Green Tea Fresh Sunscreen SPF 50+
Green Tea Fresh Sunscreen SPF 50+
Product Description
Product overview
A lightweight, fast-absorbing chemical sunscreen with SPF50+ PA++++ broad-spectrum protection. Formulated with Green Tea Leaf Water and 7 types of Centella Asiatica to soothe sensitive, redness-prone skin while delivering powerful UV defense without white cast or stickiness.
Green Tea Leaf Water
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water soothes inflammation, regulates oil production, and provides antioxidant protection against environmental stressors.
Texture & feel
SENSORYGreen Tea Leaf Water
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water soothes inflammation, regulates oil production, and provides antioxidant protection against environmental stressors.
7 Types of Centella
Complete Centella Asiatica complex including Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Asiatic Acid, and Madecassic Acid for comprehensive skin soothing and barrier repair.
Sodium DNA (PDRN)
Derived from Heartleaf plant, enhances skin's natural healing process and promotes cellular regeneration for a healthier complexion.
Niacinamide
Multi-functional vitamin B3 that brightens skin, minimizes pores, strengthens the skin barrier, and improves overall skin texture.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEChemical sunscreen formula. While the UV filters used (Ethylhexyl Triazone, DHHB, Tinosorb M) have low systemic absorption and no known endocrine-disrupting effects, mineral sunscreens are generally preferred during pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider.
Not fungal acne safe. Contains Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, and Saccharomyces Ferment which may feed malassezia yeast.
Dermatologist tested and formulated without common irritants. Green tea and centella extracts provide soothing benefits for reactive skin types.
Rating 1/5. No heavy oils or known pore-clogging ingredients. Suitable for acne-prone skin (except fungal acne).
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSCamellia Sinensis Leaf Water High %Proven
Green tea leaf water is rich in polyphenols, catechins, and antioxidants that protect skin from free radical damage while calming inflammation and regulating sebum production.
- Antioxidant: EGCG catechins neutralize UV-induced free radicals
- Anti-inflammatory: Polyphenols reduce redness and irritation
- Sebum Control: Helps regulate oil production without drying
Centella Asiatica Complex (7 Types)Proven
A comprehensive blend of Centella Asiatica extract, leaf extract, root extract, plus four active compounds: Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Asiatic Acid, and Madecassic Acid.
- Wound Healing: Promotes collagen synthesis and tissue repair
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces redness, irritation, and sensitivity
- Barrier Support: Strengthens skin's protective barrier function
Advanced UV Filter SystemProven
Next-generation photostable UV filters providing broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection: Ethylhexyl Triazone (UVB), Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (UVA), Drometrizole Trisiloxane (Mexoryl XL), and Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (Tinosorb M).
- Ethylhexyl Triazone: Highest photo-stable UVB absorption (280-320nm)
- DHHB (Uvinul A Plus): Full UVA range protection (320-400nm)
- Tinosorb M: Hybrid filter that both absorbs and reflects UV
Sodium DNA (PDRN)Promising
Polydeoxyribonucleotide derived from Heartleaf plant that supports the skin's natural regeneration process by promoting cellular repair and improving elasticity.
- Cell Regeneration: Encourages skin's natural healing process
- Anti-aging: Supports collagen production and skin elasticity
NiacinamideProven
Multi-tasking vitamin B3 that brightens, minimizes pores, and strengthens the skin barrier. Works synergistically with the soothing botanicals in this formula.
- Brightening: Fades dark spots and evens skin tone
- Barrier Repair: Increases ceramide synthesis
- Oil Control: Regulates sebum at 4-5% concentration
41 ingredients
Water, Propanediol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Dibutyl Adipate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Niacinamide, Drometrizole Trisiloxane, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Caprylyl Methicone, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Decyl Glucoside, Tromethamine, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Sodium DNA, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply as the final step of your morning skincare routine, before makeup. Works beautifully as a primer base. Reapply every 2 hours during prolonged sun exposure.
How to use
HOW TO USEApply Generously
Use about two finger lengths (approximately 1/4 teaspoon) of sunscreen for the face and neck. Apply 15-30 minutes before sun exposure.
Spread Evenly
Gently spread the product over face, neck, and any exposed areas. Pat lightly to help absorption. The lightweight texture blends seamlessly without white cast.
Reapply Regularly
Reapply every 2 hours during prolonged outdoor activities, or immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel drying.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive or redness-prone skin
- You want a lightweight sunscreen that absorbs quickly
- You dislike heavy, greasy, or sticky sunscreens
- You need a good base for makeup
- You prefer fragrance-free products
- You have oily or combination skin
- You want soothing botanical benefits with your SPF
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You're pregnant and prefer mineral sunscreens
- You need water-resistant formula for swimming
- You prefer mineral/physical sunscreens only
- You have very dry skin that needs richer texture
- You're in the US and prefer FDA-approved filters only
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight, fast-absorbing formula controls shine without clogging pores. Green tea helps regulate excess sebum.
Balances well across different face zones. Hydrates dry areas without adding shine to the T-zone.
Dermatologist tested with soothing centella and green tea. Fragrance-free and gentle on reactive skin.
Provides hydration but may need a richer moisturizer underneath for very dry skin types.
Low comedogenic rating (1/5) and non-greasy finish. Not suitable for fungal acne specifically.
Results timeline
WEEK 4+Instant UV Protection & Smooth Base
Provides immediate broad-spectrum SPF 50+ PA++++ protection. Creates a smooth, non-greasy base perfect for makeup application with no white cast.
100% noticed smooth finishReduced Redness & Calm Skin
Green tea and centella extracts begin to visibly calm inflammation and redness. Skin feels more comfortable and less reactive to environmental stressors.
85% reported less rednessImproved Skin Texture & Tone
With consistent daily use, niacinamide helps improve overall skin texture, minimize pores, and even out skin tone. UV protection prevents new sun damage.
78% noticed brighter skinRatings by platform
500+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Lightweight, watery texture that absorbs instantly
- No white cast on any skin tone
- Excellent primer base for makeup
- Fragrance-free and gentle on sensitive skin
- Soothing green tea and centella extracts
- High SPF 50+ PA++++ protection
- Vegan and cruelty-free formula
- No sticky or greasy residue
Criticized
- Small 45ml size runs out quickly
- Not fungal acne safe
- Chemical sunscreen (not mineral)
- May not be hydrating enough for very dry skin
- Contains UV filters not FDA-approved in US
- Not water-resistant for swimming
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESAlso centella-focused with similar lightweight texture. Includes hyaluronic acid for extra hydration. Slightly more serum-like consistency.
Rice-based instead of green tea. 50ml size offers better value. Slightly dewier finish. One of the most popular K-beauty sunscreens.
Aloe-based formula instead of green tea. Slightly thicker, more moisturizing texture. PA+++ vs PA++++ (slightly less UVA protection).
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDESKIN1004 Centella Sun Serum
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid extreme temperatures.
Squeeze tube with flip-top cap for hygienic, controlled dispensing
Yes, 45ml is under 100ml TSA carry-on limit
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. This is a chemical sunscreen containing UV filters like Ethylhexyl Triazone, DHHB, and Tinosorb M. While these newer filters have low systemic absorption and no known endocrine-disrupting effects according to recent dermatology research, mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) are generally preferred during pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider before use.
No, this sunscreen is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients that may feed malassezia yeast, including Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, and Saccharomyces Ferment. If you have fungal acne, consider alternatives like Purito Centella Green Level Unscented Sun or other FA-safe sunscreens.
Yes! This sunscreen is compatible with most active ingredients. In fact, wearing SPF is essential when using retinol, vitamin C, or chemical exfoliants as they can increase sun sensitivity. Apply your actives first, let them absorb, then apply this sunscreen as the final step of your morning routine. The soothing green tea and centella may help buffer any irritation from actives.
This sunscreen is excellent for oily, combination, and sensitive skin types. The lightweight, fast-absorbing formula won't add shine or feel heavy. The green tea helps control sebum while centella soothes sensitive skin. It's also good for dry skin when layered over a hydrating moisturizer, though those with very dry skin may prefer a richer sunscreen formula.
UV protection is immediate upon application. The soothing and calming effects from green tea and centella can be noticed within 1-2 weeks of daily use. For cumulative benefits like reduced redness, improved skin texture, and brighter skin tone from niacinamide, expect to see noticeable results after 4-8 weeks of consistent daily use.
Apply as the LAST step of your morning skincare routine, after cleanser, toner, serum, and moisturizer. Wait for your moisturizer to fully absorb (about 1-2 minutes) before applying sunscreen. Apply 15-30 minutes before sun exposure. This sunscreen also works well as a makeup primer, so you can apply makeup directly on top after it sets.
This sunscreen has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5, meaning it has minimal pore-clogging potential for most people. It doesn't contain heavy oils or known comedogenic ingredients. However, everyone's skin is different - if you're prone to breakouts, patch test first. Note: while it's low-comedogenic, it's NOT fungal acne safe due to certain emulsifiers and fermented ingredients.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal protection and efficacy. The 45ml tube typically lasts 4-6 weeks with proper daily application (two finger lengths for face and neck). Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to maintain product stability.
Verdict: Dr. Althea Green Tea Fresh Sunscreen is an excellent choice for those seeking a lightweight, soothing chemical sunscreen with powerful UV protection. The combination of green tea and 7 types of centella makes it particularly well-suited for sensitive and redness-prone skin. Its fast-absorbing, fragrance-free formula with no white cast works beautifully under makeup. The main drawbacks are its smaller 45ml size and the fact that it's not fungal acne safe. Overall, it's a solid K-beauty sunscreen that delivers on its promises of gentle, effective sun protection with skin-soothing benefits.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 0 |
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water
Masking, Perfuming, Tonic
|
|
|
| 0 |
Dibutyl Adipate
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Ethylhexyl Triazone
Uv Absorber, Uv Filter
|
|
|
| 1 |
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Opacifying
|
|







