Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Cream
Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Cream
Product Description
Product overview
A lightweight, barrier-boosting moisturizer infused with 5 types of hyaluronic acid and antioxidant-rich Jeju green tea to deliver up to 100 hours of deep hydration while strengthening your skin's moisture barrier for a healthy, dewy glow.
5 Types of Hyaluronic Acid
Multi-molecular weight HA complex penetrates different skin layers for amplified, deep hydration that lasts up to 100 hours.
Texture & feel
SENSORY5 Types of Hyaluronic Acid
Multi-molecular weight HA complex penetrates different skin layers for amplified, deep hydration that lasts up to 100 hours.
Beauty Green Tea™
Proprietary Jeju green tea with 1.67x more L-theanine than regular green tea, rich in 16 amino acids for soothing hydration.
Green Tea Barrier Complex
Blend of Green Tea Seed Oil + Sugarcane Squalane + Ceramide NP to fortify and strengthen the skin's moisture barrier.
Clinically Proven Results
113% improved moisture barrier strength and 5x hydration boost after just one use in clinical studies.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.
Contains 5 potential triggers including sorbitan isostearate, cetearyl alcohol, and lactobacillus ferment lysate. Avoid if prone to fungal acne.
Formulated with lightweight, non-pore-clogging ingredients. Suitable for most acne-prone skin types.
Dermatologist tested, fragrance-free, and alcohol-free. Contains soothing panthenol and allantoin.
Safe to use with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, and niacinamide. Best applied after water-based serums.
Meets Sephora's Clean standards. Free from parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, sulfates, and formaldehyde-releasers.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTS5 Types of Hyaluronic AcidProven
Multi-molecular weight hyaluronic acid complex provides layered hydration at different skin depths. Includes standard HA, sodium hyaluronate, hydrolyzed HA (smaller molecules for deeper penetration), sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer (long-lasting film), and sodium acetylated hyaluronate (enhanced skin adhesion).
- Mechanism: HA can hold up to 1000x its weight in water, binding moisture to skin cells
- Clinical Data: 5x hydration boost measured after single application
- Penetration: Multiple molecular weights ensure surface and deep-layer hydration
Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) ComplexProven
Triple green tea complex: Seed Oil (moisturizing), Leaf Extract (antioxidant), and Seed Extract (nourishing). Innisfree's proprietary Beauty Green Tea™ contains 1.67x more L-theanine than standard green tea.
- Antioxidant: EGCG catechins neutralize free radicals and protect against UV damage
- Anti-inflammatory: Polyphenols calm redness and irritation
- Amino Acids: 16 amino acids support skin barrier and hydration
Squalane (Sugarcane-Derived)Proven
Plant-derived squalane from sugarcane mimics skin's natural sebum for superior absorption. Lightweight emollient that locks in moisture without greasiness.
- Biocompatibility: Naturally present in human sebum, excellently tolerated
- Occlusive: Creates protective barrier to prevent transepidermal water loss
- Non-comedogenic: Won't clog pores, safe for all skin types
Ceramide NP + Phytosphingosine + CholesterolProven
Skin-identical lipid trio that repairs and reinforces the skin barrier. These three components mimic the skin's natural lipid matrix for optimal barrier function.
- Barrier Repair: 113% improved moisture barrier strength in clinical testing
- Lipid Ratio: Scientifically-backed combination supports healthy skin structure
- Long-term: Continued use strengthens barrier over time
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)Proven
Soothing humectant that attracts and holds moisture while calming irritated skin. Converts to pantothenic acid in the skin.
- Hydration: Penetrates skin and binds water for deep moisturization
- Wound Healing: Accelerates skin repair and regeneration
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces redness and soothes sensitive skin
Madecassoside (Centella Asiatica)Proven
Potent active from Centella Asiatica (Cica) known for its skin-soothing and wound-healing properties. A K-beauty staple for sensitive and irritated skin.
- Anti-inflammatory: Calms redness and irritation
- Collagen Synthesis: Supports skin repair and anti-aging
- Antioxidant: Protects against environmental stressors
44 ingredients
Water / Aqua / Eau, Propanediol, Glycerin, Stearyl Dimethicone, Methyl Trimethicone, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Squalane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Carbomer, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cholesterol, Glyceryl Stearate, Tromethamine, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, Allantoin, Sodium Metaphosphate, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Caprylate, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Madecassoside, Lactic Acid, Dextrin, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Camellia Sinensis Seed Extract, Ceramide NP, Tocopherol, Phytosphingosine, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply as the moisturizing step after serums. Pair with Green Tea Seed Serum for enhanced hydration. Always follow with SPF in the morning.
How to use
HOW TO USEDispense Product
Take a dime-sized amount (about a pea-sized for face, slightly more if including neck) onto your fingertips.
Warm Between Hands
Gently warm the cream between your palms to enhance absorption and activate the ingredients.
Apply to Face & Neck
Smooth evenly onto face and neck using gentle upward and outward motions. Avoid the eye area.
Pat for Absorption
Gently pat skin with fingertips to encourage absorption. Wait 1-2 minutes before applying sunscreen (AM) or sleeping mask (PM).
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dehydrated or dry skin needing intense hydration
- You want a lightweight moisturizer that doesn't feel heavy
- You're looking for a fragrance-free K-beauty option
- You need a pregnancy-safe moisturizer
- Your skin barrier feels compromised or damaged
- You want a dewy, glowy finish
- You prefer clean, vegan skincare
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You prefer a matte finish over dewy
- You need heavy-duty moisture for very dry/mature skin
- You want active anti-aging ingredients like retinol
- You're sensitive to fermented ingredients
- You need a waterproof or very occlusive formula
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIntense hydration with 5 types of HA and barrier-strengthening ceramides. May need additional occlusive in harsh winters.
Lightweight gel-cream texture absorbs quickly. Dewy finish may feel too glowy for very oily skin; use smaller amount.
Balances hydration across different zones without being too heavy or too light. Ideal year-round moisturizer.
Fragrance-free, alcohol-free with soothing panthenol and madecassoside. Dermatologist tested for sensitive skin.
Low comedogenic rating (1/5) and non-greasy formula. However, NOT suitable for fungal acne due to trigger ingredients.
Results timeline
4 WEEKSInstant Hydration Boost
Skin feels immediately plumped and hydrated. 5x hydration boost measured in clinical testing after single application.
100% noticed improvementBarrier Repair Begins
Temporary moisture barrier repair observed in instrumental TEWL (transepidermal water loss) testing.
113% barrier improvementStronger, More Hydrated Skin
Skin barrier feels noticeably stronger. Hydration lasts longer throughout the day. Reduced tightness and dryness.
90% saw stronger barrierVisible Glow & Resilience
Consistent dewy glow. Skin more resilient to environmental stressors. Improved texture and reduced fine dehydration lines.
96% saw lasting hydrationRatings by platform
4K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Lightweight yet deeply hydrating formula
- Absorbs quickly without greasiness or stickiness
- Fragrance-free and gentle for sensitive skin
- Makes skin look dewy and glass-like
- Great value for K-beauty quality
- Works well under makeup
- Clinically-proven barrier strengthening
- Clean, vegan, and cruelty-free
Criticized
- Not fungal acne safe (contains triggers)
- May not be enough for very dry skin in winter
- Jar packaging less hygienic than pump
- Formula has changed over time (some prefer old version)
- Dewy finish may be too shiny for oily skin
- Only comes in one size (50ml)
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSimilar multi-HA formula with sea buckthorn oil. Slightly richer texture. Also contains panthenol and allantoin. More affordable option with excellent hydration.
Drugstore HA gel moisturizer. Lighter texture, water-gel formula. Lacks ceramides and green tea benefits but excellent basic hydration at lower price point.
Ultra-affordable option with HA and amino acids. Thicker, more matte finish. No green tea but includes natural moisturizing factors. Best budget option.
Similar lightweight gel-cream texture with intense hydration. Different hero ingredients (comfrey leaf vs green tea) but comparable results. Higher price point.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Check the jar symbol on packaging for exact PAO.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep lid tightly closed. No refrigeration required.
Glass jar with screw-top lid. Environmentally-friendly packaging. Innisfree offers recycling program through TerraCycle.
Yes, 50ml is under 100ml TSA limit. Compact size fits easily in carry-on toiletry bags.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this cream is considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid (BHA), hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or other ingredients typically avoided during pregnancy. The formula focuses on hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, green tea, and ceramides which are all pregnancy-safe. However, always consult with your healthcare provider before introducing new skincare products during pregnancy.
No, this cream is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains at least 5 potential malassezia triggers including: Sorbitan Isostearate (isostearic acid base), Cetearyl Alcohol (fatty alcohol), Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate (fermented ingredient), Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, and potentially the squalane depending on source. If you have fungal acne or malassezia folliculitis, look for alternatives specifically formulated to be FA-safe.
Yes! This cream is compatible with most active ingredients. It works well as the moisturizing step after applying retinol, vitamin C serums, or chemical exfoliants (AHA/BHA). The hydrating and barrier-strengthening formula can actually help buffer potential irritation from actives. Apply water-based serums first, then this cream, then any oils. When using retinol, you may want to wait 20-30 minutes between your retinol and this cream.
This cream is excellent for dry, combination, normal, and sensitive skin types. It's particularly good for dehydrated skin needing barrier repair. Oily skin types may find it works well in drier months but could feel too dewy in humid weather. It's suitable for all ages and works well for those new to K-beauty. Not recommended for fungal acne-prone skin due to trigger ingredients.
You'll notice immediate hydration and plumpness after the first application. Clinical studies show 113% improved moisture barrier strength and 5x hydration boost after just one use. After one week of consistent use, 90% of users reported stronger, more hydrated skin. For best long-term results including improved texture and sustained dewiness, use consistently for 4+ weeks.
Apply as step 4 in your routine: after cleansing, toning, and serums/essences. It goes before eye cream and sunscreen (AM) or sleeping mask (PM). For the Innisfree Green Tea line, layer the Green Tea Seed Serum first, then this cream. The general rule is thinnest to thickest consistency, so water-based products first, then this cream, then any facial oils.
This cream has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5, meaning it's unlikely to clog pores for most people. It's formulated with lightweight, non-pore-clogging ingredients and has been dermatologist tested. However, everyone's skin is different, so if you're very acne-prone, patch test first. Note: while it's low-comedogenic, it is NOT suitable for fungal acne as it contains malassezia triggers.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for best efficacy and safety. The 50ml jar typically lasts 2-3 months with twice-daily use. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If the product changes color, smell, or texture, discontinue use even if within the PAO period.
Verdict: The Innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Cream is an excellent K-beauty moisturizer that delivers on its hydration promises with clinically-proven results. The 5-type hyaluronic acid complex combined with barrier-strengthening ceramides and antioxidant-rich green tea makes it a standout for dehydrated, dry, and sensitive skin types. At $30 for 50ml, it offers good value compared to competitors like Laneige and Belif. The fragrance-free, vegan formula is pregnancy-safe and works well with actives. Main drawbacks: not suitable for fungal acne-prone skin, and very dry skin may need additional moisture in winter. Overall, a reliable daily moisturizer that earns its cult-favorite status.
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 |
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
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Stearyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Methyl Trimethicone
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning
|
|







