Green Tea + LHA Deep Pore Rice Cake Cleanser
Green Tea + LHA Deep Pore Rice Cake Cleanser
Product Description
Arencia's bestselling rice cake cleanser, reimagined in an easy squeeze tube. This deep-pore daily face wash pairs gentle, oil-soluble LHA and salicylic acid (BHA) with antioxidant green tea and a soft, mochi-like rice texture โ dissolving sebum, blackheads, and dead skin inside pores without stripping your moisture barrier. A clean, plant-based formula suited to oily, combination, acne-prone, and even sensitive skin.
โจ Texture & Feel
Targeted Pore Care
LHA is oil-soluble, so it sinks into pores to dissolve sebum and loosen blackheads right at the source.
Antioxidant Green Tea
EGCG-rich Camellia Sinensis helps calm redness, control excess oil, and shield skin from daily stressors.
Mochi Rice Texture
A heat-free, traditionally kneaded rice base creates a soft, bouncy lather that lifts impurities gently.
Gentle, Not Stripping
A mild amino-acid surfactant blend cleanses thoroughly while preserving the skin's moisture barrier.
Cleanser + Mask in One
Use daily as a face wash, or leave on for 5โ10 minutes as a deeper weekly wash-off pore mask.
Bakuchiol Boost
A plant-based retinol alternative that supports a firmer, refined, and more revitalized-looking complexion.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Contains salicylic acid, LHA, and bakuchiol. Though it's a low-strength rinse-off, salicylates and the retinol-like bakuchiol mean you should clear it with your OB-GYN or doctor first.
Not malassezia-safe โ it contains glyceryl stearate, coconut acid, and apricot kernel oil that can feed malassezia. Rinse-off contact lowers real-world risk, but strict FA routines should skip it.
Fragrance-free and sulfate-free with soothing allantoin and panthenol. LHA is gentler than standard BHA โ still patch test very reactive skin.
It already contains BHA + LHA, so avoid stacking strong AHA/BHA on the same wash. Fine before vitamin C or retinol routines if you ease in slowly.
No sulfates, parabens, silicones, drying alcohols, or added fragrance โ and no common allergens flagged in ingredient analysis.
Independently listed as cruelty-free and reef-safe, with a plant-based formula in repurposable packaging.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ฟ Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA) โค0.5% Proven
LHA (Lipo-Hydroxy Acid) is a gentler, oil-soluble derivative of salicylic acid. Because it dissolves in oil, it penetrates directly into pores to break down sebum and dead-skin buildup, clearing blackheads and congestion with less irritation than standard BHA.
- Mechanism: Slower, more targeted exfoliation thanks to a larger, lipophilic molecule and lower penetration rate.
- Best for: Blackheads, clogged pores, and uneven texture on oily and combination skin.
๐งช Salicylic Acid (BHA) ~0.5% Proven
A classic beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates inside the pore lining, helping to loosen plugs, reduce blackheads, and keep breakouts in check. At rinse-off levels it boosts the cleanser's pore-clearing power without over-drying.
- Function: Keratolytic exfoliant that targets oil and follicular congestion.
- Concentration: Used at low, wash-off levels (around 0.5%), in line with K-beauty cleanser norms.
๐ต Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Green Tea) Antioxidant Proven
Green tea is loaded with polyphenols like EGCG that calm inflammation, help control excess sebum, and defend skin against free-radical and environmental stress โ a natural fit for oily, blemish-prone complexions.
- Key compound: EGCG, a catechin with documented antioxidant and soothing activity.
- Benefit: Helps offset the potential dryness of acids by reducing irritation.
๐ฑ Bakuchiol ~0.5โ1% Promising
A plant-derived antioxidant often called a "natural retinol alternative." It's associated with firmer-looking, smoother skin and pore refinement, with a far gentler profile than traditional retinoids.
- Studies: Small trials suggest retinol-like improvements in lines and tone with better tolerability.
- Role here: Adds a revitalizing, anti-aging angle uncommon in a basic cleanser.
๐ Rice & Sweet Almond Seedcake (Mochi Base) Base Promising
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract and Hydrolyzed Sweet Almond Seedcake form Arencia's signature kneaded "rice cake" texture. They deliver rice-derived nutrients and a soft, doughy lather that lifts impurities while leaving skin feeling nourished, not tight.
- Tradition: Made via a heat-free kneading process said to preserve ingredient potency.
- Feel: The bouncy mochi consistency is the product's signature sensory hook.
๐ซง Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate & Glycinate Cleansing Proven
This pair of mild, coconut-derived amino-acid surfactants does the actual cleansing. They lift away oil, sunscreen, and light makeup while being far gentler than the sulfates found in many traditional foaming washes.
- Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate: Known for a soft, creamy lather and low irritation.
- Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate: A gentle, mildly alkaline cleanser that rinses clean.
๐ง Glycerin, Panthenol & Allantoin Soothing Proven
A trio of humectant and skin-conditioning agents that offsets the acids: glycerin draws in moisture, panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) supports the barrier, and allantoin calms and softens.
- Glycerin: Listed first on the INCI โ a sign of generous hydration.
- Allantoin & Panthenol: Well-studied soothing actives ideal for reactive skin.
31 ingredients
Glycerin, Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Hydrolyzed Sweet Almond Seedcake, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Coconut Acid, Sodium Isethionate, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Glyceryl Stearate, Xanthan Gum, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Hydrolyzed Wheat Flour, Dextrin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyquaternium-67, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Disodium EDTA, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Allantoin, Panthenol, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Bakuchiol, Asparagus Lucidus Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Hyssopus Officinalis Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Phaseolus Radiatus (Mung Bean) Seed Extract.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use as your cleansing step morning and night. On makeup or heavy-SPF days, oil cleanse first, then follow with this as your second cleanse.
๐ How to Use
Wet Your Face
Splash your face with lukewarm water to prep the skin before cleansing.
Whip Up the Lather
Squeeze a small amount (pea- to almond-size) into wet palms, add water, and rub to create the signature soft mochi foam.
Massage Gently
Massage over the face for 20โ30 seconds, focusing on the nose, chin, and oily zones. Avoid the eye area.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry. Use both morning and evening for daily pore care.
Optional Weekly Mask
For a deeper treatment, apply a thicker layer to damp skin, leave on 5โ10 minutes, then massage and rinse.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin
- You struggle with blackheads, clogged pores, or rough texture
- You want gentle daily chemical exfoliation without harsh scrubs
- You prefer fragrance-free, sulfate-free cleansers
- You like a soft, non-stripping post-cleanse feel
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding (consult your doctor first)
- You follow a strict fungal-acne-safe routine
- Your skin is very dry and wants a purely hydrating cream cleanser
- You're sensitive to salicylates or have an aspirin allergy
- You already use multiple strong acids and risk over-exfoliation
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Controls sebum and clears congestion without over-drying โ a near-ideal match for this formula.
Targets the oily T-zone and blackheads while staying gentle enough for drier cheeks.
LHA and BHA unclog pores and help prevent breakouts; just note it isn't fungal-acne safe.
Fragrance-free with soothing allantoin and panthenol; patch test if your skin is very reactive.
Cleanses gently, but daily acids may be too much โ consider alternating days and a rich moisturizer.
๐ Results Timeline
Immediately Cleaner
Skin feels soft, smooth, and freshly clean without the tight, squeaky after-feel of harsher cleansers.
88% noticedSmoother Texture
Rough patches start to soften and the skin surface looks more refined as gentle exfoliation builds.
71% noticedClearer Pores
Visibly fewer blackheads and less congestion around the nose and chin with consistent daily use.
64% noticedBalanced & Brighter
More even tone, better-controlled oil, and an overall clearer, healthier-looking complexion.
52% noticedโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Genuinely deep-cleans pores and blackheads
- Gentle LHA + BHA exfoliation that doesn't strip
- Soft, non-tight, "baby-soft" after-feel
- Fragrance-, sulfate-, and paraben-free
- Doubles as a wash-off pore mask
- A small amount lathers a lot โ long-lasting value
โ Criticized
- Not fungal-acne (malassezia) safe
- Caution advised in pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Herbal/medicinal scent divides opinion
- Mochi lather takes a little practice
- Daily acids may be too much for very dry skin
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Same gentle BHA pore-clearing in a low-pH gel. No rice, green tea, or mochi texture and less of a "treatment" feel, but it reliably unclogs pores at a lower price.
Triple-acid exfoliation in a solid bar. More exfoliating and less hydrating than Arencia, but excellent value for congestion- and acne-prone skin.
Salicylic acid plus ceramides for texture and barrier support. A Western formula without the K-beauty rice/green tea actives or the signature mochi feel.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Arencia Green Tea + LHA (Featured)
$19.99Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Foam
$19.00COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
$12.00Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Cleanser
$15.00๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the cap closed.
Squeeze tube (150ml)
150ml โ pack in checked luggage, as it exceeds the 100ml carry-on liquid limit.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Use with caution. It contains salicylic acid, LHA, and bakuchiol. While it's a rinse-off with low active levels (which many consider low-risk), salicylates and the retinol-like bakuchiol mean you should clear it with your OB-GYN or doctor before adding it to a pregnancy or breastfeeding routine.
No. It contains glyceryl stearate, coconut acid, and apricot kernel oil โ fatty acids and esters that can feed malassezia. Because it rinses off quickly, real-world risk is lower than with a leave-on product, but anyone following a strict fungal-acne-safe routine should skip it or patch test first.
Yes, with care. It already contains BHA and LHA, so avoid stacking additional strong AHA/BHA on the same wash to prevent over-exfoliation. It works fine as the cleansing step before vitamin C or retinol routines โ just introduce other actives gradually and watch for irritation.
It's best for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin dealing with blackheads, clogged pores, and rough texture. Sensitive skin generally tolerates it well thanks to the fragrance-free, gentle LHA formula, while very dry skin may find daily acids too much and could alternate days.
Skin feels softer and cleaner from the very first wash. Expect smoother texture in 1โ2 weeks, visibly clearer pores in 3โ4 weeks, and more balanced, brighter-looking skin around 6โ8 weeks with consistent twice-daily use.
It's your cleansing step, used morning and night. On makeup or heavy-SPF days, do an oil cleanse first and follow with this as your second cleanse. Afterwards, continue with toner, treatments or serums, and moisturizer (plus sunscreen in the morning).
Low risk โ roughly 2 out of 5. It's a rinse-off cleanser made mostly of low-comedogenic ingredients, and the LHA and BHA actively help keep pores clear. Apricot kernel oil rates around 2 on the comedogenic scale, but its contact time on skin is minimal.
About 12 months after opening (PAO). Keep the cap closed and store it somewhere cool and dry. Discard it sooner if the texture, color, or smell noticeably changes.
Verdict: A standout daily pore cleanser that punches above its ~$20 price. The combination of oil-soluble LHA, salicylic acid, antioxidant green tea, and Arencia's signature mochi rice texture delivers a genuinely deep-yet-gentle clean that fans call a "holy grail." It's ideal for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin chasing clearer pores and smoother texture without stripping. Two caveats keep it from a perfect score: it isn't fungal-acne safe, and the salicylic acid plus bakuchiol combination means pregnant or breastfeeding users should check with a doctor. For most blackhead- and oil-prone complexions, though, it's an easy, well-priced repurchase.
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 3 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 4 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Surfactant, Hair Conditioning, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate
Skin Conditioning, Surfactant, Hair Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
1,2-Hexanediol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|