Sensitive Soothing Gel Cream
Sensitive Soothing Gel Cream
Product Description
Mary & May Sensitive Soothing Gel Cream is a lightweight, fast-absorbing gel-cream packed with 71.8% Houttuynia Cordata (heartleaf) extract and 9.7% tea tree extract to calm, cool and de-redden reactive, blemish-prone skin. Fortified with panthenol and six types of hyaluronic acid, it floods the skin with weightless moisture while the patented DSCโข Derma Soothing Complex helps relieve irritation without any added fragrance.
โจ Texture & Feel
Heartleaf Powerhouse
71.8% Houttuynia Cordata extract delivers flavonoid-rich antioxidants to soothe redness and refine the look of pores.
Instant Cooling Relief
The lightweight gel texture creates an immediate cooling sensation that calms hot, irritated and reactive skin on contact.
6 Types of Hyaluronic Acid
Multiple molecular weights of HA plus panthenol hydrate across skin layers and help reduce trans-epidermal water loss.
Patented DSCโข Complex
The brand's Derma Soothing Complex is clinically reported to lower visible inflammation, irritation and redness over two weeks.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens. Generally considered low-risk, though tea tree lovers should confirm with their doctor.
Contains esters (ethylhexyl palmitate, caprylic/capric triglyceride) and a polyglyceryl emulsifier that may feed malassezia. Avoid if you struggle with fungal acne.
Fragrance-free, EWG Green grade and skin hypoallergenic tested. Free from 20 commonly flagged ingredients including parabens, ethanol and mineral oil.
The 9.7% tea tree extract naturally contains trace linalool/limonene. Very reactive skin should patch test first, but the dose is kept at a gentle ratio.
Plays well over vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides and gentle exfoliants. Buffer strong retinol/AHA if your skin is in a sensitised phase.
As with any botanical-rich formula, test on the inner arm for 24 hours if you have a history of plant-extract sensitivities.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ฟ Houttuynia Cordata (Heartleaf) Extract 71.8% Proven
The hero of the formula. Heartleaf is rich in flavonoids such as quercetin and apigenin that act as antioxidants, neutralising free radicals while calming visibly irritated, blemish-prone skin and helping refine the look of pores.
- Antioxidant: Flavonoids help neutralise free-radical molecules that can damage skin cells.
- Soothing: Polysaccharides support hydration and repair of the upper skin layer.
- Antimicrobial: Decanoyl acetaldehyde, a component of heartleaf, shows bacteria-fighting activity in studies.
๐ Tea Tree (Melaleuca) Leaf Extract 9.7% Proven
Australian tea tree extract is valued for its antimicrobial and anti-blemish properties, helping to keep troubled skin clearer while supporting the soothing of breakouts.
- Antibacterial: Traditionally used to target acne-causing bacteria.
- Calming: Pairs with heartleaf to reduce the look of redness around blemishes.
๐ง 6 Types of Hyaluronic Acid <1% each Proven
A blend of Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid and Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate delivers multi-depth, time-released hydration.
- Multi-weight: Different molecular sizes hydrate both surface and deeper layers.
- Humectant: Each form binds water to keep skin plump and supple.
- Crosspolymer: Stays on the surface longer for extended moisture retention.
๐งด Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) ~1% Proven
A beloved humectant and skin-soother that hydrates, supports the moisture barrier and is well known for helping skin recover and feel comfortable.
- Hydration: Binds and holds water like hyaluronic acid.
- Barrier support: Helps calm and condition compromised skin.
๐ฆ Glycerin ~3-5% Proven
A gold-standard humectant naturally found in skin. It draws moisture into deeper layers and supports a healthy, resilient barrier.
- Effective: A 2016 study found glycerin more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
- Barrier: Hydrated skin is better protected against irritants and bacteria.
๐ฑ Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (Licorice Root) <1% Promising
Derived from licorice root, this calming active brings anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits and is studied for helping even the look of skin tone.
- Soothing: Glycyrrhizin offers anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits.
- Brightening: Components like liquiritin are studied for reducing excess pigment formation.
๐งฌ Arginine <1% Promising
An amino acid the body uses to build collagen. As a cosmetic ingredient it offers antioxidant support and helps condition stressed skin.
25 ingredients
Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Melaleuca Cajaputi (Tea Tree) Extract, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Water, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Isododecane, Panthenol, Arginine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use morning and night as your moisturiser. As a lightweight gel-cream it works as the final hydrating step (before SPF in the AM). Very dry skin can layer a richer cream or facial oil on top.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse & Prep
Start with freshly cleansed skin and apply your toner, essence and any serums first.
Dispense a Small Amount
Use the included spatula to scoop a pea-sized to almond-sized amount. A little goes a long way.
Warm & Apply
Dot across the face and gently press and smooth outward until the gel-cream absorbs.
Cool & Soothe
Enjoy the instant cooling finish. Use morning and evening, and always follow with SPF during the day.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have sensitive, redness-prone or easily irritated skin
- You want a lightweight, non-greasy daily moisturiser
- You prefer fragrance-free, clean-leaning K-beauty formulas
- You have oily or combination skin that hates heavy creams
- You want gentle blemish and pore support
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You're prone to fungal acne (malassezia)
- You have very dry skin needing rich, occlusive moisture alone
- You're highly reactive to botanical plant extracts
- You want a treatment with retinoids or exfoliating acids
- You dislike any cooling or tingling sensation
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Lightweight gel texture absorbs fast and hydrates without adding shine or heaviness.
Balances oilier and drier zones with comfortable, non-sticky moisture all over.
Fragrance-free and soothing, though a patch test is wise due to the tea tree content.
Heartleaf and tea tree help calm blemishes, but it is not fungal-acne safe.
Hydrating but lightweight โ very dry skin may want a richer cream layered on top.
๐ Results Timeline
Instant Cooling & Comfort
The gel texture delivers a cooling sensation on contact, instantly relieving tight, hot or irritated skin.
Most users notice on first useCalmer, Less Red
Reviewers commonly report visibly reduced redness and a calmer complexion within the first week of twice-daily use.
Reported by many reviewersClinically Measured Soothing
Brand clinical testing reports reduced skin inflammation (14%), external irritation (15%) and redness (9%), with pore appearance improved by 32.7%.
Brand clinical studySustained Hydration & Balance
With continued use, skin stays consistently hydrated, balanced and more resilient to environmental irritation.
With consistent useโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing and never greasy or sticky
- Genuinely soothing โ calms redness and irritation quickly
- Instant cooling effect, great for hot weather and reactive skin
- Fragrance-free with a clean, EWG Green ingredient list
- Affordable, cruelty-free and eco-conscious packaging
โ Criticized
- Not fungal-acne safe due to esters and emulsifiers
- Too lightweight alone for very dry or mature skin
- Tea tree extract may bother extremely sensitive users
- Applicator/inner lid occasionally arrives damaged
- Jar size feels small if used generously twice daily
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Lightweight, oil-free and soothing with birch sap instead of heartleaf. Less targeted on redness but similarly weightless and great for oily, sensitive skin.
Fragrance-free, barrier-focused soothing cream using centella rather than heartleaf. Slightly richer texture, equally calming for sensitive skin.
A basic, fragrance-free hydrating moisturiser. Hydrates well but lacks the dedicated heartleaf and tea tree soothing actives, so it's more of a price dupe than a function dupe.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Mary & May Sensitive Soothing Gel Cream (This)
~$21.50SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Soothing Cream
~$23.00Anua Heartleaf 70 Intense Calming Cream
~$25.00COSRX Pure Fit Cica Cream
~$26.00๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; close lid tightly after each use.
Frosted glass jar with spatula applicator (70g), boxed in recycled paper with soybean-oil ink.
Yes โ 70g jar is well under the 100ml carry-on limit.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters, which are the actives usually flagged during pregnancy. That makes it generally considered low-risk. It does contain 9.7% tea tree extract, so as with any product during pregnancy or breastfeeding, we recommend confirming with your OB-GYN or dermatologist before use.
No. The formula includes ethylhexyl palmitate and caprylic/capric triglyceride (esters), a polyglyceryl emulsifier, and arginine alongside lipids โ all of which can potentially feed malassezia yeast. If you specifically manage fungal acne, choose a fully fungal-acne-safe moisturiser instead.
Yes. As a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser it layers well over most actives, including vitamin C, niacinamide and peptides, and can be applied after retinol or acids to buffer and soothe. If your skin is currently sensitised from strong actives, introduce it slowly and avoid over-layering on the same night.
It shines on oily, combination and sensitive, redness-prone skin thanks to its lightweight, cooling, non-greasy gel texture. Acne-prone skin benefits from the heartleaf and tea tree, while very dry or mature skin may prefer to layer a richer cream on top.
The cooling, soothing effect is immediate. Many users report calmer, less-red skin within the first week. Brand clinical testing over two weeks reports reduced inflammation (14%), irritation (15%) and redness (9%), with pore appearance improved by 32.7%. Consistent twice-daily use gives the best ongoing results.
Use it as your moisturiser โ the second-to-last step. Apply after cleansing, toner, essence and serums, morning and night. In the daytime, always follow with sunscreen as the final step.
It carries a low comedogenic rating (around 2/5). Most reviewers report it does not clog pores and find it suitable for blemish-prone skin. The main pore-clogging consideration is ethylhexyl palmitate, which some sensitive, congestion-prone users may want to watch.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Keep it stored in a cool, dry place, use the included spatula to keep the product hygienic, and close the lid tightly after each use.
Verdict: Mary & May's Sensitive Soothing Gel Cream is an excellent value soothing moisturiser for oily, combination and sensitive skin. The high 71.8% heartleaf and 9.7% tea tree concentrations, six hyaluronic acids and fragrance-free, EWG Green formula deliver fast, cooling relief for redness and irritation with a weightless finish. It loses points only for not being fungal-acne safe and being a little too light for very dry skin โ but for reactive, blemish-prone complexions wanting clean, affordable K-beauty hydration, it's a standout daily pick.
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 2 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 7 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 |
Melaleuca Cajaputi Extract
Tonic
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
1,2-Hexanediol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
|
|