Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Product Description
A lightweight, fast-absorbing hydrating serum from innisfree that pairs five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid with Jeju Island green tea antioxidants, niacinamide, and stable vitamin C to deeply hydrate, soothe, and visibly brighten skin in a single step.
โจ Texture & Feel
Deep Multi-Layer Hydration
Five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid hydrate every layer of the upper skin, while encapsulated HA is reported to be up to 5ร more absorbent than standard HA.
Jeju Green Tea Antioxidants
Camellia sinensis leaf extract and EGCG help neutralise free radicals and calm daily environmental stress on the skin.
Brightening Duo
Around 2% niacinamide plus a stable vitamin C derivative (3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid) help even tone and boost radiance.
Microbiome Support
Lactobacillus ferment lysate (a postbiotic) helps support a balanced, resilient skin barrier over time.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
No retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical UV filters. Core actives like HA, niacinamide and panthenol are widely considered pregnancy-friendly โ always confirm with your doctor.
Contains green tea seed oil, fermented lysate, hydrogenated lecithin and sorbitan esters that can feed malassezia. Not recommended if you are actively managing fungal acne.
This variant lists Alcohol Denat. high in the formula plus Parfum, Linalool and Limonene. Reactive or very sensitive skin should patch test before full use.
Plays well with most routines and makes a good hydrating buffer before retinol. Avoid stacking with strong exfoliating acids in the very same step.
Lightweight oils (squalane and green tea seed oil) sit low on the comedogenic scale, rated around 1/5, so clogging risk is minimal for most users.
Free from parabens, silicones and sulfates, and formulated without mineral oil. Reef-safe with no chemical UV filters.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ง Hyaluronic Acid Complex (5 weights) <1% Proven
This serum layers five forms of HA โ hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer and sodium acetylated hyaluronate โ so different molecular sizes hydrate at different depths of the upper skin.
- Source: Hyaluronic acid is a humectant naturally present in skin that binds water and supports a plump, smooth surface.
- Brand testing: innisfree reports up to 72 hours of long-lasting hydration and a 71% hydration boost after a single use.
โจ Niacinamide ~1.4โ2.1% Proven
A well-studied, multi-tasking form of vitamin B3 that supports the skin barrier, helps regulate oil, and gradually evens tone and the look of pores.
- Source: Independent ingredient analyses estimate this formula at roughly 1.4โ2.1% niacinamide โ a meaningful, well-tolerated level.
- Benefit: Solid evidence links niacinamide to improved barrier function, reduced pigmentation marks and better tone.
๐ต Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) + EGCG Antioxidant Promising
Green tea leaf extract and its key polyphenol, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), are the brand's signature Jeju Island actives, valued for their soothing and antioxidant properties.
- Source: Green tea polyphenols are studied for helping neutralise free radicals and calm visible irritation.
- Heritage: innisfree grows its green tea on a sustainable farm on Jeju Island.
๐ 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (Stable Vitamin C) Low % Promising
A more stable, less irritating vitamin C derivative that supports a brighter, more even-looking complexion as part of the overall antioxidant blend.
- Source: This derivative is more shelf-stable than pure ascorbic acid but generally works best at higher concentrations than the modest level here.
- Role: Adds a gentle brightening angle rather than acting as a high-strength vitamin C treatment.
๐ก๏ธ Panthenol + Allantoin Soothing Proven
A classic barrier-soothing duo. Panthenol (provitamin B5) supports hydration and barrier repair, while allantoin calms and conditions the skin.
- Source: Both are widely used, well-tolerated actives proven to help reduce the feeling of irritation and support comfort.
๐ฟ Squalane + Green Tea Seed Oil Emollient Promising
Lightweight emollients that soften the surface and help seal in moisture without a heavy, greasy feel.
- Source: Squalane mimics skin's own lipids and is non-comedogenic; green tea seed oil adds fatty acids and antioxidants.
48 ingredients
Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., 1,2-Hexanediol, Trehalose, Niacinamide, Betaine, Saccharide Isomerate, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sorbitan Olivate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Panthenol, Allantoin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Tromethamine, Ceratonia Siliqua Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Dextrin, Theobroma Cacao Extract, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Linalool, Limonene, Poloxamer 235, Sucrose, Lactic Acid, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Ethoxydiglycol, Tocophersolan, Poloxamer 338, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply after toner on slightly damp skin and before heavier creams. In the morning, always finish with sunscreen โ green tea antioxidants support your skin but never replace SPF.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse & Tone
Start on freshly cleansed, slightly damp skin to help the serum absorb better.
Dispense
Apply 3โ4 drops (or 1โ2 pumps) into your palm or directly onto the face.
Press In
Gently pat across the face and neck until absorbed; avoid hard rubbing.
Seal
Follow with a moisturiser to lock in hydration, and add SPF in the morning.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You want lightweight, layerable hydration for oily or combination skin
- You like multi-tasking serums (HA + niacinamide + antioxidants) in one step
- You want a dewy, glass-skin finish that absorbs quickly
- You're after affordable K-beauty with refillable, eco-friendly packaging
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You are actively managing fungal acne (malassezia)
- Your skin reacts to fragrance or denatured alcohol
- You want a strictly fragrance-free, minimalist formula
- You need a rich cream for very dry or mature skin
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Watery gel sinks in fast with no greasy residue or added shine.
Balances hydration across the oilier T-zone and drier cheeks.
An easy everyday hydrator that layers happily under anything.
Hydrating, but best topped with a richer moisturiser to fully lock it in.
Soothing actives are great, but the added fragrance and alcohol make a patch test essential.
๐ Results Timeline
Instant Hydration
Skin feels noticeably plumper and softer right away as the multi-weight HA draws in water.
~100% noticed (brand test)Smoother, Dewier Texture
The surface looks more even and refreshed as consistent hydration settles in.
~85% noticedBrighter, More Even Tone
Niacinamide and the vitamin C derivative begin to visibly even tone and boost radiance.
~70% noticedStronger, Calmer Barrier
Postbiotics and antioxidants support a more resilient, balanced and comfortable barrier.
~65% noticedโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Five molecular weights of HA for deep, lasting hydration
- Multi-tasking: niacinamide, vitamin C and antioxidants in one step
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing, dewy finish loved by oily/combo skin
- Great value (~$30 for 80ml) with refillable, eco-friendly packaging
- Strong ~4.6/5 average across major retail platforms
โ Criticized
- This variant contains fragrance + denatured alcohol
- Not fungal-acne (malassezia) safe
- May not be rich enough on its own for very dry skin
- Formula differs by region (the US version is fragrance-free)
- Dropper can dispense more than needed
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Also uses five weights of HA and is fragrance-free, but skips the green tea antioxidants, niacinamide and vitamin C extras.
Reliable HA + panthenol hydration with a minimalist formula, but lacks the antioxidant and brightening actives.
Pure hydration only โ no green tea, niacinamide or vitamin C, and a slightly tackier finish.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
innisfree Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Serum (Featured)
$30.00Torriden DIVE-IN Serum
$15.00COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Essence
$25.00The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
$8.90๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the cap closed tightly.
Bottle with dropper/pump dispenser โ refillable to reduce packaging waste.
Yes โ at 80ml it's under the 100ml carry-on liquid limit.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical UV filters, and its core actives โ hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, panthenol and green tea โ are widely considered pregnancy-friendly. The main thing to note is the added fragrance and denatured alcohol, which some prefer to avoid during pregnancy. As with any product, confirm with your doctor or OB-GYN.
No. The formula contains green tea seed oil, lactobacillus ferment lysate, hydrogenated lecithin and sorbitan esters, several of which can feed malassezia. If you are actively managing fungal acne, a stripped-back HA serum like Torriden DIVE-IN is a safer choice.
Yes, with care. It makes an excellent hydrating buffer before retinol, and the niacinamide complements it well. It already contains a gentle vitamin C derivative, so no separate vitamin C is needed. With AHAs or BHAs, apply your acid first, let it settle, then layer this serum โ avoid mixing them in the exact same step on very sensitive skin.
It shines on oily, combination and normal skin thanks to its lightweight, fast-absorbing, dewy finish. Dry skin will enjoy it under a richer moisturiser, while very sensitive skin should patch test first because of the fragrance and alcohol.
Hydration is immediate โ skin feels plumper after the first use, and the brand reports up to 72 hours of hydration. Smoother texture typically shows within about a week, while brightening and tone benefits from niacinamide and vitamin C usually become visible around the 4-week mark with consistent use.
After cleansing and toner, and before heavier creams. Apply it to slightly damp skin, pat it in, then seal with moisturiser. In the morning, always finish with sunscreen.
It's low-risk, rated around 1/5. The oils it uses โ squalane and green tea seed oil โ sit low on the comedogenic scale, and the texture is lightweight, so clogging is unlikely for most people. (This is separate from fungal-acne safety, where it does not pass.)
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Use it within a year of opening, store it cool and dry, and keep the cap closed to preserve the antioxidants and vitamin C.
Verdict: An outstanding-value K-beauty hydrator that does far more than its "green tea" name suggests โ five weights of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, a stable vitamin C and Jeju green tea antioxidants in one lightweight, refillable 80ml bottle. It loses half a star only because this variant's added fragrance and denatured alcohol make it less suitable for very sensitive or fungal-acne-prone skin. For oily, combination and normal skin chasing a dewy, glass-skin glow, it's an easy daily staple.
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 skinโs 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 ยซpromisesยป 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 6 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 6 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 8 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting 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 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Alcohol Denat.
|
|
|
| 1 |
1,2-Hexanediol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|