Green Relief Amino Gel Cleanser
Green Relief Amino Gel Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, low-pH gel cleanser formulated with amino acid surfactants and birch sap to deeply cleanse pores while maintaining skin's natural moisture barrier. Clinically proven for sensitive skin with micro-fine bubbles smaller than pore size for thorough yet non-stripping cleansing.
Micro-Fine Bubbles
Bubbles smaller than 200μm pore size penetrate deep into pores to remove impurities without irritation.
Texture & feel
SENSORYMicro-Fine Bubbles
Bubbles smaller than 200μm pore size penetrate deep into pores to remove impurities without irritation.
Amino Acid Surfactants
Coconut-derived amino acid cleansers provide thorough yet gentle cleaning without stripping natural oils.
Barrier Protection
pH-balanced formula (5.0-6.0) maintains skin's natural acid mantle and moisture barrier.
Soothing Botanicals
Birch sap, heartleaf, and ceramides calm irritation while providing lasting hydration post-cleanse.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.
Contains Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride and essential oils. As a wash-off product, risk is minimal but those with severe FA may want to patch test.
Clinically tested and proven safe for sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic formula without artificial fragrances or colors.
Bergamot and clary sage oils provide a subtle natural scent. Photosensitizing bergamot is minimal in wash-off format.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSBetula Platyphylla Japonica Juice (Birch Sap) 10,000ppmProven
White birch sap is rich in amino acids, minerals, and vitamins B and C. Traditionally used in Asian medicine for its healing and strengthening properties.
- Benefits: Provides deep hydration, antioxidant protection, and soothes irritated skin
- Research: Contains natural minerals and trace elements that support skin immunity and resistance to irritants
Amino Acid Surfactants ComplexProven
A blend of Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, and Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate - coconut-derived cleansers that are gentle yet effective.
- Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate: Mild, biodegradable cleanser with excellent foaming and skin-softening properties
- Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate: Amino acid-based surfactant known for gentle cleansing without irritation
- Benefits: Creates fine bubbles that cleanse deep without disrupting skin barrier
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidProven
Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid that penetrates deeply to provide lasting hydration from within.
- Penetration: Smaller molecules reach deeper skin layers compared to regular HA
- Benefits: Prevents post-wash tightness and maintains hydration during cleansing
BetaineProven
A sugar beet-derived amino acid that acts as an osmolyte, helping regulate cellular water balance and protect skin proteins.
- Function: Osmoprotectant that prevents protein denaturation and increases skin stability
- Benefits: Makes cleansers milder while providing moisturizing sensation
Ceramide NPProven
A skin-identical lipid that integrates into the natural barrier to strengthen and protect against moisture loss.
- Function: Reinforces the lipid barrier between skin cells
- Benefits: Prevents irritant penetration and locks in hydration even in a cleanser format
41 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Sodium Chloride, Betaine, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Coco-Glucoside, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Citric Acid, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Phytate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Limonene, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil, Linalool, Dextrin, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Hexylene Glycol, Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract, Ceramide NP, Glyceryl Caprylate, Cynanchum Atratum Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Maltodextrin, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Propanediol, Cichorium Intybus (Chicory) Root Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Extract, Cryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your second cleanser in a double-cleanse routine (PM) or as your only cleanser in the morning. Can be used twice daily.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash your face with lukewarm water to prepare skin for cleansing.
Dispense & Lather
Squeeze a small amount (about a coin size) onto your palm and add water to create a rich foam.
Massage Gently
Apply the foam to your face in gentle circular motions for 30-60 seconds, avoiding the eye area.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with lukewarm water until no residue remains. Pat dry with a clean towel.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin
- You want a gentle cleanser that doesn't strip moisture
- You prefer low-pH, barrier-friendly formulas
- You need a vegan and cruelty-free option
- You have sensitive skin and need clinically tested products
- You want deep pore cleansing without irritation
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry skin that needs cream/oil cleansers
- You're sensitive to essential oils (bergamot, clary sage)
- You have severe fungal acne and need strictly FA-safe products
- You prefer fragrance-free products with zero essential oils
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESEffectively removes excess sebum and deep-cleans pores without over-drying. Refreshing finish that controls shine.
Balances well across T-zone and cheeks. Cleans oily areas while respecting drier zones.
Low comedogenic rating, deep pore cleansing, and soothing botanicals help prevent and calm breakouts.
Clinically proven gentle. However, those extremely reactive to essential oils should patch test first.
Hydrating for a gel cleanser but very dry skin may still feel slight tightness. Follow with rich moisturizer.
Results timeline
6-8 WEEKSClean & Fresh Feeling
Skin feels thoroughly cleansed without the tight, stripped sensation. Pores appear visibly cleaner.
95% noticed immediatelyBalanced Oil Production
Oily skin users report less midday shine. Skin's pH balance improves, reducing irritation and redness.
78% noticed improvementClearer, Calmer Skin
Reduction in breakouts for acne-prone users. Overall skin texture becomes smoother with fewer clogged pores.
72% noticed improvementStrengthened Barrier
With consistent use, skin barrier is reinforced. Skin becomes more resilient to environmental stressors.
65% noticed improvementRatings by platform
475+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Gentle amino acid formula that doesn't strip skin
- Creates luxurious fine bubbles for deep cleansing
- pH-balanced to protect skin barrier
- Vegan and clinically tested for sensitive skin
- Contains beneficial ingredients like ceramides and HA
- Effectively removes makeup and sunscreen
- Leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated
- Affordable K-beauty option with quality ingredients
Criticized
- 100ml size runs out quickly with daily use
- Contains essential oils (may irritate some)
- Not strictly fungal acne safe
- May feel slightly tight on very dry skin
- Subtle herbal scent not for everyone
- Tube packaging less hygienic than pump
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSimilar low-pH concept with tea tree and BHA. Slightly more stripping but larger 150ml size. Contains Betaine Salicylate which Dr. Althea lacks.
Non-foaming cream-gel formula with matcha and hemp seed oil. More hydrating but less effective at removing heavy sunscreen. Great for dry-sensitive types.
French pharmacy option with niacinamide and ceramides. Larger 400ml size is better value. Less amino acid focus but dermatologist-recommended for sensitive skin.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEDr. Althea Green Relief (Featured)
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap tightly closed after use.
Squeeze tube with flip-top cap
Yes, 100ml is under the 3.4oz/100ml TSA limit for carry-on luggage
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this cleanser is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It does not contain any ingredients of concern such as retinoids, salicylic acid (BHA), hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. The formula uses gentle amino acid-based surfactants and is clinically tested for sensitive skin. As always, if you have specific concerns, consult with your healthcare provider.
This cleanser should be used with caution if you have fungal acne. It contains Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (a fatty acid ester) and essential oils (bergamot and clary sage) which may potentially feed malassezia yeast. However, since this is a wash-off product that doesn't stay on the skin, the risk is significantly lower than leave-on products. If you have severe fungal acne, consider patch testing first or choosing a strictly FA-safe alternative.
Yes, this cleanser is compatible with active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. Since it's a wash-off product with a balanced pH of 5.0-6.0, it won't interfere with the efficacy of your treatment products. In fact, its gentle formula makes it an ideal cleanser for routines that include potentially irritating actives, as it won't add additional stress to your skin barrier.
This cleanser is best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. It's also excellent for sensitive skin as it's clinically tested and hypoallergenic. Those with dry skin can use it but may need to follow up with a richer moisturizer as gel cleansers tend to be less hydrating than cream or oil-based options. The low-pH formula makes it suitable for anyone looking to maintain their skin's natural barrier.
You'll feel the immediate effects right after use - clean, fresh skin without tightness. For visible improvements in oil balance and fewer breakouts, most users report noticing changes within 2-4 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. Significant improvements in skin clarity and strengthened barrier function typically appear after 6-8 weeks. Remember, cleansers are foundational products; the real magic happens when paired with a complete routine.
This cleanser goes at step 2 of your routine if you're double cleansing (after oil cleanser or makeup remover in PM), or as step 1 if you're doing a single cleanse (typically in AM). Use it on damp skin, massage into foam, then rinse with lukewarm water. Follow with toner, essence, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only).
No, this cleanser has a very low comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. The amino acid-based surfactants are designed to deeply clean pores without leaving pore-clogging residue. The micro-fine bubbles are actually smaller than average pore size (under 200μm), allowing for thorough pore cleansing. It's formulated to be non-comedogenic and is suitable for acne-prone skin.
The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. Once opened, you should use it within one year for optimal freshness and efficacy. The 100ml tube typically lasts 6-8 weeks with twice-daily use, so you'll likely finish it well before the PAO expires. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain product integrity.
Verdict: The Dr. Althea Green Relief Amino Gel Cleanser is an excellent choice for those seeking a gentle yet effective K-beauty cleanser. Its standout features include the amino acid-based formula, 10,000ppm birch sap, and pH-balanced profile that respects your skin barrier. It's particularly well-suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types who want thorough cleansing without the stripped feeling. While the 100ml size may run out quickly and the presence of essential oils won't suit everyone, the clinical testing, vegan certification, and quality ingredient list make it a solid investment. For those with dry skin or strict fungal acne concerns, alternatives may be more suitable, but for the majority of users, this cleanser delivers excellent value and performance.
Product Overview
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate
Surfactant, Hair Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting, Hydrotrope, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Surfactant, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|
|
| 1 |
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Viscosity Controlling, Emulsion Stabilising, Film Forming
|
|





