid the eye and lip areas. Follow with moisturizer to lock in hydration.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive, reactive, or easily irritated skin
- You struggle with acne, blemishes, or post-breakout redness
- You want a daily, affordable soothing ritual under $1 per mask
- You're looking for a fungal acne safe sheet mask
- You want clean, EWG green-grade K-beauty with minimal ingredients
- You have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin
- You need quick post-sunburn or post-procedure skin relief
Consider alternatives if:
- You require a 100% fragrance-free formula (contains Parfum)
- You're looking for anti-aging focused actives (retinol, peptides)
- You want whitening or brightening as the primary benefit
- You need deep nourishment for very dry, dehydrated skin (too light)
- You have a confirmed allergy to tea tree or Centella Asiatica
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight watery gel essence absorbs without greasiness. Tea Tree extract helps regulate sebum production and prevents pore congestion. Ideal for controlling shine and clearing breakouts.
Provides temporary hydration through Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate, but the formula is relatively light. Follow with a rich moisturizer or facial oil afterward for best results on very dry skin.
Balances oily zones while soothing drier areas. Non-comedogenic and lightweight across different face zones — a top pick for T-zone oiliness combined with dry cheeks or chin.
Dermatologist skin irritation tested and free from 16 common sensitizers. The triple botanical complex actively calms redness and reactive skin. Fragrance-sensitive users should patch test due to Parfum listing.
Fungal acne safe, non-comedogenic (rating 1/5), antibacterial Tea Tree and Houttuynia actively target acne bacteria. Allantoin and Centella accelerate blemish healing. Highly recommended for breakout-prone skin.
Works well as a daily maintenance mask for normal skin, maintaining hydration and preventing environmental stress. May feel lighter than desired for those seeking intensive anti-aging or nourishing effects.
Results timeline
MONTH 2–3Instant Redness Reduction & Cooling Calm
The watery gel essence and high-dose botanical extracts deliver immediate cooling and anti-inflammatory action. Redness from breakouts, sun exposure, or skin irritation visibly reduces within minutes of mask application.
~92% noticed immediate soothingReduced Breakout Frequency & Improved Hydration
Daily masking begins to regulate sebum, suppress acne bacteria, and improve skin barrier hydration. Active blemishes calm faster and fewer new breakouts appear. Skin feels consistently plumper and less reactive.
~78% noticed fewer new breakoutsSmoother Texture & Faded Post-Acne Marks
Allantoin's cell renewal action and Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate's brightening effects begin to visibly fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots from healed blemishes). Skin texture becomes noticeably smoother and more even.
~65% noticed improved skin toneStronger Skin Barrier & Long-Term Clarity
Consistent daily Centella Asiatica use meaningfully reinforces the skin barrier matrix through enhanced collagen synthesis. Skin becomes more resilient, less prone to environmental triggers, and maintains a calm, clear baseline.
~55% noticed long-term barrier improvementRatings by platform
6K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- High active concentration — 10,000ppm each of 3 botanical extracts
- Immediately visible redness and irritation reduction
- Excellent value — 30 daily masks in one eco-friendly canister
- Lightweight, non-greasy watery essence texture
- EWG green-grade, cruelty-free, and skin irritation tested
- Fungal acne safe and non-comedogenic (rating 1/5)
- Hygienic pull-out canister with built-in tweezer
- Safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Sheets are generously saturated in essence
Criticized
- Contains Parfum — not 100% fragrance-free
- Essence can feel slightly sticky immediately after removal
- Very lightweight — may not be enough moisture for dry skin alone
- Sodium Hyaluronate only at 50ppm (last on list)
- Sheet fit may not suit all face shapes and sizes
- Canister only holds 30 sheets — needs frequent repurchasing for daily users
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSingle-use pouch format with Centella Asiatica as the hero ingredient. Strong soothing and blemish-calming efficacy but lacks the Houttuynia Cordata and Tea Tree triple action. No eco-friendly pull-out canister — generates more packaging waste per use.
Tea Tree focused with proven acne-calming benefits. Well-loved in K-beauty but uses a simpler ingredient list without Centella or Houttuynia at comparable concentrations. Individual pouch packaging lacks the hygiene and eco advantages of the Mary & May canister.
Adds gentle exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA) to a calming base — useful for acne-prone skin but less suitable for extremely sensitive or reactive skin. Contains polysorbates so NOT fungal acne safe, unlike Mary & May. More complex formula with higher irritation potential.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
THESAEM Cica Soothing Mask (30ea)
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening the canister. Each sheet is protected inside the sealed pull-out container, maintaining freshness throughout daily use.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the lid firmly closed after each use to prevent the essence from evaporating. Can be refrigerated for an extra cooling soothing effect.
Eco-friendly pull-out canister (400g capacity) made with recycled materials and soybean oil ink printing. Includes a built-in mini tweezer stored inside the lid for hygienic, one-handed sheet extraction.
The canister (400g / 14.1oz) exceeds standard 100ml carry-on liquid limits. Pack in checked baggage for travel, or transfer a few sheets into a zip-lock bag for carry-on use on short trips.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this mask is considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical UV filters, or other actives with known gestational concerns. The key actives — Centella Asiatica, Houttuynia Cordata extract, Tea Tree extract, Allantoin, Glycerin, and Sodium Hyaluronate — are all generally regarded as safe for topical use during pregnancy. As with any skincare change during pregnancy, we recommend discussing with your OB/GYN or dermatologist before adding new products to your routine.
Yes, this mask is fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) safe. The formula uses Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate and Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate as emulsifiers — these are polyglyceryl ester surfactants derived from plant sources and are considered safe for Malassezia-prone skin. There are no polysorbates, fermented ingredients, or high-risk fatty acid esters present. Tea Tree extract actually has documented anti-fungal properties that may further benefit fungal acne-prone skin.
Yes, this mask is compatible with most active ingredients in a well-structured routine. It contains no strong acids or actives that would conflict with retinol, vitamin C, AHA, or BHA. In fact, it works very well as a post-exfoliation or post-retinol calming step — the Centella Asiatica and Allantoin help soothe the inflammation and sensitivity that can follow exfoliant use. Avoid applying this mask immediately after in-office procedures like chemical peels, laser, or microneedling on broken or raw skin — wait until the skin barrier has partially recovered before resuming sheet masking.
This mask is best suited for oily, combination, sensitive, and acne-prone skin types. The lightweight watery gel essence does not add greasiness, and the triple botanical complex (Cica + Houttuynia + Tea Tree) is specifically designed to calm breakouts, purify pores, and reduce redness. It also works well for normal skin as a daily maintenance mask. Those with very dry skin may benefit from following up with a richer moisturizer or facial oil, as the formula leans lighter and hydrating rather than deeply nourishing.
Results vary by concern. Immediate soothing and redness reduction is visible within the first application — most users notice a calming effect during the 10–15 minute masking window itself. With consistent daily use, you can expect reduced breakout frequency within the first week, smoother texture and fewer new blemishes by week 2–3, and meaningful improvement in post-acne dark spots and skin barrier resilience within 4–8 weeks. As with all skincare, individual results depend on skin type, lifestyle, diet, and overall routine consistency.
Apply this mask as the third step in your routine — after cleansing and toning, but before serums and moisturizer. The standard order is: Cleanser → Toner → Sheet Mask (this product) → Serum/Essence → Moisturizer → Sunscreen (AM only). After removing the mask, do not rinse — pat the remaining essence gently into your skin, then proceed with your serum and moisturizer to seal in the benefits. This mask can be used in both your morning and evening routines, and is gentle enough for daily use.
No, this mask has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5 — considered non-comedogenic. The formula does not contain mineral oil, silicones, petrolatum, lanolin, or any high-comedogenic oils or waxes. The emulsifiers used (Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside) are ultra-mild plant-derived surfactants with a comedogenic rating of 0–1. Tea Tree extract additionally helps keep pores clear by reducing C. acnes bacteria activity and excess sebum. This makes it a safe choice for acne-prone skin that is often sensitive to pore-clogging ingredients.
The canister has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months — meaning you should use all 30 sheets within one year of first opening the lid. Since the canister contains 30 individual sheets, daily use would use it up in exactly one month. The pull-out canister design with a hygienic sealed lid helps preserve the essence quality by minimizing air and contaminant exposure between uses. Store with the lid tightly closed in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, and optionally refrigerate for an extra cooling effect and to extend freshness.
Verdict: TheMary & May Cica Houttuynia Tea Tree Calming Mask is one of the most impressive daily-use sheet masks in K-beauty for sensitive, acne-prone, and oily skin. Delivering three evidence-backed botanical actives at a clinically meaningful 10,000ppm each — Centella Asiatica, Houttuynia Cordata, and Tea Tree Extract — it goes far beyond the typical hydrating sheet mask and actively works to calm inflammation, clear blemishes, and repair the skin barrier. The EWG green-grade formula, eco-friendly canister format, fungal acne safety, and pregnancy compatibility make it a rare product that ticks nearly every box. The only notable trade-off is the presence of Parfum and a relatively light finish that very dry skin types may wish to supplement with richer products. At roughly $0.60–$0.73 per mask for daily professional-grade soothing care, this remains one of the best value sheet masks on the market.
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
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Dipropylene Glycol
Fragrance, Solvent, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 1 |
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing, Soothing, Tonic
|
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 0 |
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Hydroxyacetophenone
|
Irritation
|