Tea Tree Cica Trouble Soothing Toner Pad
Tea Tree Cica Trouble Soothing Toner Pad
Product Description
Product overview
Bring Green's Tea Tree Cica Trouble Soothing Toner Pad is a daily exfoliating and calming pad soaked in a watery, lightweight essence built around a 5-Complex Tea Tree blend and Centella Asiatica (Cica). Designed to soothe heated, red, irritated and breakout-prone skin, these 100% pure cotton pads sweep away dead skin and excess oil while delivering instant hydration — without leaving a sticky residue. A gentle dose of LHA (Capryloyl Salicylic Acid) helps refine pores and smooth texture, making this a low-irritation choice for oily and acne-prone skin.
5-Complex Tea Tree
Five forms of Jeju tea tree (extract, leaf extract, leaf water, flower/leaf/stem extract and leaf oil) deliver concentrated antibacterial and oil-balancing care.
Texture & feel
SENSORY5-Complex Tea Tree
Five forms of Jeju tea tree (extract, leaf extract, leaf water, flower/leaf/stem extract and leaf oil) deliver concentrated antibacterial and oil-balancing care.
Centella Cica Soothing
Centella Asiatica (~9.8%) calms redness and supports the skin barrier, reducing the visible irritation that comes with breakouts.
Dual-Use Cotton Pads
100% pure cotton, hole-type pads sweep away debris and dead skin, or can be laid on as a 3–5 minute spot mask for targeted calming.
Gentle LHA Exfoliation
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA) refines pores and smooths texture with far less penetration and sting than standard salicylic acid.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains a salicylic acid derivative (LHA) plus tea tree oil. Topical use is low-risk, but many doctors advise caution — check with your OB/GYN first.
Mostly safe, but it does contain Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate (a C12 ester) that can feed Malassezia. Patch test if you are prone to fungal flare-ups.
Fragrance-free, alcohol-free and skin-irritancy tested. Soft cotton pads minimize friction, though very reactive skin should patch test.
Both the finished product and ingredients are vegan-certified and not tested on animals. Also reef-safe.
Because it lightly exfoliates (LHA), avoid stacking with high-strength AHA/BHA or retinoids on the same area to prevent over-exfoliation.
Exfoliating acids can increase sun sensitivity. Always follow with a broad-spectrum SPF in your morning routine.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTS5-Complex Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) ~40%+ combinedProven
The star of the formula. Bring Green layers five tea tree forms — leaf extract (the highest at ~38%), leaf extract, leaf water, flower/leaf/stem extract and a small amount of leaf oil (~0.05%). Together they deliver antibacterial, anti-sebum and astringent benefits ideal for oily, breakout-prone skin.
- Active: Terpinen-4-ol is the key compound (~40% of tea tree oil) driving its antimicrobial action.
- Clinical: 5% tea tree oil has been shown comparable to 5% benzoyl peroxide for mild–moderate acne, with fewer side effects (slower onset).
- Regulatory: The EU's SCCS deems tea tree oil safe at low cosmetic levels; this formula uses a stabilized, diluted complex.
Centella Asiatica Extract ~9.8%Proven
"Cica" is famed for soothing inflammation and supporting barrier repair. Rich in madecassic acid and asiaticoside, it pairs perfectly with tea tree to calm the redness and irritation that often accompany breakouts.
- Source: Centella compounds are clinically documented to aid wound healing, soothing and barrier strengthening.
- Synergy: Offsets the potential dryness of exfoliating actives by reinforcing the skin barrier.
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA) <0.5%Promising
A lipophilic derivative of salicylic acid, LHA gently exfoliates inside the pore to clear oil and dead skin, refine texture and reduce comedones — with far less irritation than standard BHA.
- Gentleness: An in-vitro study found only ~6% of LHA penetrated past the stratum corneum versus ~58% of salicylic acid, making it milder.
- Efficacy: A 2009 study found LHA comparable to benzoyl peroxide for acne, a good option for sensitive skin.
Panthenol + Allantoin SupportingProven
This soothing duo hydrates, calms and protects. Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) binds water and aids healing, while allantoin softens skin, encourages cell turnover and reduces irritation.
- Allantoin: Recognized by the FDA as a skin protectant; non-sensitizing and stable across a wide pH range.
- Panthenol: A humectant with well-documented wound-healing and barrier-supporting properties.
21 ingredients
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Water, Centella Asiatica Extract, Butylene Glycol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Betaine, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Allantoin, Panthenol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Carbomer, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Xanthan Gum, Arginine, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, 4-Terpineol.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse right after cleansing, before serums and moisturizer. Because it lightly exfoliates, start 2–3 times per week and build up to daily as your skin adjusts.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse first
Wash your face and remove makeup so the actives can work on clean skin.
Sweep across the face
Take one pad and gently wipe outward across the face, avoiding the eye area. The textured side helps lift dead skin and oil.
Spot mask (optional)
For redness or breakouts, lay the pad on the area for 3–5 minutes for intensive calming, then remove.
Pat & layer
Pat any remaining essence into the skin, then follow with serum, moisturizer and (in the morning) sunscreen.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination or acne-prone skin
- You deal with redness, heat and irritation
- You want gentle daily exfoliation without strong acids
- You prefer fragrance-free, alcohol-free formulas
- You like the convenience of a wipe-and-go toner pad
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry skin needing rich hydration only
- You are strictly avoiding all Malassezia triggers
- You react to tea tree, linalool or limonene
- You are pregnant and avoiding all BHA derivatives
- You already use strong AHA/BHA/retinoid daily
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESTea tree and LHA balance oil and clear pores; the watery finish never feels greasy.
Antibacterial tea tree plus soothing cica target breakouts and the redness around them.
Refreshes the T-zone and calms cheeks without stripping; hydrating enough for drier areas.
Fragrance-free and irritancy-tested, but tea tree and LHA mean a patch test is wise.
Provides light hydration, but dry skin should limit exfoliation and layer a richer moisturizer on top.
Results timeline
8+ WEEKSCool, calm & refreshed
Skin feels instantly soothed and hydrated. The brand reports a 20.3% reduction in skin heat and 16.8% less moisture loss after one minute of use.
~85% noticedSmoother, less congested
Gentle LHA exfoliation begins to refine texture, reduce blackheads and whiteheads, and leave skin feeling clearer.
~70% noticedCalmer, more balanced skin
Reduced redness and fewer new breakouts as oil is better balanced and irritation settles.
~60% noticedRefined, even-looking complexion
With consistent use, pores look smaller, texture is smoother and post-blemish marks gradually fade.
~50% noticedRatings by platform
5K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Genuinely calming and cooling on irritated skin
- Refreshing, watery, non-sticky finish
- Soft 100% cotton pads, gentle on skin
- Great value — 90 pads per tub
- Doubles as a quick spot mask
- Fragrance-, alcohol- and paraben-free
Criticized
- Tea tree scent noticeable to some despite "fragrance-free"
- Contains one potential fungal-acne trigger (Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate)
- Light exfoliation may not satisfy those wanting strong acids
- Not ideal as the only hydration step for dry skin
- BHA derivative means pregnancy caution
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Also a tea-tree-and-cica troubleshooting pad with a calming focus. Slightly larger pads and a comparable soothing profile; texture is a bit more essence-soaked.
The cheapest per-pad option. Adds zinc PCA and uses Tencel/gauze pads. Less of a multi-form tea tree complex but still oil-balancing for acne-prone skin.
Uses heartleaf (houttuynia) and PHA instead of tea tree. A gentler, fully fungal-acne-safe calming pad — but fewer pads and a higher price.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Keep the lid sealed and store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent the pads from drying out.
Resealable plastic tub with 90 pre-soaked cotton pads (refill packs also available).
Yes — the 150ml tub is under 100ml of liquid per pad. Decant a few pads into a small zip pouch for trips.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. The formula contains Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (a salicylic acid / BHA derivative) and tea tree oil. Topical low-dose BHA is generally considered low-risk, but guidance varies and tea tree is often advised against during pregnancy. We recommend checking with your OB/GYN or dermatologist before use.
Mostly, but not 100%. Most of the formula is fungal-acne friendly, however it contains Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate — a C12 (lauric acid) ester that can potentially feed the Malassezia yeast behind fungal acne. If you are prone to fungal flare-ups, patch test first or choose a strictly fungal-acne-safe alternative.
Yes, with care. Since the pad already provides mild LHA exfoliation, avoid layering it with strong AHA/BHA or retinoids on the same night to prevent over-exfoliation and irritation. Vitamin C is best in the morning; you can use the pad in the evening. When combining actives, alternate nights and always wear SPF during the day.
It shines on oily, combination and acne-prone skin thanks to tea tree, LHA and cica. Sensitive skin can usually tolerate it (fragrance- and alcohol-free, irritancy tested) but should patch test. Very dry skin can use it occasionally but will want a richer moisturizer layered on top.
Soothing and hydration are immediate — the brand cites a 20.3% drop in skin heat and 16.8% less moisture loss after one minute. Smoother texture and fewer clogged pores typically show within 1–2 weeks, with calmer, more balanced skin and reduced breakouts around the 4–8 week mark with consistent use.
Right after cleansing and before your serums and moisturizer. Sweep a pad over clean skin, pat in the remaining essence, then continue with treatments, moisturizer and (in the morning) sunscreen. Begin 2–3 times weekly and increase to daily as tolerated.
It is low on the comedogenic scale (around 1/5). The core actives — tea tree, centella, panthenol and allantoin — are non-clogging, and the LHA actively helps keep pores clear. It is marketed for acne-prone skin and is unlikely to clog pores for most users.
Around 12 months after opening (PAO). Keep the lid firmly closed so the pads stay soaked, and store in a cool, dry place out of direct sun. With 90 pads, daily use lasts about three months per tub.
Verdict: The Bring Green Tea Tree Cica Trouble Soothing Toner Pad is one of the best-value calming pads in K-beauty. Its 5-Complex Tea Tree and Centella combo genuinely soothes heated, breakout-prone skin while gentle LHA refines texture — all in a fragrance-free, vegan, non-sticky formula at roughly $15 for 90 pads. Two small caveats keep it from a perfect score: one potential fungal-acne trigger, and a BHA derivative that warrants pregnancy caution. For oily, combination and acne-prone skin looking for daily soothing plus light exfoliation, 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 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 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 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
|
|
| 0 |
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
Antimicrobial, Antiseborrhoeic, Astringent, Tonic
|
|