Green Tea Cleanser
Green Tea Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
An antioxidant-rich gel cleanser powered by green tea, kiwi, grape seed, and honey extracts that gently dissolves dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping your skin's natural moisture barrier. Created by Dr. James Fulton, co-developer of Retin-A, for all skin types including rosacea-prone and post-procedure skin.
Antioxidant Powerhouse
Green tea polyphenols (EGCG) fight free radicals, protect against UV-induced damage, and reduce inflammation at the cellular level.
Texture & feel
SENSORYAntioxidant Powerhouse
Green tea polyphenols (EGCG) fight free radicals, protect against UV-induced damage, and reduce inflammation at the cellular level.
Acid Mantle Protection
Mild surfactant system preserves your skin's natural acid mantle while still removing dirt, oil, and makeup effectively.
Natural Humectant Blend
Glycerin and honey extract work together as humectants to draw moisture into the skin, preventing post-wash tightness.
Multi-Use Formula
Works as a face cleanser, body wash, shaving gel, and even a gentle shampoo — perfect for minimalist routines and travel.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Free of fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, and fermented ingredients. As a wash-off product, all 13 ingredients are considered safe for fungal acne-prone skin.
Oil-free, rinse-off formula with no pore-clogging ingredients. Rated 0 on the comedogenic scale — extremely unlikely to cause breakouts.
Specifically designed for use on rosacea-prone skin and after cosmetic peels. Anti-inflammatory green tea and honey extracts calm irritation.
Milder than SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate). ALS is a gentler surfactant, though those with extremely sensitive skin may want to patch test first.
Acts as a humectant and penetration enhancer. Generally well-tolerated but rare sensitivities can occur. Patch test if you have a known allergy.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSCamellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf ExtractProven
The star ingredient — loaded with polyphenols (especially EGCG catechins), vitamins C and E, and carotenoids. Provides antioxidant protection, reduces inflammation, and supports collagen formation for healthier, more resilient skin.
- Antioxidant: EGCG neutralizes free radicals and protects against UV-induced oxidative stress
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces redness and calms irritation, beneficial for rosacea and acne
- Sebum Control: Studies show topical green tea extract can reduce sebum production
- Collagen Support: Helps prevent collagen breakdown and promotes new collagen formation
Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit ExtractPromising
Rich in vitamin C and anti-inflammatory enzymes, kiwi extract acts as a collagen booster and provides additional antioxidant protection. Also helps brighten skin tone over time.
- Vitamin C: High natural vitamin C content supports collagen synthesis and brightening
- Enzymes: Contains natural proteolytic enzymes with mild exfoliating properties
- Moisture: Helps boost skin hydration when combined with humectants
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit ExtractProven
Grape extract is rich in polyphenols and proanthocyanidins — potent antioxidants that help tighten skin, fight free radical damage, and combat the effects of UV exposure.
- Proanthocyanidins: Among the most powerful antioxidants found in nature, 20x stronger than vitamin C
- UV Defense: Helps protect cells from UV-induced oxidative damage
- Moisturizing: Provides hydration and nourishment without clogging pores
Honey ExtractProven
A natural humectant with long-lasting hydrating effects and antibacterial enzymes. Honey has been used in wound healing for centuries and provides gentle clarifying properties to the cleanser.
- Humectant: Draws and retains moisture in the skin for lasting hydration
- Antibacterial: Contains natural enzymes that help clarify and protect skin from bacteria
- Soothing: Calms irritation and promotes skin healing
GlycerinProven
One of the most effective and well-studied humectants in skincare. Glycerin attracts water from the environment and deeper skin layers to keep the surface hydrated, preventing the tight, stripped feeling after cleansing.
- Hydration: Clinically proven to improve skin hydration and strengthen the moisture barrier
- Barrier support: Helps maintain a healthy skin barrier by preventing transepidermal water loss
13 ingredients
Water, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Carbomer, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract, Honey Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse AM & PM as the first step of your routine. Pairs well with Vivant's Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 Toner or Skin Nourishing Toner. Can also be used as body wash, shaving gel, or gentle shampoo.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash lukewarm water on your face and neck to prep the skin. Avoid hot water as it can strip natural oils.
Apply Cleanser
Dispense a small amount (about the size of a chocolate chip) onto your fingertips. A little goes a long way with this gel formula.
Massage Gently
Work into a lather and massage in gentle, circular motions across your face, neck, and décolletage for 30-60 seconds.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse completely with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel. Follow immediately with toner and the rest of your routine.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive or rosacea-prone skin that reacts to harsh cleansers
- You want a simple, short ingredient list with proven antioxidants
- You're recovering from a chemical peel or cosmetic procedure
- You need a multi-use product (face wash, body wash, shaving gel)
- You prefer clean, paraben-free, fragrance-free skincare
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe daily cleanser
Consider alternatives if:
- You need a heavy-duty makeup remover (this is gentle, not deep-cleansing for waterproof makeup)
- You prefer a thick, creamy cleanser texture over gel-to-foam
- You want active exfoliating ingredients like AHA/BHA in your cleanser
- You're on a strict budget — more affordable gel cleansers exist at the drugstore
- You have a known sensitivity to ammonium lauryl sulfate
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESGreen tea's natural astringent and sebum-regulating properties help control shine without over-drying. Oil-free gel formula removes excess sebum effectively.
Glycerin and honey extract help retain moisture during cleansing. However, very dry skin may still need a richer, cream-based cleanser or heavier moisturizer afterward.
Balances across the T-zone and cheeks beautifully. Removes oil from the T-zone without stripping dry patches — an ideal daily cleanser for combo skin.
Specifically formulated with sensitive and rosacea-prone skin in mind. Short ingredient list, anti-inflammatory botanicals, and mild surfactant system minimize irritation risk.
Non-comedogenic and oil-free with antibacterial honey extract. Great as a gentle daily cleanser, but won't replace targeted acne treatments with BHA or benzoyl peroxide.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Immediate Comfort
Skin feels clean, soft, and comfortable after the very first wash. No tightness or dryness. The gentle gel-to-foam texture leaves skin refreshed and calm.
90% noticed softer skin immediatelyReduced Redness & Irritation
Anti-inflammatory properties of green tea begin to visibly reduce redness and soothe irritated areas. Skin barrier starts to feel stronger and more balanced.
75% reported less rednessHealthier, Calmer Complexion
Consistent use shows a smoother, more even-toned complexion. Antioxidant protection builds up in the skin, and overall texture improvement becomes noticeable.
70% noticed improved skin textureLong-Term Skin Health
Ongoing antioxidant protection helps maintain healthy collagen, firmer skin, and a natural glow. Best results come from consistent use within a complete Vivant routine.
80% reported overall skin improvementRatings by platform
315+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely gentle — doesn't strip or dry out skin
- Calms redness and soothes sensitive/rosacea-prone skin
- Short, clean ingredient list (only 13 ingredients)
- Multi-use: face wash, body wash, shaving gel, shampoo
- Leaves skin soft, smooth, and never tight
- Founded by the co-developer of Retin-A (science-backed)
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
- A little goes a long way
Criticized
- Price is high for the bottle size ($24 for 4 oz)
- Not strong enough to remove heavy or waterproof makeup
- Runnier/more liquid consistency than expected
- Mixed opinions on the scent (faint medicinal/herbal)
- Limited availability — not in major retail stores
- Contains ammonium lauryl sulfate (milder than SLS, but still a sulfate)
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
K-beauty alternative with green tea plus amino acid complex. Creamier foam texture, uses amino acid surfactants instead of ALS. Contains fragrance and more ingredients (27). Larger 150ml size for almost half the price.
Drugstore gentle cleanser with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Lotion texture (not gel). No antioxidant botanicals like green tea. Much larger 16 oz size. Contains PEGs and polysorbates that may not suit fungal acne-prone skin.
Affordable creamy formula designed for sensitive skin. No green tea or antioxidant extracts. Uses different surfactant system. Larger 12 oz size at a fraction of the cost, but lacks the botanical benefits of Vivant's formula.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration required.
Squeeze bottle with flip-top cap. Simple, functional design for easy dispensing.
Yes — the 4 oz size is TSA-compliant (under 100ml/3.4 oz rule when partially used). Multi-use formula replaces face wash, body wash, and shaving gel for minimal packing.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. The Vivant Green Tea Cleanser contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, or chemical sunscreens — the ingredients most commonly flagged during pregnancy and breastfeeding. All 13 ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy. It is one of Vivant's gentlest products, often recommended as part of pregnancy-safe routines.
Yes. The updated formula (13 ingredients) is free of fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates, and fermented ingredients that feed malassezia yeast. As a rinse-off cleanser, even borderline ingredients have minimal contact time with skin. This makes it a safe daily cleanser choice for those managing fungal acne.
Absolutely. This is a gentle, rinse-off cleanser with no active exfoliants, so it pairs well with any treatment products in your routine including retinol, retinoids (even Vivant's Derm-A-Gel), vitamin C serums, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, and BHA. In fact, Vivant recommends it specifically as the daily cleanser to use when cycling actives to avoid over-stripping.
It's designed for all skin types and works especially well for sensitive, rosacea-prone, combination, and oily skin. It's also recommended for post-procedure recovery (after peels, microdermabrasion, laser treatments). People with very dry skin may want to follow with a rich moisturizer, but the cleanser itself won't worsen dryness thanks to glycerin and honey extract.
You'll feel softer, calmer skin from the very first use. Visible reduction in redness and irritation typically starts within 1-2 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. Overall complexion improvements (smoother texture, healthier glow) become more noticeable after 3-4 weeks. For best long-term results, pair with a complete Vivant routine including toner and corrective serum.
It's Step 1 in both your morning and evening routines. Use it as your primary cleanser before toner, serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). If you double cleanse, use an oil cleanser first to remove makeup/sunscreen, then follow with this as your second cleanser. Vivant recommends the 4-step approach: Cleanse, Tone, Correct, Protect.
No. This cleanser has a comedogenic rating of 0/5. It's oil-free, contains no known pore-clogging ingredients, and is a rinse-off product that doesn't stay on the skin. The formula was developed by Dr. James Fulton, who is also known for his research on comedogenicity and acne. Vivant specifically designs its products to be non-comedogenic.
The cleanser has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. The 4 oz bottle typically lasts 6-8 weeks with twice-daily use on face only, or 3-4 weeks if used as a body wash too. The 8 oz bottle lasts approximately 3-4 months with regular face use. A little goes a long way — you only need about a chocolate chip-sized amount per wash.
Verdict: The Vivant Green Tea Cleanser is a thoughtfully formulated, gentle antioxidant cleanser with an impressively short and clean ingredient list. Created by the co-developer of Retin-A, it delivers genuine anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits through green tea, kiwi, grape seed, and honey extracts — all while being pregnancy safe, fungal acne safe, and non-comedogenic. Its main drawback is the premium price for a relatively small bottle. If your priority is a science-backed, gentle daily cleanser that soothes sensitive or rosacea-prone skin without stripping your moisture barrier, this is an excellent choice. For budget-conscious shoppers, alternatives like Innisfree or CeraVe offer more product per dollar but lack the botanical potency and clean formulation of Vivant.
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 2 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
Surfactant, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|
|
| 3 |
Propylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Skin-Conditioningagent - Miscellaneous
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting, Hydrotrope, Skin Conditioning
|
|