Matcha Oat Gentle Cleanser
Matcha Oat Gentle Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
True to Skin Matcha Oat Gentle Cleanser is a low-pH, gel-textured facial wash powered by real green tea leaves, colloidal oat extract, hydrolyzed collagen, and 17+ soothing botanicals. This non-soap, sulfate-free formula gently dissolves dirt, sunscreen, and lightweight makeup without stripping the skin barrier — leaving the face calm, hydrated, and soft. Specifically formulated for sensitive, acne-prone, and reactive skin.
Real Green Tea Leaves
Visible matcha flakes deliver EGCG antioxidants that neutralize pollution-related free radicals and calm reactive skin.
Texture & feel
SENSORYReal Green Tea Leaves
Visible matcha flakes deliver EGCG antioxidants that neutralize pollution-related free radicals and calm reactive skin.
Colloidal Oat Extract
Avenanthramides reduce redness and reinforce the skin barrier — clinically proven to soothe eczema and irritation.
Heart Leaf (Houttuynia)
A K-beauty favorite known for anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that target acne and post-blemish redness.
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Smaller peptide fragments deposit a lightweight conditioning film during the rinse, preventing the dreaded post-cleanse "tight" feeling.
Triple Grape Antioxidants
Seed, skin, and leaf extracts deliver resveratrol and polyphenols for environmental defense.
Amino Acid Surfactants
Five mild, biodegradable cleansing agents (no SLS, no SLES) clean effectively while respecting the acid mantle.
Safety & compatibility
SAFESalicylic acid is present at only 0.01% — well below the 2% cosmetic threshold flagged by dermatologists. The brand explicitly markets this product as safe for pregnant and nursing mothers.
Contains PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate (an oleate ester) and trace polysorbate-style emulsifiers. Because it is a rinse-off product, contact time is minimal — most users tolerate it, but strict FA sufferers may want to patch test.
No high-comedogenic oils, butters, or coconut derivatives left on the skin. Wash-off format minimizes pore-clogging risk.
Compatible with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, niacinamide, and peptides as a cleansing first step — neutral pH won't deactivate sensitive ingredients applied afterward.
Free from fragrance, essential oils, drying alcohols, sulfates, parabens, dyes, and silicones. Includes calming panthenol, allantoin, and licorice.
Certified Halal by MUI, BPOM-registered (Indonesia's FDA equivalent), and never tested on animals.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSCamellia Sinensis Leaf (Matcha) ≈0.5%Proven
The hero ingredient — visible green tea leaf particles infused with EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), one of the most potent natural antioxidants studied in dermatology.
- Archives of Dermatology (2003): Topical EGCG demonstrated photoprotective and anti-inflammatory action against UV-induced skin damage.
- Journal of Investigative Dermatology: Polyphenols in green tea inhibit sebum oxidation, a primary trigger of inflammatory acne.
Avena Sativa (Colloidal Oat) Kernel Extract 1–2%Proven
An FDA-recognized skin protectant. Avenanthramides bind water to the skin, calm itching, and reduce histamine response — making this one of the few botanicals approved for atopic dermatitis.
- Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (2015): Colloidal oatmeal significantly reduced itch and erythema in eczema patients within two weeks.
- FDA Monograph: Recognized as a Category I (safe and effective) skin protectant.
Houttuynia Cordata (Heart Leaf) Extract ≈1%Promising
A K-beauty staple gaining global recognition for its anti-inflammatory flavonoids, particularly quercitrin and isoquercitrin, which calm acne-prone and reactive skin.
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2017): Houttuynia extract demonstrated anti-acne activity by suppressing inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α.
Potassium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen ≈3–5%Proven
A double-duty ingredient — both an ultra-gentle amino acid surfactant and a moisturizing peptide. Drives the formula's "non-stripping" performance.
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science: Hydrolyzed collagen-based surfactants showed lower transepidermal water loss (TEWL) than sulfate cleansers.
Glycerin + Sodium Hyaluronate 3–5%Proven
Two of the most studied humectants in skincare. They draw moisture into the upper epidermis, mitigating the dehydration commonly caused by cleansing.
- Dermatology Research & Practice (2019): Even at low concentrations in rinse-off products, glycerin reduces post-wash tightness and improves barrier recovery.
Salicylic Acid 0.01%Promising
A microdose of BHA — far below treatment-level concentration. At this level it functions more as a preservative booster and gentle daily refresher than as an active exfoliant.
- Note: 0.01% will not deliver the keratolytic effects of a 0.5–2% BHA serum. Pair with a dedicated BHA product if exfoliation is the goal.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Leaf Extract ≈0.5%Proven
Contains glabridin and licochalcone A — two compounds with documented melanin-suppressing and anti-inflammatory effects, useful for fading post-acne marks (PIH).
- Phytotherapy Research: Licorice root extracts inhibit tyrosinase activity, reducing hyperpigmentation comparably to hydroquinone in some trials.
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) + Allantoin 1–2%Proven
A classic soothing duo. Panthenol converts to pantothenic acid in the skin, supporting barrier repair, while allantoin promotes desquamation and softens rough texture.
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology: 5% panthenol significantly accelerated barrier recovery after surfactant-induced damage.
38 ingredients
Water, Potassium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen, Glycerin, Acrylates Copolymer, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Butylene Glycol, Decyl Glucoside, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Pentylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Panthenol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Leaf Extract, Triethanolamine, Clitoria Ternatea Flower Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract, Capryloyl Glycine, Sarcosine, Citrus Junos Seed Extract, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Seed, Salicylic Acid 0.01%, Fragaria Chiloensis (Strawberry) Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Skin Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Leaf Extract, Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract, Propanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Chlorphenesin, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Camellia Sinensis Leaf.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse morning and evening. Recommended as the second step of double cleansing in the PM, or as a standalone cleanser in the AM.
How to use
HOW TO USEDampen Your Face
Splash lukewarm water onto clean hands and your face. Avoid hot water, which can compromise the lipid barrier.
Dispense a Pea-Sized Amount
A small amount goes a long way. Rub between palms to activate a soft, low-volume foam.
Massage in Upward Circles
Apply to the face for 30–60 seconds. Focus extra time on the T-zone if oily, or use lighter strokes if reactive.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with lukewarm water until no slip remains. Pat dry with a soft towel — do not rub.
Follow with Toner
Lock in hydration immediately while skin is still damp. The brand's Mugwort Cica Toner is a popular pairing.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive, reactive, or rosacea-prone skin
- You're acne-prone and need a non-stripping daily cleanser
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe option
- You feel "tight" or dry after washing with sulfate cleansers
- You want a clean, low-pH formula on a budget
- You layer multiple actives and need a neutral first step
- You prefer fragrance-free skincare
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very oily skin and want a deep, foamy clean
- You wear heavy makeup or waterproof sunscreen (use as second cleanse only)
- You follow a strict fungal-acne-safe routine
- You prefer cream or balm cleanser textures
- You expect a high-foam, "squeaky" finish
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESEffectively removes excess sebum without overcleansing. Heavy oil-wearers may want a stronger second cleanser.
Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and hydrolyzed collagen leave skin soft and never stripped — a true non-tightening clean.
The balanced pH and amino acid surfactants serve oily T-zones and dry cheeks equally well.
Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, sulfate-free with calming panthenol, allantoin, oat, and licorice. A top pick for reactive skin.
Houttuynia, capryloyl glycine, and trace salicylic acid help calm active breakouts without aggravating the barrier.
Antioxidant-rich green tea and grape extracts add value, though mature skin may prefer a richer cream cleanser texture.
Results timeline
6–8 WEEKSComfortable, Non-Stripping Clean
Skin feels soft, calm, and never tight after rinsing — the most immediate and consistent feedback from users.
92% noticedReduced Redness & Reactivity
Heart leaf and oat extract begin to calm chronic flushing. Sensitive skin reports fewer reactive episodes.
75% noticedCalmer Active Breakouts
Existing pimples deflate faster. Anti-inflammatory ingredients reduce post-acne redness, though deep cysts need targeted treatment.
68% noticedStronger, More Resilient Barrier
Long-term users report fewer dry patches, better tolerance of actives, and a healthier overall skin tone.
61% noticedRatings by platform
87K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Outstanding gentleness — no tightness or dryness after rinsing
- Excellent value (around $5–6 USD for 100 ml)
- Suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, and pregnant users
- Visible green tea leaves feel premium and unique
- Calms reactive, irritated, and breakout-prone skin
- Free from common irritants (fragrance, sulfates, alcohol)
- Halal certified and BPOM-registered
- Works as a second cleanser without disrupting actives
Criticized
- Low-foam texture may disappoint lather-lovers
- Can feel slightly slippery during rinse
- Not strong enough alone for heavy makeup/SPF
- Includes one ingredient (PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate) on strict fungal acne avoidance lists
- Long ingredient list may concern minimalist consumers
- Limited international distribution outside Southeast Asia
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESCentella-focused K-beauty alternative with comparable gentleness and pH. More expensive but easier to find globally.
Tea tree + low-dose acid combo for acne-prone skin. Slightly more astringent and contains tea tree fragrance.
Another Indonesian clean-beauty option. Slightly more exfoliating with niacinamide; less hydrating finish.
Drugstore classic for sensitive skin. Lacks the antioxidant botanicals (matcha, grape, kiwi) but is dermatologist-recommended worldwide.
K-beauty staple with similar low pH and tea tree oil. Contains BHA at slightly higher dose; may sting fragrance-sensitive users.
Pharmacy-grade alternative for ultra-sensitive skin. Creamier texture with thermal water; lacks the anti-acne actives.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Sealed product expires approximately 3 years from manufacture date (printed on tube).
Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Keep tube tightly closed and away from direct sunlight to preserve botanical actives.
Squeeze tube with flip cap — hygienic, lightweight, and easy to dispense the right amount.
Yes — 100 ml is the maximum carry-on size for international flights. A 15g mini version is also available for short trips.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. The brand explicitly markets this product as safe for pregnant and nursing mothers. While the formula contains 0.01% salicylic acid, this is far below treatment-level concentrations (0.5–2%) that some OB-GYNs caution against. The remaining ingredients (matcha, oat, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, allantoin) are universally considered safe during pregnancy. As always, consult your doctor if you have concerns.
It is borderline. The formula contains PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate — an oleate-derived emulsifier that strict fungal acne avoiders typically exclude. However, because this is a rinse-off cleanser with very brief skin contact, most fungal-acne sufferers tolerate it well. If you are extremely strict about your malassezia-safe routine, consider a simpler cleanser like the Hada Labo Gokujyun Foaming Wash.
Yes — this cleanser is fully compatible with all common active ingredients. Its skin-aligned pH (5.5–6.5) won't deactivate vitamin C or pH-dependent acids applied afterward. As a rinse-off product, it leaves no occlusive residue that could interfere with serum penetration. It's actually an ideal first step for users layering powerful actives because it preserves an intact barrier.
It performs best on sensitive, acne-prone, dry, and combination skin. The non-stripping amino acid surfactants make it excellent for compromised barriers, while the trace salicylic acid and houttuynia extract suit acne-prone users. Very oily skin or heavy makeup wearers may prefer it as the second step of double cleansing rather than a sole cleanser.
Most users notice a softer, less-tight after-feel from the very first use. Reduced redness and reactivity typically appear within 1 week. Calmer active breakouts and improved barrier resilience develop over 2–8 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. Remember: cleansers are foundational — they prevent damage rather than dramatically transform skin.
It is the first or second step of your routine. In the AM, use it alone after waking. In the PM, use it as the second step after an oil cleanser or micellar water if you wear makeup or sunscreen. After cleansing, follow with toner, serum, moisturizer, and (in the AM) sunscreen.
No — its comedogenic rating is approximately 1 out of 5. The formula contains no high-comedogenic oils, butters, or coconut derivatives that linger on the skin. Because it is a rinse-off product, even mildly comedogenic ingredients have minimal contact time. Acne-prone users widely report it as non-pore-clogging.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months — typical for a preservative-balanced botanical cleanser. With twice-daily use, a 100 ml tube usually lasts 2–4 months for most users, comfortably within the safe-use window. Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight to preserve the green tea and botanical antioxidants.
It removes light makeup, BB cream, and chemical sunscreens effectively. For heavy foundation, long-wearing makeup, waterproof mascara, or thick mineral sunscreens, use an oil cleanser, balm, or micellar water first, then follow with this cleanser as your second step (the classic K-beauty double cleansing method).
Yes. True to Skin Matcha Oat Gentle Cleanser is certified Halal by MUI (Indonesian Ulema Council), registered with BPOM (Indonesia's food and drug authority), and the brand confirms it is cruelty-free with no animal testing at any stage of development.
Verdict: The True to Skin Matcha Oat Gentle Cleanser is one of the best value cleansers in clean beauty — a low-pH, sulfate-free, fragrance-free formula that punches well above its price point. It excels for sensitive, acne-prone, and pregnant users who need a daily cleanser that respects the skin barrier without sacrificing efficacy. The trade-off is a low-foam texture that may underwhelm fans of bubbly cleansers, and one PEG ester that strict fungal-acne avoiders will note. Otherwise, this is a confidently recommended daily essential — particularly for those building a gentle, multi-step routine.
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
|
|
|
| 0 |
Potassium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen
Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Acrylates Copolymer
|
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|









