Hydrating Cleansing Foam with Green Tea
Hydrating Cleansing Foam with Green Tea
Product Description
Product overview
A creamy, richly lathering daily face wash from innisfree powered by Jeju Island green tea water and extract. This classic Korean cleansing foam whisks away dirt, excess oil, and sunscreen while glycerin and green tea antioxidants help maintain the skin's natural moisture balance — leaving skin soft, clean, and refreshed without that tight, stripped feeling.
Jeju Green Tea Water
Sourced from innisfree's Jeju Island tea fields, rich in catechins and amino acids for antioxidant protection.
Texture & feel
SENSORYJeju Green Tea Water
Sourced from innisfree's Jeju Island tea fields, rich in catechins and amino acids for antioxidant protection.
Creamy Rich Lather
A pea-sized amount whips into dense, creamy foam that covers the entire face — a little goes a long way.
Hydrating Cleanse
Glycerin (2nd ingredient) helps retain moisture so skin doesn't feel tight or squeaky after rinsing.
Budget-Friendly Classic
One of K-beauty's most beloved entry-level cleansers — proven formula at an accessible price point.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Green tea polyphenols are considered topically safe during pregnancy.
Contains fatty acids (myristic, lauric, palmitic, stearic) that may feed malassezia. Rinse thoroughly and avoid if prone to malassezia folliculitis.
As a rinse-off cleanser, safe to use in routines with retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, AHA, and BHA treatments.
Parfum and denatured alcohol appear low on the INCI, but very sensitive or reactive skin types should patch-test first.
A traditional soap-based foam. Effective at removing sunscreen and sebum, but dry or compromised skin may prefer a low-pH option.
No animal-derived ingredients and not tested on animals. Free from parabens, SLS/SLES sulfates, mineral oil, and phthalates.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSCamellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Water ~1-3%Proven
Innisfree's signature ingredient — green tea water sourced from their Jeju Island fields. Used here in place of some of the water, it delivers polyphenols (EGCG), catechins, and amino acids directly into the formula.
- Research: EGCG from green tea is a well-studied antioxidant shown to neutralize free radicals and help protect skin from oxidative stress (Katiyar & Elmets, 2001).
- Benefit: Provides gentle antioxidant protection during cleansing and contributes to the formula's signature fresh scent.
Glycerin ~5-10%Proven
Listed 2nd on the INCI — a very high position for a rinse-off cleanser. This humectant draws water into the upper layers of skin, which is why the formula rinses without that squeaky-tight feeling.
- Research: Glycerin is one of the most studied humectants in dermatology, shown to improve stratum corneum hydration and barrier function.
- Role here: Offsets the potentially drying effect of soap-based surfactants, giving the "hydrating" feel the product is named for.
Myristic + Lauric + Palmitic + Stearic Acid ~15-25% combinedProven
The four fatty acids form the main cleansing base. When combined with potassium hydroxide, they saponify (turn into soap) in the tube — this is a traditional Korean "gentle soap" foam cleanser.
- How it works: Fatty acid + alkali = potassium soap salts that grab oil and rinse clean with water.
- Result: A dense, rich, stable lather that effectively removes sunscreen, sebum, and dirt.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf & Root Extract <1%Promising
In addition to the green tea water, concentrated leaf and root extracts appear lower on the ingredient list. The root extract contains natural saponins that support the foaming action.
- Source: Jeju Island volcanic-soil-grown green tea.
- Benefit: Adds polyphenols with potential soothing and antioxidant properties, though contact time on skin is brief as a rinse-off.
Lauryl Glucoside ~1-3%Proven
A mild, plant-derived (coconut + glucose) non-ionic surfactant added to soften the cleansing action. It's 100% biodegradable and helps create milder overall cleansing compared to pure soap.
- Role: Complements the fatty-acid soap base with a gentler, sugar-derived surfactant.
- Benefit: Generally well-tolerated and considered non-irritating to most skin types.
Propanediol + Butylene Glycol ~2-4%Proven
A pair of humectants and solvents that help stabilize the formula, carry the green tea actives, and provide supplementary hydration to counteract soap-based drying.
- Function: Act as carriers, humectants, and mild conditioning agents — considered safe and well-tolerated.
25 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Stearic Acid, PEG-32, Potassium Hydroxide, Palmitic Acid, Lauric Acid, Lauryl Glucoside, Propanediol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Parfum, Polyquaternium-7, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Lactic Acid, Alcohol, Camellia Sinensis Root Extract, Phenoxyethanol.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse morning and night. In the evening, use after an oil cleanser (double cleanse) to remove sunscreen and makeup. In the morning, use alone or follow with just water.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash lukewarm water over your face — not hot, which can compromise the skin barrier.
Dispense a Pea-Sized Amount
Squeeze a small amount (about the size of a chickpea) into wet palms. A little goes a long way.
Work Into Rich Lather
Rub palms together with a little water until you've built a dense, creamy foam.
Massage Gently
Apply the lather to your face in circular motions for 30–60 seconds, avoiding the eye area.
Rinse & Pat Dry
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel. Follow with toner immediately.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You like a classic foam cleanser with a rich, satisfying lather
- You have normal, combination, or oily skin
- You double-cleanse and need a second-step water cleanser
- You wear sunscreen daily and need it fully removed
- You're new to K-beauty and want an affordable starter cleanser
- You prefer vegan, cruelty-free formulas
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry, eczema-prone, or highly sensitive skin
- You strictly avoid fragrance in skincare
- You follow a fungal-acne-safe routine
- You prefer low-pH cleansers (this is alkaline, ~pH 9)
- You react to denatured alcohol in leave-on products (less of a concern here since rinse-off)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThe soap-based lather effectively removes excess sebum, sunscreen, and grime without feeling harsh.
Balances cleansing power with glycerin hydration — clears the T-zone without parching the cheeks.
An easy, pleasant daily driver — thorough cleanse, refreshing scent, and soft afterfeel.
Glycerin helps, but the alkaline soap base may still feel slightly tight on very dry skin. Follow immediately with toner.
Generally well tolerated, but contains parfum and alcohol. Reactive skin should patch-test first.
Low comedogenic risk, but fatty acids make it unsuitable for malassezia (fungal acne) sufferers.
Results timeline
4–8 WEEKSClean, Soft, Refreshed Skin
After the first rinse, skin feels thoroughly clean but not squeaky — the hallmark of a well-buffered soap cleanser. The light green tea scent lingers briefly.
92% noticedComfortable Twice-Daily Use
Skin adjusts to the pH. Most users report no tightness when following with a toner and moisturizer, and sunscreen removal feels effortless.
85% noticedSmoother Texture, Clearer Pores
Consistent removal of sebum and sunscreen buildup tends to show up as fewer congestion bumps and more even tone.
68% noticedA Reliable Routine Staple
One 150 ml tube generally lasts 2–3 months with twice-daily use — earning it "holy grail cleanser" status for many long-term users.
74% noticedRatings by platform
29K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Dense, luxurious, creamy lather
- Removes sunscreen and excess sebum effectively
- Doesn't leave skin feeling stripped or squeaky
- Pleasant, light green-tea scent
- Excellent value — a little goes a long way
- Vegan, cruelty-free, free from sulfates and parabens
- Widely available at Sephora, Ulta, Amazon, Olive Young
- Beginner-friendly K-beauty staple since 2009
Criticized
- Alkaline pH (~9) — not for low-pH devotees
- Contains fragrance (parfum) and denatured alcohol
- Contains fatty acids — not fungal-acne safe
- Can feel slightly drying on very dehydrated skin
- Green tea extract is likely at a low concentration
- Formula has been reformulated multiple times — regional variations exist
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Same fatty-acid-soap base and creamy lather at a slightly lower price. Rice water replaces green tea as the hero — brightening focus instead of antioxidant.
Innisfree's own in-house variation. Same foaming base with a different botanical twist — softer, slightly less fragrant, brighter scent.
Gentler, lower pH (6.5) and fragrance-free alternative for sensitive skin. Less "squeaky clean" but far more barrier-friendly.
Western-pharmacy alternative — gentler surfactants plus ceramides, but lacks the creamy K-beauty lather experience and green tea botanical.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening — use the full tube within a year of first use.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme heat. Close the cap tightly after each use.
Squeezable plastic tube with flip cap — hygienic and easy to dose. Recyclable via innisfree's TerraCycle program.
The 150 ml size exceeds the 100 ml carry-on limit — pack in checked luggage or decant into a travel container.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this cleanser is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids (like retinol or retinyl palmitate), no salicylic acid, no hydroquinone, and no chemical sunscreen filters — the main ingredient categories usually flagged during pregnancy. Green tea polyphenols applied topically are widely regarded as safe. That said, if you have any concerns, always consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist before adding a new product during pregnancy.
No — this cleanser is not fungal-acne safe. It contains multiple medium-chain fatty acids (myristic, lauric, palmitic, and stearic acid) that can feed the malassezia yeast responsible for fungal acne. Because this is a rinse-off product, contact time is limited and many fungal-acne-prone users tolerate it fine, but if you have confirmed malassezia folliculitis and strictly follow an FA-safe routine, opt for a cleanser formulated without fatty acids — for example, COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser.
Yes, absolutely. As a rinse-off cleanser, this product stays on your skin for under a minute before being washed away, so there's no meaningful interaction with actives you apply afterward. It pairs well with retinol, vitamin C serums, niacinamide, AHA/BHA exfoliants, and peptides. The only note: the formula's alkaline pH briefly raises skin pH, so wait 1–2 minutes after cleansing before applying low-pH actives for optimal absorption.
It's best suited for normal, combination, and oily skin thanks to its soap-based foaming action that effectively removes sebum and sunscreen. Dry or dehydrated skin types may find it slightly stripping — in that case, always follow immediately with a hydrating toner and moisturizer. Sensitive skin users can use it, but should patch-test first since the formula contains parfum and a small amount of denatured alcohol.
Results are mostly immediate — clean, soft, refreshed skin after the very first wash. Over 2–4 weeks of consistent twice-daily use, you'll typically notice smoother texture, fewer congestion bumps, and a more even, balanced complexion. Remember, though, a cleanser's primary job is to clean — the bulk of "results" in K-beauty routines come from the toners, essences, serums, and moisturizers that follow.
It's the second step in a classic Korean double-cleansing routine. In the evening, first use an oil-based cleanser to break down sunscreen and makeup, then use this foam cleanser to wash away residue and water-based impurities. In the morning, you can use it alone as the first and only cleanser, or simply rinse with water if your skin is very dry. Always follow with toner, essence/serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM).
No, clogging pores is very unlikely. The comedogenic rating is approximately 2/5 on a standard 0–5 scale. While some individual fatty acids (like lauric and myristic acid) have higher comedogenic ratings on paper, they are saponified into soap in this formula and are rinsed off within a minute — so they don't sit on the skin long enough to realistically block pores. Most acne-prone users tolerate it well.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months — check the small open-jar symbol on the packaging marked "12M." For most users with daily AM and PM use, one 150 ml tube lasts approximately 2–3 months, so you'll comfortably finish it well within the safe-use window. Store upright in a cool, dry place, close the cap tightly after each use, and avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or a hot shower for extended periods.
Verdict: The innisfree Green Tea Hydrating Cleansing Foam is a K-beauty classic for good reason — a creamy, thoroughly cleansing daily foam wash at an unbeatable price point. Jeju green tea water plus a generous dose of glycerin balances the soap-based lather so skin feels clean but never stripped. It's an ideal pick for normal, combination, and oily skin looking for an affordable, vegan, cruelty-free everyday cleanser. Dry-skin, sensitive, or fungal-acne-prone users may prefer a lower-pH, fragrance-free alternative like COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser or Etude House SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser.
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 2 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
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Myristic Acid
Perfuming, Fragrance, Emulsifying, Opacifying, Sufactant
|
|
|
| 1 |
Stearic Acid
Masking, Fragrance, Emulsion Stabilising, Emulsifying, Sufactant, Refatting, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 0 |
PEG-32
Humectant, Solvent
|
|