Sea Buckthorn Vitamin C+ Cleansing Foaming Gel
Sea Buckthorn Vitamin C+ Cleansing Foaming Gel
Product Description
A gentle, sulfate-free foaming gel cleanser from Celenes by Sweden that pairs antioxidant-rich Sea Buckthorn berry extract with botanical Vitamin C to lift away makeup, oil and daily grime without stripping the skin. Built on mild amino-acid surfactants, it leaves oily and combination complexions clean, balanced and refreshed β never tight.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Sea Buckthorn Antioxidants
A Nordic berry naturally rich in carotenoids, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and omega fatty acids that help defend skin against everyday free-radical stress.
Botanical Vitamin C
Vitamin C sourced from sea buckthorn and lemon peel extract supports a brighter, more even-looking complexion over time.
Gentle Amino-Acid Cleansing
Mild sulfate-free surfactants lift away makeup, oil and pollution without disrupting the skin's moisture barrier.
Aquaxyl Hydration
A xylitol-derived humectant trio helps limit water loss so skin feels comfortable β not tight β after rinsing.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters. Generally considered fine to use β always confirm with your doctor.
Contains Glyceryl Oleate and Capryloyl Glycine, which can feed malassezia. Not ideal if you're prone to fungal acne β though rinse-off contact time is brief.
Fragrance-free with soothing chamomile and green tea. It does include lemon peel extract, so very reactive skin should patch test first.
As a cleanser it pairs with everything β vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol and AHA/BHA. No conflicts; simply cleanse first, then apply treatments.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π« Sea Buckthorn Fruit Extract <1% Proven
The hero botanical (Hippophae Rhamnoides), a berry native to Asia and Northern Europe traditionally prized for its dense nutrient profile of carotenoids, fatty acids and vitamins.
- Composition: Naturally contains carotenoids, palmitoleic acid, linoleic acid, Vitamin C and Vitamin E.
- Antioxidant: Helps neutralize free radicals that contribute to dullness and visible aging.
- Research: A 2018 study noted anti-inflammatory potential and possible support against UV-induced stress (it does not replace sunscreen).
π Vitamin C (Botanical) Botanical Promising
The "Vitamin C+" claim comes from plant sources β sea buckthorn fruit and Citrus Limon (lemon) peel extract β rather than a standardized form like L-ascorbic acid.
- Source: Derived from botanical extracts, not a treatment-strength ascorbic acid concentrate.
- Benefit: May support a brighter, more even tone with consistent use as part of a routine.
π‘οΈ Tocopherol (Vitamin E) <1% Proven
A fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect skin from free radicals and supports the lipid barrier. It also stabilizes Vitamin C, which is why the two are often paired.
- Barrier support: Helps keep the skin's natural lipids healthy and nourished.
- Synergy: Works alongside Vitamin C to boost the effectiveness of both antioxidants.
βͺ Zinc & Copper Gluconate Trace Promising
Two mineral salts that bring antibacterial and skin-conditioning benefits β a thoughtful touch for oily, blemish-prone skin.
- Zinc Gluconate: Has antibacterial and wound-healing properties and is noted for helping with inflammatory acne.
- Copper Gluconate: Supports collagen and elastin stabilization and tissue repair.
π§ Aquaxyl (Xylitol Complex) Humectant Proven
A well-known humectant trio of Anhydroxylitol, Xylitylglucoside and Xylitol that attracts and holds water to keep skin comfortable after cleansing.
- Hydration: Studies show xylitol can reduce transepidermal water loss and improve dry skin.
- Microbiome: Xylitol also acts as a prebiotic that may help support the skin's natural microbiome.
24 ingredients
Water, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Steareth-100/PEG-136/Hdi Copolymer, Propanediol, Phenethyl Alcohol, Undecyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Hexylene Glycol, Capryloyl Glycine, Xylitylglucoside, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Copper Gluconate, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Peel Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use morning and evening as your main cleansing step. In the PM, follow an oil cleanser or micellar water for a thorough double cleanse before continuing with treatments.
π How to Use
Dampen
Wet your face with lukewarm water β hot water can be drying.
Apply & Massage
Dispense 1β2 pumps and massage gently over the face in circular motions for 30β60 seconds.
Rinse
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, making sure no residue is left behind.
Follow Up
Pat skin dry and continue with your toner, serum and moisturizer.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin
- You want a gentle, sulfate-free daily cleanser
- You prefer vegan, fragrance-free formulas
- You like antioxidant botanicals (sea buckthorn, green tea)
- You want makeup and grime removal without tightness
β Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne / malassezia concerns
- You want a rich, high-foaming lather
- You need a treatment-level Vitamin C (this is botanical)
- You have very dry skin needing a creamy or oil cleanser
- You're sensitive to citrus / lemon peel extracts
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Designed for it β mild surfactants plus zinc help manage oil and shine without over-drying.
Cleans the T-zone effectively while keeping drier cheeks balanced and comfortable.
A reliable everyday cleanse with antioxidant extras for added skin benefits.
Won't strip, but lacks rich emollients β be sure to follow with a nourishing moisturizer.
Fragrance-free and soothing, though the lemon peel extract means a patch test is wise for reactive skin.
Low comedogenic risk with zinc support β but not fungal-acne safe due to fatty-acid esters.
π Results Timeline
Clean, Refreshed Skin
Removes makeup, oil and daily grime, leaving skin feeling balanced and comfortable rather than tight.
~85% noticedSmoother Texture
Consistent gentle cleansing supports clearer-looking pores and a softer, smoother surface.
~60% noticedMore Even Tone
With daily use, antioxidant extracts and botanical Vitamin C may contribute to a brighter, more even appearance.
~40% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Gentle, non-stripping cleanse
- Sulfate, paraben, alcohol & fragrance-free
- Vegan and reef safe
- Antioxidant-rich Nordic botanicals
- Generous 250ml bottle = strong value
- Leaves skin comfortable, not tight
β Criticized
- Low-foaming despite the "foaming" name
- Not fungal-acne safe
- Vitamin C is botanical, not a treatment dose
- 250ml bottle isn't carry-on friendly
- Limited availability / reviews outside the EU
- Lemon peel extract may bother very sensitive skin
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Closest ingredient match per SkinSort, sharing several actives and Vitamin E. Pricier and contains fragrance, but offers an all-in-one cleanse-and-tone experience.
A vegan micellar gel-to-foam cleanser with antioxidant fruit extracts. Similar gentle, low-foam feel but without the sea buckthorn and zinc combo.
An ultra-gentle, fragrance-free gel for sensitive and reactive skin. No active botanicals or Vitamin C, but reliably mild and widely available.
π Comparison with Competitors
Celenes Sea Buckthorn Vit C+ (This Product)
~$18CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
~$15COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel
~$14Bioderma Sensibio Gel Moussant
~$16π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Plastic bottle with pump dispenser
No β the 250ml size exceeds the 100ml carry-on liquid limit
β Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, yes. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters β the ingredients most often flagged during pregnancy. As always, it's best to confirm any product with your doctor or midwife if you have specific concerns.
No. It contains Glyceryl Oleate and Capryloyl Glycine, which are fatty-acid-based ingredients that can feed malassezia yeast. Because this is a rinse-off product, contact time with the skin is short, so the risk is lower than with a leave-on product β but if you're prone to fungal acne, a strictly malassezia-safe cleanser is the safer choice.
Yes. As a cleanser it's washed off, so there are no conflicts with any active. Simply cleanse first, pat dry, then apply your Vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol or exfoliating acids as usual in your routine.
It's formulated primarily for oily and combination skin, where the mild surfactants and zinc help manage oil without over-drying. Normal skin will do well too. Dry skin can use it but should always follow with a richer moisturizer, since it doesn't contain heavy emollients.
You'll feel clean, refreshed skin immediately after the first use. Smoother texture and a more even, brighter-looking tone tend to develop gradually over roughly 4β8 weeks of consistent daily use β as is normal for a cleanser working alongside the rest of your routine.
It's your cleansing step β used morning and evening. In the morning it's typically your first step. In the evening you can use it as the second step of a double cleanse, after an oil cleanser or micellar water has removed makeup and sunscreen.
Low risk. We rate it 1 out of 5. It's a rinse-off cleanser built on non-comedogenic, gentle surfactants, so it's very unlikely to clog pores. The main caveat is fungal-acne safety rather than comedogenicity.
About 12 months. Look for the "12M" jar symbol on the packaging. Storing it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight will help keep the formula fresh through its open life.
Verdict: A solid, gentle daily cleanser that punches above its price. The Celenes by Sweden Sea Buckthorn Vitamin C+ Cleansing Foaming Gel cleans thoroughly without stripping, thanks to mild amino-acid surfactants and a Nordic antioxidant blend of sea buckthorn, green tea and chamomile. Don't expect a treatment-strength Vitamin C or a luxurious lather β the Vitamin C here is botanical and the foam is light. But for oily and combination skin that wants a clean, fragrance-free, vegan wash with skin-soothing extras and a generous 250ml bottle, it's an easy, affordable pick. Skip it only if you specifically need a fungal-acne-safe formula.
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 skinβs 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 Β«promisesΒ» 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 3 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 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 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
Cleansing, Surfactant
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting, Foaming
|
|
|
| 1 |
Coco-glucoside
Surfactant, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|
|
| 1 |
Glyceryl Oleate
Fragrance, Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Emulsifying, Surfactant, Perfuming
|
|