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Green Relief Amino Gel Cleanser

Green Relief Amino Gel Cleanser

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

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.

Vegan Certified Low pH 5.0-6.0 Amino Acid Surfactants Clinically Tested Hypoallergenic Fragrance-Free Formula
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
Caution
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
100ml / 3.38 fl oz
pH Level
5.0-6.0
Formula
Gel-to-Foam
Key Active
Birch Sap 10,000ppm
Tested
Clinically Proven
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Micro-Fine Bubbles

Bubbles smaller than 200μm pore size penetrate deep into pores to remove impurities without irritation.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Light Green Gel
Scent
Light Herbal
Absorption
Instant Rinse
Finish
Clean, Hydrated

Micro-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.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

No retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) - Use With Caution

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.

Sensitive Skin Approved

Clinically tested and proven safe for sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic formula without artificial fragrances or colors.

Contains Natural Essential Oils

Bergamot and clary sage oils provide a subtle natural scent. Photosensitizing bergamot is minimal in wash-off format.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Betula 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
Natural source of vitamins and amino acids that nourish while cleansing.

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

FREE FROM: Parabens, Artificial Fragrance, Artificial Colors, Sulfates (SLS/SLES), Silicones, Mineral Oil, Alcohol (Drying), Animal-Derived Ingredients
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Oil Cleanser
2
This Cleanser
3
Toner
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen (AM)

Use as your second cleanser in a double-cleanse routine (PM) or as your only cleanser in the morning. Can be used twice daily.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet Your Face

Splash your face with lukewarm water to prepare skin for cleansing.

2

Dispense & Lather

Squeeze a small amount (about a coin size) onto your palm and add water to create a rich foam.

3

Massage Gently

Apply the foam to your face in gentle circular motions for 30-60 seconds, avoiding the eye area.

4

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse with lukewarm water until no residue remains. Pat dry with a clean towel.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect 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
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Effectively removes excess sebum and deep-cleans pores without over-drying. Refreshing finish that controls shine.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Balances well across T-zone and cheeks. Cleans oily areas while respecting drier zones.

Acne-Prone Skin
Excellent

Low comedogenic rating, deep pore cleansing, and soothing botanicals help prevent and calm breakouts.

Sensitive Skin
Good

Clinically proven gentle. However, those extremely reactive to essential oils should patch test first.

Dry Skin
Moderate

Hydrating for a gel cleanser but very dry skin may still feel slight tightness. Follow with rich moisturizer.

08

Results timeline

6-8 WEEKS
Immediately

Clean & Fresh Feeling

Skin feels thoroughly cleansed without the tight, stripped sensation. Pores appear visibly cleaner.

95% noticed immediately
1-2 Weeks

Balanced Oil Production

Oily skin users report less midday shine. Skin's pH balance improves, reducing irritation and redness.

78% noticed improvement
3-4 Weeks

Clearer, Calmer Skin

Reduction in breakouts for acne-prone users. Overall skin texture becomes smoother with fewer clogged pores.

72% noticed improvement
6-8 Weeks

Strengthened Barrier

With consistent use, skin barrier is reinforced. Skin becomes more resilient to environmental stressors.

65% noticed improvement
09

Ratings by platform

475+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.3
Rating
150+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some dry skin users report slight tightness after use
iHerb
4.7
Rating
80+
Reviews
Main complaint: Small bottle size for the price
YesStyle
4.5
Rating
45+
Reviews
Main complaint: Shipping times can be long for some regions
Olive Young
4.4
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Wish there was a larger size option available
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • 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
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
$12.00
Budget Pick

Similar low-pH concept with tea tree and BHA. Slightly more stripping but larger 150ml size. Contains Betaine Salicylate which Dr. Althea lacks.

75% Match
Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser
$16.00
Similar Price

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.

70% Match
Toleriane Purifying Foaming Face Cleanser
$15.99

French pharmacy option with niacinamide and ceramides. Larger 400ml size is better value. Less amino acid focus but dermatologist-recommended for sensitive skin.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Size 150ml
Key Ingredient Tea Tree Oil + BHA
Surfactant Type Cocamidopropyl Betaine
pH Level 5.0-6.0
Ceramides No
Vegan Yes
Toleriane Rosaliac AR
Size 400ml
Key Ingredient Niacinamide + Thermal Water
Surfactant Type Coco-Betaine
pH Level 5.5
Ceramides Yes
Vegan No
Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser
Size 120ml
Key Ingredient Matcha + Hemp Seed Oil
Surfactant Type Coco-Glucoside (Gentle)
pH Level 5.5
Ceramides No
Vegan Yes
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap tightly closed after use.

Packaging

Squeeze tube with flip-top cap

Travel Friendly

Yes, 100ml is under the 3.4oz/100ml TSA limit for carry-on luggage

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes, 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.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.3 / 5 ★★★★☆

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

question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 3 ingredient(s):
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Citric Acid Ceramide NP
brightening Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Citric Acid
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
2
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
70% 30%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 30 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 B
Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate
Surfactant, Hair Conditioning
1 A
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting, Hydrotrope, Skin Conditioning
1 B
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Surfactant, Cleansing, Foaming
1 Unknown
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Viscosity Controlling, Emulsion Stabilising, Film Forming
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS