Tea Tree Cica Soothing cream
Tea Tree Cica Soothing cream
Product Description
Product overview
Bring Green Tea Tree Cica Soothing Cream is a lightweight, fast-absorbing Korean moisturizer formulated with a 5-layer Tea Tree Complex (30%) and Centella Asiatica (10%) to calm irritated, acne-prone skin. Clinically proven to reduce skin temperature by 5.6°C and boost moisture by 39.5% — all while staying non-sticky, vegan, and fragrance-free.
Cooling Effect -5.6°C
Clinically shown to lower skin temperature by 5.6°C upon application — perfect for stressed, overheated skin.
Texture & feel
SENSORYCooling Effect -5.6°C
Clinically shown to lower skin temperature by 5.6°C upon application — perfect for stressed, overheated skin.
+39.5% Skin Moisture
Boosts skin hydration by 39.5% via a synergy of humectants (diglycerin, butylene glycol, panthenol) and emollients.
5-Layer Tea Tree Complex
Extract, leaf water, leaf extract, flower/leaf/stem extract, and leaf oil — five tea tree forms for layered soothing.
Barrier Reinforcement
Madecassoside, panthenol, and 2% niacinamide work together to strengthen your skin's moisture barrier.
0.00 Irritation Score
Dermatologically tested and proven to cause zero skin irritation — safe for sensitive and reactive complexions.
Vegan + Cruelty-Free
Certified vegan formula, never tested on animals, and free from common irritants, parabens, and sulfates.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains tea tree leaf oil — some OB-GYNs advise avoiding topical tea tree oil during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Consult your doctor.
No fatty acids, esters, or problematic polysorbates. Suitable for those prone to pityrosporum folliculitis.
Comedogenic rating 1/5. Squalane is rated 0-1 and will not clog pores in acne-prone skin.
The niacinamide and madecassoside help buffer retinol irritation — excellent pairing in a PM routine.
Gentle enough to layer after acids or Vitamin C. Niacinamide-C combination is supported by modern research.
Naturally occurring in tea tree oil — potential allergens for very reactive skin. Patch test if you have eczema.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSTea Tree Complex (5 Types) ~30%Proven
Bring Green's signature blend layers five forms of Melaleuca alternifolia: extract, leaf water, leaf extract, flower/leaf/stem extract, and leaf oil. Tea tree is prized for its antimicrobial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory action on acne-prone skin.
- Clinical study (2007, Australasian Journal of Dermatology): 5% tea tree oil gel significantly reduced acne lesions versus placebo.
- Active compound: Terpinen-4-ol targets Cutibacterium acnes — the bacterium linked to breakouts.
Centella Asiatica (Cica) Complex ~10%Proven
Also known as Gotu Kola or Cica, this herb is a K-beauty darling for its wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Rich in asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid — the four "centellosides."
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2010): Centella extract accelerated wound healing and reduced inflammation in clinical trials.
- Bonus: Madecassoside is listed separately in the INCI — a focused active, not just the extract.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) ~2%Proven
A multitasking water-soluble vitamin that reinforces the skin barrier, minimizes pore appearance, regulates sebum, and brightens uneven tone. Clinically effective starting from 2%.
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2004): 2% niacinamide reduced sebum excretion rates significantly over 4 weeks.
- Journal of Drugs in Dermatology: Helps reduce hyperpigmentation and improves skin elasticity.
Madecassoside ~0.1%Proven
The star triterpenoid extracted from Centella Asiatica. More potent than the whole-plant extract for repair and anti-redness.
- Clinical Dermatology (2008): Madecassoside accelerated barrier recovery and reduced visible redness in post-procedure skin.
- Mechanism: Stimulates collagen I synthesis and inhibits inflammatory cytokines.
Squalane ~3-5%Proven
A plant-derived emollient that mimics skin's natural sebum. Locks in moisture without clogging pores — rated 0-1 on the comedogenic scale.
- Molecules Journal (2009): Squalane shows excellent stability and is non-irritating even on sensitive skin.
- Benefit: Reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and softens skin texture.
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) ~1-2%Proven
Converts to pantothenic acid in skin, delivering deep hydration, calming redness, and supporting barrier repair.
- American Journal of Clinical Dermatology (2002): Panthenol demonstrated significant moisturizing and anti-inflammatory activity.
- Skin benefit: Relieves itching and improves recovery from irritation.
21 ingredients
Water, Melaleuca Cajaputi Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Diglycerin, Melaleuca Alternifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Sorbitan Isostearate, Madecassoside, Ethylhexylglycerin.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the final hydration step AM & PM. In daytime, always seal with broad-spectrum sunscreen. For extra dryness in winter, layer a heavier occlusive on top.
How to use
HOW TO USEComplete your basic skincare
After cleansing, toning, and applying essence or serum, make sure your skin is still slightly damp for best absorption.
Scoop a pea-sized amount
A little goes a long way — too much product may pill or leave a tacky feel. Warm between fingertips to melt the gel-cream.
Apply from inside out
Gently spread from the center of the face outward — forehead, cheeks, nose, chin. Don't forget the jawline and neck.
Pat for absorption
Press palms lightly against skin to help the formula sink in. The cooling effect should be immediate and noticeable.
Follow with SPF in the morning
Niacinamide supports sun-damaged skin, but always pair with SPF 30+ to prevent further damage.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin
- You struggle with redness, inflammation, or post-breakout marks
- You live in hot, humid climates or deal with overheating skin
- You want a lightweight moisturizer that layers well under SPF and makeup
- You're fungal-acne prone and need a safe cream
- You prefer vegan, cruelty-free K-beauty
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or mature skin needing rich occlusion
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding (tea tree oil caution)
- You have a known sensitivity to linalool or limonene
- You dislike even faint herbal scents
- You need a heavy winter night cream
- You prefer completely unscented, essential-oil-free formulas
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight gel-cream absorbs instantly without adding shine. Niacinamide helps regulate sebum production.
Balances the T-zone and hydrates drier cheeks evenly — ideal year-round use.
Non-comedogenic, fungal-acne-safe, with tea tree's proven antibacterial action against C. acnes.
Fragrance-free with soothing cica, but tea tree oil may react with very reactive skin — patch test first.
Provides decent surface hydration but may need a richer occlusive on top in winter or for very dehydrated skin.
Niacinamide and madecassoside support elasticity, but pair with a heavier anti-aging cream for best results.
Results timeline
6-8 WEEKSCooling & Calming Effect
Instant -5.6°C temperature drop on application. Redness and heat in irritated areas feel visibly reduced within minutes.
92% noticedSmoother, More Balanced Skin
Skin feels more comfortable throughout the day. Active breakouts start to calm down, and shine is noticeably reduced in the T-zone.
78% noticedClearer Complexion
Whiteheads and blackheads reduced by 38-39% (per brand clinical data). Niacinamide starts evening out tone and fading post-blemish marks.
71% noticedStrengthened Barrier
Reduced sensitivity, improved moisture retention, and visibly fewer flare-ups. Skin looks plumper and more resilient overall.
65% noticedRatings by platform
6K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Fast-absorbing, non-greasy gel-cream texture
- Noticeable cooling sensation calms redness instantly
- Effective at 2% niacinamide plus cica synergy
- Fungal-acne safe and non-comedogenic
- Large 100ml tube offers excellent value
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and reef-safe formulation
- Layers beautifully under sunscreen and makeup
Criticized
- Tea tree scent is noticeable (though fragrance-free)
- Not hydrating enough for very dry skin alone
- Pregnancy caution due to tea tree oil
- Contains linalool/limonene (potential allergens)
- Some users report mild tingling on first use
- Slight tackiness if over-applied
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Centella-forward formula with fewer tea tree layers but more fermented Centella complex. Slightly richer texture — better for dry-sensitive skin.
More of a spot treatment than a full-face moisturizer. Strong Centella focus, no tea tree, smaller 30ml size but targeted use.
Adds exfoliating acids to the tea tree + cica story. More active on breakouts but may be too strong for very sensitive skin.
No tea tree or cica, but rock-bottom price and barrier-friendly. Best for acne-prone users wanting a simple, fragrance-free moisturizer.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Purito Centella Green Level Safe Sun
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid humid bathroom shelves for extended freshness.
Squeeze tube with narrow nozzle — hygienic and easy to control dosage.
100ml meets TSA and most international carry-on liquid limits.
Frequently asked questions
FAQThis cream contains Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil. While topical use is generally considered low-risk, some OB-GYNs advise avoiding tea tree essential oil during pregnancy — especially in the first trimester. The rest of the formula (niacinamide, centella, squalane, panthenol) is pregnancy-safe. We recommend consulting your healthcare provider before use.
Yes. The formula contains no fatty acids (C11-C24), esters, polysorbates, or oils that typically feed Malassezia yeast. Squalane is a saturated, yeast-safe emollient. This makes it a great option for people prone to pityrosporum folliculitis or fungal acne.
Yes — it actually pairs very well with other actives. Niacinamide buffers retinol irritation, and the centella/madecassoside soothe acid-induced redness. Apply your active first (retinol, Vitamin C, or acid serum), let it absorb, then seal with this cream. Many users specifically use it as a "repair step" after stronger actives.
It's best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin, including sensitive skin that can tolerate mild tea tree. The lightweight gel-cream texture won't weigh down or clog oily skin. Very dry or mature skin may find it insufficient as a sole moisturizer and benefit from layering a richer cream on top.
Expect an immediate cooling and calming effect on application. Noticeable breakout reduction and smoother texture usually appear within 1-2 weeks. The brand's clinical testing reports a 38-39% reduction in whiteheads and blackheads after 4 weeks of consistent use. Full barrier improvement and tone evening typically take 6-8 weeks.
Apply it as your moisturizer step — after cleanser, toner, essence, and serums, but before sunscreen in the morning or as the final step at night. Use AM and PM for best results. If you have very dry skin in winter, you can layer a heavier occlusive cream on top.
No — it is rated 1/5 on the comedogenic scale and specifically formulated for acne-prone skin. Squalane, the main emollient, is rated 0-1 and does not clog pores. The formula is free from coconut oil, isopropyl myristate, and other high-comedogenic ingredients that trigger breakouts.
The PAO (Period After Opening) is 12 months. Look for the small jar icon on the packaging with "12M" written inside. Store in a cool, dry place, keep the nozzle closed tightly, and avoid introducing water or fingers into the tube to maintain freshness.
Verdict: Bring Green Tea Tree Cica Soothing Cream is a standout K-beauty moisturizer for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. Its 5-layer tea tree complex, 10% centella, 2% niacinamide, and added madecassoside create a genuinely effective anti-inflammatory, anti-breakout formula at a budget-friendly price. The cooling gel-cream texture, zero-irritation clinical score, and vegan credentials make it a reliable daily moisturizer. Minor drawbacks — the faint tea tree scent and pregnancy caution — prevent a perfect score, but for its target audience, it delivers excellent value in a generous 100ml tube.
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
Anti-Aging from 3 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 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 |
Melaleuca Cajaputi Extract
Tonic
|
|
|
| 1 |
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing, Soothing, Tonic
|
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Squalane
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning, Refatting
|
Hydrating
|