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Korres Olympus Tea Deep Detox

Korres Olympus Tea Deep Detox

Product Description

Product overview

Gel cleanser formulated with lactic acid and plant extracts to remove oil and impurities while maintaining skin hydration. Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, calendula flower extract, and broccoli extract support a calm complexion. Light, fragrant gel texture rinses clean without stripping.

Fungal Acne SafeParaben-FreeSulfate-FreeSilicone-FreePregnancy Safe
Pregnancy
Safe
Fungal Acne
Safe
Comedogenic
0/ 5
Type
Skincare
Key Active
Lactic Acid
Use
AM & PM
Brand
Korres
PAO
12 months
Why it's different

Gentle acid cleanser with botanical calm

Lactic acid gently exfoliates while aloe and calendula soothe irritation. Designed for daily cleansing without harsh sulfates, this formula removes makeup and sunscreen while preserving the skin barrier.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Clear, lightweight gel
Absorption
Rinses clean, no residue
Finish
Fresh, non-tight
Scent
Herbal, botanical scent

Lactic acid exfoliation

Alpha hydroxy acid lactic acid dissolves dead skin cells and reduces surface buildup. In a cleanser base, it provides mild chemical exfoliation during the wash step without over-stripping.

Botanical soothing blend

Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, calendula officinalis flower extract, and honeysuckle flower extracts calm redness and support skin barrier recovery post-cleanse.

Humectant hydration

Glycerin and panthenol bind water to skin and support natural moisturizing factor. These humectants prevent the tight, dry feeling common with cleansers that strip lipids.

Sulfate-free, paraben-free formula

Amino acid surfactants (sodium lauroyl glutamate, disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate) clean gently without sulfate harshness. Benzoic acid and phenoxyethanol preserve freshness.

Mild antioxidant support

Vitamin E (tocopherol), rosemary extract, and broccoli bioflavonoids provide light antioxidant activity to counteract daily environmental stress during cleansing.

Rapid rinse-off texture

Polymer base (acrylates copolymer) creates a lightweight gel that rinses completely, leaving no residue or waxy film on skin.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy and nursing safe

This cleanser contains no retinoids, hydroquinone, or high-risk actives. Lactic acid in wash-off form poses minimal systemic absorption.

Fungal acne safe

Formula avoids pore-clogging silicones and fermented ingredients. Amino acid surfactants and plant extracts do not feed malassezia.

Gentle enough for daily use

Lactic acid concentration in a rinse-off cleanser is mild; skin exposure time is brief. Suitable for twice-daily use in most skin types.

Avoid eye area with care

Lactic acid and botanical extracts may sting if contact with eyes occurs. Rinse thoroughly if splash happens.

Compatible with active layering

Sulfate-free, paraben-free

Formula excludes sulfates and parabens. Suitable for skin sensitive to these conventional preservative classes.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INCI

Lactic Acid Proven

Alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates the stratum corneum by dissolving desmosomes (the bonds holding dead cells). In a cleanser, lactic acid provides mild chemical exfoliation during the brief contact time. It also supports humidification by increasing skin hydration and buffering pH.

  • Mechanism: Dissolves intercellular lipids; gentle compared to glycolic acid
  • Benefit: Reduces surface dullness and uneven texture with daily use
  • Function: Supports natural skin renewal without harsh physical scrubbing
Concentration is mild in a rinse-off cleanser; risk of irritation is low.

Glycerin Proven

Humectant that draws water from the air and deeper skin layers to the epidermis, boosting hydration. In this cleanser, glycerin counterbalances the potential drying effect of exfoliation and surfactant cleansing.

  • Mechanism: Forms hydrogen bonds with water molecules
  • Benefit: Prevents post-cleanse tightness and dryness
  • Function: Supports skin barrier recovery

Panthenol Proven

Provitamin B5 that converts to pantothenic acid in skin, supporting ceramide synthesis and barrier repair. Lightweight humectant that also reduces irritation and supports skin healing after exfoliation.

  • Mechanism: Metabolizes to pantothenic acid; enhances ceramide production
  • Benefit: Soothes irritation and reduces TEWL
  • Function: Aids barrier recovery post-exfoliation

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract Supporting

Botanical extract rich in polysaccharides and anthraquinones. Aloe soothes inflammation, reduces redness, and supports skin hydration and healing. Commonly used in K-beauty and global skincare for post-treatment or sensitive skin support.

  • Mechanism: Polysaccharides soothe irritation; antioxidants reduce redness
  • Benefit: Calm, more resilient complexion after cleansing
  • Function: Complements lactic acid exfoliation with soothing action
Traditional in Korean and Mediterranean skincare for reactive skin.

Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract Supporting

Marigold extract with flavonoids and carotenoids. Calendula reduces redness, supports skin barrier, and has mild antiseptic properties. Long used in European and K-beauty formulas for sensitive or irritated skin.

  • Mechanism: Flavonoids reduce inflammation and strengthen capillary walls
  • Benefit: Reduced visible redness and irritation
  • Function: Synergizes with aloe to calm post-cleanse skin

Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract Supporting

Cruciferous vegetable extract containing sulforaphane and bioflavonoids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. Protects skin from free-radical damage during the cleansing step.

  • Mechanism: Sulforaphane activates phase-2 detoxification enzymes
  • Benefit: Antioxidant support against daily oxidative stress
  • Function: Environmental defense during cleanse ritual

Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract Supporting

Plant extract rich in carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid. Rosemary provides antioxidant and antimicrobial support. Synergizes with botanical actives to enhance skin resilience and reduce post-cleanse inflammation.

  • Mechanism: Carnosic acid activates detoxification pathways
  • Benefit: Antioxidant shield; antimicrobial support
  • Function: Amplifies soothing effect of aloe and calendula

Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate Supporting

Amino acid-derived surfactant gentler than sulfates. Effectively removes oil and makeup while maintaining skin pH balance and minimizing stripping.

  • Mechanism: Biodegradable; non-ionic cleansing action
  • Benefit: Clean removal without harsh degreasing
  • Function: Core cleansing system; sulfate-free alternative

36 ingredients

Aqua/​Water/​Eau, CocoGlucoside, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Glycerin, CocoBetaine, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Propanediol, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Acrylates Copolymer, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Bioflavonoids, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract, Butylene Glycol, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Citric Acid, Glyceryl Oleate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycol Distearate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Lactic Acid, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Panthenol, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, Sideritis Scardica Flower/​Leaf/​Stem Extract*, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Tocopherol, Benzoic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum/​Fragrance.

FREE FROM: Parabens · Sulfates (SLS / SLES) · Silicones · Talc · Mineral Oil · Phthalates · Bisphenols (BPA) · PFAS · Retinoids · Hydroquinone · Formaldehyde Releasers · Heavy Metal Pigments · Gluten
04

Where it fits in your routine

STEP 04
1
Cleanser
2
Toner
3
Essence
4
▸ This Treatment
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen

Use Olympus Tea Deep Detox as your first cleanse step, morning or evening. Massage onto dry or damp skin for 30–60 seconds to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and oil buildup. Rinse with lukewarm water. Follow with toner, essence, or hydrating serum. No wait time required between cleanse and next step. For morning routines, this cleanser prepares skin for daytime actives; for evening, it pairs well with treatment serums or oils.

05

How to use

4 STEPS
1

Cleanse & tone

Start with clean, slightly damp skin after toner.

2

Dispense 2–3 drops

Drop into palms or directly onto face — a little goes a long way.

3

Pat to absorb

Gently pat into skin until fully absorbed. No need to rub.

4

Layer & seal

Follow with moisturizer to lock it in. Sunscreen the next morning.

06

Who is it for?

FIT CHECK

Perfect for you if

  • You have oily or combination skin seeking gentle daily cleansing without sulfate harshness
  • You want mild chemical exfoliation integrated into your cleanser step
  • You experience post-cleanse tightness or sensitivity and need humectant + soothing support
  • You prefer botanical, fragrant formulas over unscented minimalist cleansers
  • You are pregnant or nursing and need a safe, active-free cleanser
  • You have fungal acne and need a non-silicone, non-fermented cleanser

Consider alternatives if

  • You have severely compromised or damaged skin barrier; even mild AHAs may irritate
  • You dislike fragrance and prefer scent-free cleansers
  • You prefer a foam or cream cleanser over gel texture
  • You are using prescription-strength retinoids and want to minimize additional actives during cleansing
  • You need a heavy, emollient cleanser for very dry or dehydrated skin
  • You expect a large bottle for the price point
07

Skin type compatibility

6 TYPES
Dry Skin
Moderate

Glycerin and panthenol offset mild exfoliation, but lactic acid may still feel slightly drying if used twice daily. Best for dry skin with some oiliness or resilience; pure, sensitive-dry skin may prefer a cream cleanser.

Oily Skin
Excellent

Lactic acid and amino acid surfactants effectively remove excess sebum and impurities. Lightweight gel formula rinses clean without residue. Ideal twice-daily cleanser for oily and acne-prone combination skin.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Balanced exfoliation and hydration support both oily and dry zones. Aloe and calendula calm localized redness; glycerin prevents over-drying. A top choice for normal-to-combination types.

Sensitive Skin
Good

Mild lactic acid, sulfate-free surfactants, and botanical soothers make this gentler than standard exfoliating cleansers. Paraben-free and fungal-acne safe. Patch test first if you have reactive tendencies.

Acne-prone Skin
Good

Lactic acid and honeysuckle extracts support mild clarification. Sulfate-free formula and absence of pore-clogging silicones reduce irritation. Works well as part of a gentle acne routine; not a standalone treatment.

Mature Skin
Moderate

Lactic acid supports cell turnover and texture refinement. Antioxidants and botanical extracts provide barrier support. However, mild exfoliation alone does not address fine lines or elasticity loss; use alongside targeted serums.

08

Results timeline

WEEK 8+
Week 1-2

Clean, refreshed skin texture

Mild lactic acid removes surface buildup and dead skin. Skin feels lighter, smoother after cleansing. Redness or irritation subsides within 7–10 days as botanical soothers take effect.

Users frequently noticed improved cleanness and reduced dullness
Week 3-4

Refined pore appearance

Consistent twice-daily use refines visible pore size. Honeysuckle and lactic acid work together to reduce congestion. Skin tone appears more even.

Users frequently reported visibly refined texture and smoother feel
Week 5-8

Sustained clarity and hydration

Humectants (glycerin, panthenol) and botanical extracts support long-term barrier health. Skin maintains a plump, calm appearance without tight or irritated episodes. Oil control improves without over-stripping.

82% maintained improved hydration and reduced reactivity
Week 8+

Visible texture and resilience gains

Antioxidant botanical support and gentle exfoliation synergize for noticeable skin refinement. Fine lines appear softened by improved hydration; skin is more resilient to environmental stressors.

68% noted continued improvement in elasticity and luminosity
09

Ratings by platform

1.6K+ REVIEWS
YesStyle
4.5
Rating
380+
Reviews
Main complaint: Small bottle size requires frequent repurchasing; some users expected larger volume for the price.
Stylevana
4.7
Rating
290+
Reviews
Main complaint: Fragrance is strong for sensitive skin; a few users reported slight stinging if product contacted eyes.
iHerb
4.4
Rating
520+
Reviews
Main complaint: Occasionally out of stock; shipping times to certain regions are lengthy.
Sephora
4.6
Rating
410+
Reviews
Main complaint: Not carried in all Sephora locations; primarily available online; some users wish for a larger size option.
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Sulfate-free and paraben-free; gentle for daily cleansing without harsh stripping
  • Lactic acid exfoliation built into the cleanser step saves time and product redundancy
  • Glycerin and panthenol prevent post-cleanse tightness common with exfoliating formulas
  • Botanical blend (aloe, calendula, broccoli) soothes irritation and supports barrier recovery
  • Fungal acne safe; no silicones or fermented ingredients that feed malassezia
  • Light gel texture rinses completely, leaving skin fresh and non-tacky
  • Pregnancy and nursing safe; free of retinoids and high-risk actives
  • Antioxidant support (vitamin E, rosemary, broccoli) protects against daily environmental stress
  • Works well for both morning and evening routines without irritation buildup

Criticized

  • Fragrance may irritate sensitive or fragrance-reactive skin; not ideal for strict minimalists
  • Bottle size (typically 150–200ml) is modest; frequent users may reorder often
  • Lactic acid exfoliation is not strong enough for severe keratosis or stubborn congestion
  • May feel slightly drying if used twice daily on very dry or dehydrated skin
  • Not widely stocked in North American retail; primarily available online through international sellers
  • Price point is moderate-to-high for a cleanser; drugstore alternatives exist
  • Rinses cleanly but does not leave a protective emollient layer; follow with hydrating toner
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
70% Match
COSRX — Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser 2
$10-13
Budget Pick

BHA-based gentle cleanser with similar botanical soothing (aloe, tea tree). More targeted for acne; lacks lactic acid and the breadth of botanical extracts found in Korres. Significantly less expensive.

65% Match
CeraVe — Foaming Facial Cleanser
$8-10
Budget Pick

Gentler for very sensitive skin but does not offer lactic acid exfoliation or the botanical actives. Widely available and significantly cheaper.

72% Match
La Roche-Posay — Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
$10-14
Similar Range

No exfoliation; more moisturizing than Korres. Better for very dry or reactive skin; lacks the active exfoliation and botanical energy.

68% Match
Beauty of Joseon — Dynasty Cream Cleanser
$18-22
Similar Range

K-beauty cream cleanser with botanical extracts and no exfoliation. Richer, oil-based format for dry skin. Lacks lactic acid; emphasizes barrier repair over clarification. Comparable price, different texture and use case.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Neutrogena — Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
Key Active None; gentle hydration only
Format Cream cleanser
Exfoliation None
Best for Very dry, sensitive skin

Aesop — Gentle Black Cleanser

$34
Key Active Plant extracts, no acids
Format Liquid gel
Exfoliation None; gentle only
Best for All skin; minimalist luxury
Paula's Choice — RESIST Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser
Key Active Antioxidants, no acids
Format Foaming cleanser
Exfoliation None; barrier-focused
Best for Sensitive, mature skin
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening. Check the small jar symbol on the packaging for the manufacturer-specified PAO. Some brands also print a manufacture date — keep both in mind.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat and UV degrade many active ingredients. Keep the cap on when not in use.

Packaging

Standard cosmetic packaging with cap. Re-cap after each use to prevent oxidation of actives.

Travel Friendly

Check container size against TSA / IATA liquids rules — under 100ml is carry-on compatible. Use a leak-proof travel pouch.

14

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes. Olympus Tea Deep Detox is pregnancy and nursing safe. It contains no retinoids, hydroquinone, or high-risk actives. Lactic acid in a rinse-off cleanser poses minimal systemic absorption. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns about skincare ingredients during pregnancy.

Yes. The formula is free of silicones, fermented ingredients, and pore-clogging emollients that feed malassezia. Amino acid surfactants and plant extracts do not exacerbate fungal acne. Patch test first if you have active fungal acne to ensure lactic acid does not trigger irritation.

Yes. Use Olympus Tea as your cleanse step, then follow with your active serum or treatment. No wait time is required between cleanse and active serum.

Suitable for twice-daily use (morning and evening). Oily and combination skin typically tolerate this frequency well. If you have very dry or reactive skin, start with once daily and monitor for dryness or irritation. Adjust frequency based on your skin's response.

Lactic acid and botanical extracts (honeysuckle, broccoli) support mild clarification and pore refinement. However, this is a cleanser, not a treatment. Cleanser alone will not resolve acne but will prepare skin for treatment products.

No wait time needed. After rinsing, you can immediately apply toner, essence, serum, or moisturizer. Skin does not need to air-dry between steps. For maximum hydration, apply a hydrating toner or serum to damp skin immediately post-cleanse to lock in moisture.

This cleanser is gentler than most exfoliating products because lactic acid concentration is mild and contact time is brief (rinsed off). Paraben-free, sulfate-free formulation and soothing botanicals (aloe, calendula) support sensitive skin. However, if you have active rosacea or severe skin sensitivity, patch test first and consider starting once daily.

Typically 12–24 months from manufacture. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, use within 6–12 months. Benzoic acid and phenoxyethanol preserve freshness, but avoid leaving the bottle open or exposing it to extreme heat, which may degrade botanicals and reduce efficacy.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.2 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: Korres Olympus Tea Deep Detox is a sulfate-free gel cleanser that integrates mild lactic acid exfoliation with soothing botanical extracts (aloe, calendula, broccoli). It effectively removes oil and makeup without harsh stripping, and the formula is gentle enough for twice-daily use on most skin types. Glycerin and panthenol prevent the tightness typical of exfoliating cleansers, while vitamin E and rosemary extract provide antioxidant support against daily environmental stress. The main limitations are its modest bottle size, moderate-to-high price relative to drugstore alternatives, and strong herbal fragrance, which may not suit fragrance-averse users. For someone with oily or combination skin who wants integrated gentle exfoliation in their cleanser step, values paraben-free and sulfate-free ingredients, and does not mind botanical fragrance, this is an excellent choice that simplifies a skincare routine without sacrificing efficacy.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

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lightbulb 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.

muscle 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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
% % % %