Puri-Tea Salicylic Acid Cleansing Gel
Puri-Tea Salicylic Acid Cleansing Gel
Product Description
Meisani Puri-Tea Salicylic Acid Cleansing Gel is a gentle, pH-balanced Korean gel-to-foam cleanser that pairs 0.5% salicylic acid (BHA) with 11% green tea water and 10% glycerin to dissolve sebum, decongest pores, and calm the skin โ all without the tight, stripped feeling most acid washes leave behind.
โจ Texture & Feel
11% Green Tea Water Base
Camellia Sinensis leaf water partly replaces plain water, adding antioxidant polyphenols that help defend against pollution and free-radical stress.
Gentle 0.5% Salicylic Acid
Oil-soluble BHA slips into pores to dissolve sebum and clear blackheads, at an FDA-recognized concentration that stays kind to the barrier.
10% Vegetable Glycerin
A high dose of humectant glycerin pulls in moisture so skin feels balanced and comfortable instead of tight after rinsing.
Mild Sugar Surfactants
A sulfate-free blend of glucoside cleansers and coco-betaine creates a low-irritation foam suited to sensitive, reactive skin.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Contains 0.5% salicylic acid (BHA) plus tea tree oil. Low-percentage, rinse-off BHA is generally considered low risk, but most OB/GYNs advise confirming with your own doctor first.
No problematic fatty acids, esters, or polysorbates. Independently flagged as malassezia-safe, so it won't feed fungal breakouts.
Sulfate-free, pH-balanced, free of harsh alcohols and common allergens โ built around low-irritation sugar surfactants.
Cruelty-free and vegan with no animal-derived ingredients, and reef-safe with no oxybenzone or octinoxate.
Mild on its own, but stacking it daily with potent retinoids or leave-on AHAs/BHAs can over-exfoliate. Alternate or buffer if your skin is sensitive.
The tea tree scent comes from real Melaleuca oil, which naturally contains linalool and limonene. Patch test if you react to essential oils.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐งช Salicylic Acid (BHA) 0.5% Proven
The star active. As an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid penetrates into pores to dissolve excess sebum and clear out the buildup behind blackheads and breakouts, while also calming inflammation.
- FDA: Concentrations of 0.5โ2% are recognized as over-the-counter acne actives.
- Mechanism: Being oil-soluble, it reaches inside pores where water-soluble AHAs cannot.
- Bonus: Structurally related to aspirin, giving it soothing, anti-inflammatory properties.
๐ต Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Water 11% Promising
Brewed green tea water replaces a portion of the plain water in the base. It carries the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds of green tea, helping soothe and refresh while defending against free-radical stress.
- Antioxidants: Green tea polyphenols help neutralize free radicals from pollution and UV.
- Soothing: Anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties calm irritation.
๐ง Glycerin 10% Proven
A generous dose of vegetable glycerin is what keeps this cleanser from feeling stripping. As a humectant, it draws water into the skin so the post-wash finish stays soft and balanced rather than tight.
- Research: A 2016 study found glycerin to be a more effective humectant than AHAs or hyaluronic acid.
- Barrier: Hydrated skin supports a stronger barrier against irritants and bacteria.
๐ณ Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract โ Promising
Often called salicylic acid's botanical cousin, white willow bark contains salicin along with antioxidant flavonoids and polyphenols, adding a mild exfoliating and anti-inflammatory boost alongside the BHA.
- Salicin: Has anti-inflammatory and mildly exfoliating effects on skin.
- History: Willow bark has been used for centuries to ease pain and inflammation.
๐ฟ Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil โ Promising
Tea tree oil contributes the product's natural scent and adds antibacterial support. Its terpinen compounds help reduce acne-causing bacteria, making it a fitting partner for a clarifying cleanser.
- Antibacterial: Shown to help reduce acne-associated bacteria (C. acnes).
- Properties: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in cosmetic-level concentrations.
15 ingredients
Water, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Water, Glycerin, Lauryl Glucoside, Decyl Glucoside, Coco-Betaine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Xanthan Gum, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Salicylic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Chloride, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use as your main water-based cleanser, morning and night. For makeup or sunscreen days, oil cleanse first, then follow with this gel as the second step of a Korean double cleanse.
๐ How to Use
Dampen Your Face
Wet your face with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can strip and irritate.
Lather the Gel
Dispense a small amount onto damp fingers and work it into a soft foam as it meets water.
Massage 30โ60 Seconds
Gently massage over the face in circular motions, focusing on oily or congested zones. Keep it out of the eyes.
Rinse & Follow Up
Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Follow with toner, treatments, and moisturizer โ plus SPF in the morning.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin
- You deal with congested pores, blackheads, or excess shine
- You want gentle daily exfoliation without harshness
- You prefer sulfate-free, vegan, pH-balanced formulas
- You need a clarifying wash that is fungal-acne safe
โ Consider alternatives if:
- Your skin is very dry and craves a rich, creamy cleanser
- You're sensitive to tea tree or essential oils
- You specifically need a 100% fragrance-free formula
- You want a high-strength (2%) acid wash for stubborn acne
- You already use strong BHA products elsewhere
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
BHA controls sebum and the gel-to-foam rinses clean without leaving residue or greasiness.
Clears the oily T-zone while glycerin keeps drier cheeks comfortable and balanced.
Salicylic acid, willow bark, and tea tree work together to decongest pores. Non-comedogenic and fungal-acne safe.
Sulfate-free and pH-balanced, but the natural tea tree scent means a patch test is wise for reactive skin.
Glycerin softens the wash, but exfoliating actives may be more than very dry skin needs daily โ alternate with a cream cleanser.
๐ Results Timeline
Clean, Comfortable Skin
Skin feels thoroughly cleansed and refreshed, with no tight or squeaky after-feel thanks to the glycerin-rich base.
~85% notice immediatelySmoother Texture
Regular gentle exfoliation begins to refine surface texture; skin starts to feel softer and looks a touch brighter.
~55% noticeFewer Clogged Pores
With consistent use, blackheads and congestion in the T-zone appear reduced and pores look clearer.
~45% noticeClearer, More Even Look
Over a full skin cycle, ongoing use supports a calmer, clearer complexion. Best results come from pairing with the rest of your routine.
~40% noticeโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Genuinely gentle โ no tight, stripped feeling
- Antioxidant green tea water base
- Affordable for a thoughtfully formulated K-beauty cleanser
- Fungal-acne safe and sulfate-free
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe
โ Criticized
- 0.5% BHA is mild โ limited for severe acne
- Natural tea tree scent isn't for everyone
- Newer brand with limited reviews and availability
- 150ml size exceeds carry-on liquid limits
- Not fragrance-free due to essential oil content
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
The closest dupe: another gentle Korean 0.5% salicylic acid foam with tea tree. Slightly more astringent and not green-tea based, but nearly the same job for less.
Salicylic acid with ceramides and niacinamide, in a larger bottle. More barrier-focused, but it contains fragrance and is not fungal-acne safe.
A stronger 2% salicylic acid wash for more stubborn oil and acne. More potent and foaming, but without the soothing green tea and glycerin focus.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Meisani Puri-Tea Cleansing Gel (Featured)
~$18COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
~$12CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser
~$14SOME BY MI AHA-BHA-PHA Cleanser
~$15๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat
Squeeze tube (150ml); a 30ml travel size is also offered
The 30ml size is carry-on friendly; the 150ml exceeds the 100ml liquid limit
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Use with caution. It contains 0.5% salicylic acid (BHA) plus tea tree oil. In a brief-contact, rinse-off cleanser at this low concentration, BHA is generally considered low-risk, but salicylic acid and essential oils are ingredients many doctors advise being careful with during pregnancy and nursing. Always confirm with your own OB/GYN before adding it to your routine.
Yes. The formula has been independently flagged as fungal-acne (malassezia) safe. It does not contain the fatty acids, esters, or polysorbates that can feed malassezia, so it's a suitable cleanser for those managing fungal acne.
Generally yes, because as a rinse-off cleanser its actives have only brief contact with the skin. That said, it does deliver a mild dose of exfoliating BHA and willow bark, so if you already use strong leave-on retinoids or AHAs/BHAs, watch for over-exfoliation and consider alternating. Vitamin C is fine to use afterward.
It's best for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin that wants gentle daily exfoliation and pore decongestion. Sensitive skin tends to do well too, thanks to the sulfate-free, pH-balanced base โ though a patch test is wise because of the tea tree oil. Very dry skin may prefer a creamier cleanser or to alternate.
The clean, non-tight feel is immediate. Smoother texture typically shows within 1โ2 weeks, fewer clogged pores around 4 weeks, and a clearer, more even look over 8+ weeks of consistent use. As a cleanser, it works best as part of a complete routine rather than a standalone treatment.
It's your main water-based cleanser, used morning and night. On makeup or sunscreen days, oil cleanse first and use this gel as the second step of a double cleanse. Follow with toner, treatments, moisturizer, and (in the morning) sunscreen.
No โ it earns a low comedogenic rating of about 1/5. As a rinse-off cleanser built around water, green tea, glycerin, and mild surfactants, it isn't designed to leave pore-clogging residue. The salicylic acid actually helps keep pores clear.
About 12 months after opening (12M PAO). Keep it in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight, and close the cap tightly between uses to preserve the formula.
Verdict: The Meisani Puri-Tea Salicylic Acid Cleansing Gel is a smart, gentle daily cleanser that punches above its price. The combination of 0.5% BHA, 11% green tea water, and 10% glycerin clears pores and controls oil while keeping skin comfortable and barrier-friendly โ and it's vegan, sulfate-free, and fungal-acne safe to boot. The trade-offs are a mild acid concentration that won't replace a dedicated acne treatment, and a natural tea tree scent that won't suit everyone. For oily, combination, and acne-prone skin wanting an effective-yet-kind K-beauty wash, it's an easy recommendation.
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
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water
Masking, Perfuming, Tonic
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Lauryl Glucoside
Surfactant, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Decyl Glucoside
Surfactant, Emulsion Stabilising, Cleansing
|
|