Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap
Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap
Product Description
Product overview
A lightweight, oil-free lotion featuring 70% birch sap that delivers deep hydration without greasiness. Formulated to soothe irritated skin and restore moisture balance, this K-beauty favorite is perfect for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types seeking effective hydration without clogging pores.
70% Birch Sap Base
Instead of water, the formula uses nutrient-rich birch sap packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for enhanced skin nourishment.
Texture & feel
SENSORY70% Birch Sap Base
Instead of water, the formula uses nutrient-rich birch sap packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for enhanced skin nourishment.
Oil-Free Hydration
Provides deep moisture without adding excess oil, making it perfect for those who struggle with shine throughout the day.
Soothing 4-Terpineol
Reformulated with tea tree-derived 4-Terpineol to calm irritated skin and reduce redness without harsh fragrances.
Fast Absorption
Lightweight gel-lotion texture sinks into skin quickly, leaving it soft and smooth without any sticky residue.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEFree from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens. Safe to use during pregnancy and while nursing.
Contains 3 potential triggers: Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, and Sorbitan Olivate (Olivem 1000 emulsifier system).
Rated 1/5 for pore-clogging potential. Most ingredients have zero to low comedogenicity scores.
Hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, and reformulated without artificial fragrances. Contains soothing allantoin and panthenol.
Can be used with retinoids. Apply after retinol has absorbed to buffer potential irritation and boost hydration.
Designed to complement COSRX AHA, BHA, and Vitamin C products. Helps soothe freshly exfoliated skin.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSBirch Sap (Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice) 70%Hero Ingredient
The star ingredient that replaces water as the formula base. Asian White Birch sap is rich in amino acids, minerals, vitamins C and B (niacinamide), and natural sugars that provide exceptional hydration and skin-conditioning benefits.
- Antioxidant Protection: Contains natural antioxidants to protect against environmental stressors
- Deep Hydration: High mineral content delivers moisture to deeper skin layers
- Soothing Properties: Traditional ingredient used in Eastern medicine for skin irritation
Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate)Proven
A powerful humectant that attracts and holds up to 1000x its weight in water. Works at the skin surface to provide instant hydration and plumping effects.
- Hydration: Draws moisture from the environment into skin
- Plumping: Reduces appearance of fine lines when skin is adequately hydrated
- Comedogenic Rating: 0 - Will not clog pores
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)Proven
A potent moisturizing and skin-soothing ingredient that penetrates deeply into skin. Converts to Vitamin B5 when absorbed, supporting skin barrier repair.
- Barrier Support: Helps strengthen the skin's protective barrier
- Wound Healing: Promotes skin regeneration and repair
- Anti-Inflammatory: Calms irritated and sensitive skin
AllantoinProven
A gentle, non-irritating compound that soothes, protects, and promotes healing. Excellent for sensitive and irritated skin types.
- Soothing: Calms skin irritation and redness
- Cell Renewal: Promotes healthy skin cell turnover
- Moisture Retention: Helps skin retain hydration
4-TerpineolSoothing
The main antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory component of tea tree oil. Added in the reformulation to provide calming benefits without fragrance additives.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces skin inflammation and redness
- Antimicrobial: Helps prevent acne-causing bacteria
- Natural Origin: Derived from tea tree, provides the mild forest scent
19 ingredients
Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Betaine, Cetearyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ethyl Hexanediol, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Lactate, 4-Terpineol, Water
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEFor oily skin: Use as your final moisturizing step. For dry skin: Layer a richer cream on top, especially at night.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Tone
Start with clean, freshly toned skin. This lotion works especially well after using COSRX AHA/BHA products.
Dispense Product
Pump 2-3 times onto fingertips. Use more for face, neck, and décolletage coverage.
Apply & Pat
Gently spread evenly across face, avoiding eye and lip areas. Pat lightly to help absorption.
Follow Up
AM: Follow with sunscreen. PM: Dry skin types can layer a sleeping mask or cream for extra moisture.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin seeking lightweight hydration
- You want oil-free moisture that won't cause shine
- Your skin is irritated from chemical exfoliants or retinol
- You need a moisturizer that works well under makeup
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and want a safe option
- You prefer minimal, effective ingredient lists
- You struggle with acne and need non-greasy hydration
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry skin that needs heavy-duty moisture
- You have fungal acne/malassezia folliculitis
- You dislike earthy, tea tree-like scents
- You need a one-step, rich moisturizer
- You're sensitive to any olive-derived ingredients
- You prefer completely fragrance-free products (has mild natural scent)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESPerfect match! Oil-free formula absorbs instantly without adding shine. Controls moisture without triggering excess sebum production.
Balances well across different face zones. Hydrates dry areas without overwhelming the T-zone.
Low comedogenic rating and oil-free formula make it suitable. Contains soothing ingredients for post-breakout care.
Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formula with soothing allantoin and panthenol. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin.
Provides hydration but may not be enough alone. Best used as a hydrating layer under a richer cream or sleeping pack.
Contains Olivem 1000 (Cetearyl Olivate + Sorbitan Olivate) which are potential malassezia triggers. Seek FA-safe alternatives.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Instant Hydration & Softness
Skin feels immediately soft, smooth, and hydrated. Lightweight texture absorbs within 30 seconds without stickiness or residue.
95% noticedBalanced Oil Production
Oily skin types notice reduced midday shine. Skin maintains hydration without feeling greasy or heavy throughout the day.
80% noticedCalmer, Clearer Complexion
Irritation from exfoliants calms down. Skin texture appears smoother and more balanced. Post-acne redness may begin to fade.
70% noticedHealthier Skin Barrier
With consistent use, skin barrier feels stronger. Less reactive to environmental stressors. Overall complexion looks more radiant and healthy.
65% noticedRatings by platform
12K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Truly oil-free—doesn't add shine or greasiness
- Fast absorption, no sticky residue
- Works beautifully under makeup and sunscreen
- Affordable K-beauty option with quality ingredients
- Soothes irritated and freshly exfoliated skin
- Pump bottle is hygienic and easy to use
- Minimal, effective ingredient list
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
- Doesn't cause breakouts for most users
Criticized
- Not moisturizing enough for very dry skin
- Earthy/tea tree scent is polarizing
- Not fungal acne safe (contains Olivem 1000)
- 100ml bottle may not last long with heavy use
- Some feel it leaves skin slightly tacky initially
- Doesn't address anti-aging concerns
- Reformulation changed the scent (some preferred old version)
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESFungal acne safe alternative with 77% oat seed water. Similar lightweight, non-greasy texture. Fragrance-free and vegan. Better for malassezia-prone skin.
Aloe-based gel with propolis for calming. Slightly lighter texture, better for very oily skin. Contains bee-derived ingredients (not vegan).
From the same brand with 92% snail mucin. Slightly richer texture but still lightweight. Better for combination-to-dry skin. Not vegan.
Centella-based calming moisturizer with 70% centella extract. Tea tree oil included. More focused on redness reduction. Lighter gel texture.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
PURITO Oat In Calming Gel Cream
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Room temperature (15-25°C / 59-77°F) is ideal.
Frosted plastic pump bottle. Pump dispenser protects formula from air and contamination, preserving efficacy.
Yes, 100ml is TSA-compliant for carry-on luggage. Pump bottle is secure but consider a travel cap for added protection.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this lotion is considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It does not contain any of the ingredients typically advised against during pregnancy, such as retinoids (vitamin A derivatives), salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. The formula is gentle and uses pregnancy-safe ingredients like birch sap, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and allantoin. As always, consult with your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
No, this product is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains three potential malassezia triggers: Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, and Sorbitan Olivate (collectively known as Olivem 1000, an olive oil-derived emulsifier system). These ingredients can feed the malassezia yeast that causes fungal acne. If you're prone to fungal acne, consider alternatives like PURITO Oat In Calming Gel Cream or other FA-safe moisturizers.
Yes! This lotion was actually designed to complement COSRX's AHA, BHA, and Vitamin C products. It's excellent for soothing skin after using chemical exfoliants or retinol. When using with retinol: apply retinol first, wait for absorption, then apply this lotion. With AHA/BHA: use the acids first, wait, then moisturize. With Vitamin C: apply Vitamin C serum, wait, then follow with this lotion. The soothing birch sap and panthenol help calm any potential irritation from active ingredients.
This lotion is best suited for oily and combination skin types. Its oil-free, lightweight formula provides hydration without adding shine or greasiness. It's also excellent for acne-prone and sensitive skin due to its non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic formulation. Dry skin types can use it as a hydrating layer but may need to add a richer cream on top, especially at night. It's not recommended for those with fungal acne due to certain ingredients.
Results timing varies by concern: Immediate – instant hydration and softness upon application. Week 1-2 – noticeable reduction in midday oiliness and shine for oily skin types. Week 3-4 – calmer complexion, especially if using after exfoliants; smoother skin texture. Month 2+ – stronger skin barrier, less reactivity, and healthier-looking skin overall. Consistent daily use (AM and PM) yields the best results.
In a Korean skincare routine, this lotion goes after cleansing, toning, and applying any essences or serums—typically as step 4 or 5. The order is: 1) Cleanser, 2) Toner, 3) Essence/Serum, 4) This Lotion, 5) Heavier Cream (PM, if needed), 6) Sunscreen (AM). For oily skin, this may be your final moisturizing step. For dry skin, layer a richer cream or sleeping pack on top at night.
This lotion has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5, meaning it's unlikely to clog pores for most people. Key ingredients like glycerin (0), hyaluronic acid (0), and allantoin (0) are non-comedogenic. Cetearyl alcohol has a rating of 2, which is still considered low. The oil-free formula further reduces the risk of clogged pores. However, everyone's skin is different—if you're very acne-prone, patch test first.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. This means the product remains effective and safe to use for up to one year after you first open it. The pump bottle design helps protect the formula from contamination and oxidation. Check the bottom of the bottle for manufacturing and expiration dates. With typical daily use (2-3 pumps, twice daily), the 100ml bottle generally lasts 2-3 months.
Verdict: The COSRX Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap is an excellent choice for oily and combination skin types seeking lightweight, effective hydration without the grease. Its 70% birch sap base delivers unique nourishing benefits, while the oil-free formula keeps shine at bay. It excels as a companion to chemical exfoliants and retinoids, helping to soothe and restore skin. However, it's not suitable for those with fungal acne, and very dry skin types may need to layer with a heavier moisturizer. At its price point, it offers solid value with quality K-beauty formulation—a reliable everyday staple for the right skin type.
Browse related
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
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 4 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice
Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 3 |
Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Antifoaming Agent, Skin Protecting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Irritation
Dark Spots
|