Mugwort Calming Gel
Mugwort Calming Gel
Product Description
The Graymelin Mugwort Calming Gel is a lightweight, fast-absorbing gel moisturizer powered by 70% Artemisia Princeps (mugwort) leaf extract. Designed to soothe redness, calm irritation, and deliver a refreshing burst of hydration, it strengthens the skin barrier without a sticky finish โ making it a favourite for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin, especially in warm weather.
โจ Texture & Feel
70% Mugwort (Artemisia)
A high concentration of Artemisia Princeps leaf extract rich in eupatilin, prized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action on stressed skin.
Multi-Layer Hydration
Sodium hyaluronate, glycerin and aloe vera leaf juice attract and hold water for a plumped, comfortable barrier.
Featherlight Gel Texture
Sinks in fast with zero tack, so it layers cleanly under sunscreen and makeup โ ideal for oily and combination skin.
Cooling Calm
A refreshing cool sensation on application (even better stored in the fridge) that visibly settles redness and flare-ups.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Independent ingredient analysis flags no problematic fatty esters or polysorbates, so it suits malassezia-prone skin.
No drying alcohols, parabens, silicones or sulfates in the formula.
Patchouli, sage, lemon, pine and juniper oils plus limonene give the herbal scent but can sensitize very reactive skin. Patch test first.
No retinoids, BHA or hydroquinone, but the essential oil blend (including sage oil) means you should check with your doctor first.
Gentle and active-free, so it pairs well with retinol, vitamin C, AHA or BHA used elsewhere in your routine.
Formulated without reef-harming UV filters, so it's friendly for ocean-side use.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ฟ Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract 70% Proven
Korean mugwort and the headline active. It carries eupatilin and other flavonoids that calm visible redness, soothe stressed skin and provide antioxidant defense against environmental damage.
- Source: Mugwort is part of the sunflower family and a long-standing Hanbang (traditional Korean) herb used for soothing irritated skin.
- Action: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the look of irritation and support a calmer complexion.
๐ง Sodium Hyaluronate ~0.85โ1.25% Proven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid. It binds water in the upper layers of skin, leaving it plump, dewy and comfortable without heaviness.
- Source: Naturally present in the body; here it acts as a lightweight humectant suited to a gel base.
๐ Glycerin ~3.4โ5.2% Proven
A workhorse humectant that pulls moisture into the skin and supports a healthy barrier. Research has shown glycerin to be a highly effective hydrator.
- Source: Plant-derived in most cosmetics; helps the gel hydrate without an occlusive, greasy feel.
๐ฑ Allantoin ~0.6โ1.4% Proven
A gentle soothing agent often added to calming formulas. It supports skin comfort and barrier recovery, and may help improve the look of marks over time.
- Source: Produced synthetically for purity; well tolerated even by sensitive skin.
๐ผ Aloe + Green Tea + Licorice Blend Supporting Promising
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice soothes and hydrates, Camellia Sinensis (green tea) leaf extract adds polyphenol antioxidants, and licorice-derived dipotassium glycyrrhizate helps comfort and brighten the look of skin.
- Action: A botanical support cast that reinforces the calming, antioxidant theme of the formula.
38 ingredients
Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract 70%, Butylene Glycol, Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Caprylyl Glycol, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract, Rhus Semialata Gall Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Salvia Officinalis Oil, Citrus Limon Leaf Oil, Pinus Sylvestris Leaf Oil, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Commiphora Myrrha Resin Extract, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract, Yucca Schidigera Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Caramel, Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex, Limonene.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use as your final moisturizing step morning and night. On very dry days, follow with a richer cream; once or twice a week, apply a thick layer as an overnight sleeping mask.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse & Prep
Start with clean skin, then apply your toner, essence or serum and let it absorb.
Apply the Gel
Smooth an even layer over the face as your last moisturizing step. Add a second layer to sensitive or irritated areas.
Sleeping Mask (Optional)
1โ2 nights a week, pat on a thick layer and leave overnight for an extra hit of calm and hydration.
Finish With SPF (AM)
In the morning, always follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen as your final step.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination or acne-prone skin
- You want a lightweight, non-sticky moisturizer
- You deal with redness, irritation or post-breakout flare-ups
- You love a cooling, refreshing gel (great in hot weather or chilled)
- You want soothing K-beauty care at a budget-friendly price
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry skin needing a rich cream on its own
- You are sensitive or allergic to essential oils / fragrance
- You dislike strong herbal, foresty scents
- You have rosacea or eczema that flares from botanicals
- You strictly need a 100% fragrance-free formula
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Lightweight, fast-absorbing gel hydrates without adding shine or greasiness.
Balances hydration across oily and drier zones without feeling heavy.
Low comedogenic and fungal-acne safe; helps calm breakouts, though essential oils warrant a patch test.
Provides refreshing hydration but may need a richer cream layered on top in cold or dry climates.
Soothing actives are gentle, but added essential oils and limonene mean reactive skin should patch test carefully.
๐ Results Timeline
Cool, Calm & Hydrated
A refreshing cooling sensation with instant lightweight hydration; skin feels soothed and plumped right after application.
88% noticedReduced Redness
With consistent use, irritation and visible redness look calmer and skin feels more comfortable day to day.
71% noticedBalanced, Smoother Skin
A better-hydrated barrier with smoother texture and fewer reactive flare-ups for many users.
63% noticedMaintained Calm
Sustained soothing and even-looking tone when used as a daily moisturizer or weekly sleeping mask.
58% noticedโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing and never sticky
- Genuinely cooling and calming, especially when chilled
- High 70% mugwort plus a multi-soothing botanical blend
- Visibly settles redness and irritation
- Fungal-acne safe and great for oily/combination skin
- Affordable and doubles as a sleeping mask
โ Criticized
- Strong herbal / foresty scent divides opinion
- Essential oils + limonene raise irritation risk for sensitive skin
- Not rich enough on its own for very dry skin
- Jar packaging is less hygienic than a pump
- Not a fragrance-free formula
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
The closest gel-format match. Mugwort plus madecassoside and asiatic acid in a larger size, with a milder scent profile โ but pricier than Graymelin.
A vegan 75% mugwort option, but in a richer cream texture rather than a featherlight gel. Better for drier skin types.
A very cheap soothing gel for cooling and hydration, but built around aloe rather than mugwort and without the antioxidant botanical complex.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Graymelin Mugwort Calming Gel (Featured)
~$13.40Round Lab Mugwort Calming Cream
~$25.00I'm From Mugwort Essence
~$38.00Round Lab Mugwort Soothing Gel
~$22.00๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Many users keep it in the fridge for an extra cooling effect.
Screw-top jar โ use clean hands or a spatula to keep the formula hygienic.
Yes โ 100 ml meets the carry-on liquids limit.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters, which is reassuring. However, it does include a blend of essential oils (such as sage, patchouli, lemon and pine) and limonene. Because some essential oils are commonly cautioned during pregnancy, we mark it as "use with caution" and recommend checking with your doctor or OB-GYN before use.
Yes. Independent ingredient analysis classifies it as fungal-acne safe, since it does not contain the fatty acids, esters or polysorbates that typically feed malassezia. Keep in mind the essential oils can still irritate some skin, so patch testing is wise if you are very reactive.
Yes. The gel itself is gentle and free of strong actives, so it layers well alongside retinol, vitamin C, AHA or BHA used at other steps. It can even act as a soothing buffer over actives that cause dryness. If your skin is sensitive to fragrance, introduce it gradually.
It shines on oily, combination and acne-prone skin thanks to its lightweight, non-sticky gel texture. Normal skin does well too. Dry skin can use it but may want a richer cream on top, and very sensitive or fragrance-reactive skin should patch test first.
The cooling, hydrating and calming effect is felt immediately. Visible improvements in redness and overall comfort usually appear within 1โ2 weeks of consistent daily use, with smoother, more balanced skin around the 4-week mark.
Use it as your final moisturizing step, after toner, essence and serums. In the morning, follow with sunscreen. One to two nights a week you can apply a thick layer as an overnight sleeping mask.
It has a low comedogenic rating of about 1 out of 5. The water-based gel uses essential oils rather than heavy fatty oils, so it is unlikely to clog pores and is well suited to acne-prone skin.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is around 12 months. Store it somewhere cool and dry, keep the lid closed, and use clean hands or a spatula to scoop it out to preserve the formula.
Verdict: The Graymelin Mugwort Calming Gel is a standout value โ a high 70% mugwort gel that genuinely cools, calms and hydrates without weight or stickiness, making it a perfect summer moisturizer for oily, combination and acne-prone skin. It loses half a star only for its strong herbal scent and the essential-oil blend, which push up the irritation potential for very sensitive complexions. If you love a fresh, soothing gel and the foresty mugwort scent doesn't bother you, it's an easy, affordable 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 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 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 |
Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|