Vitamin Tree Water Gel
Vitamin Tree Water Gel
Product Description
The I'm from Vitamin Tree Water Gel is a lightweight, fast-absorbing gel moisturizer powered by 68% Vitamin Tree (Sea Buckthorn) water from Korea's Taebaek Mountains. Formulated with niacinamide, stabilized vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, it delivers a cooling burst of hydration that brightens and soothes without any greasy residue โ making it a cult favorite for oily, combination and sensitive skin.
โจ Texture & Feel
Cooling Hydration
A refreshing gel that delivers a cooling sensation on contact, calming heat-stressed and redness-prone skin instantly.
68% Vitamin Tree Water
Sea Buckthorn water from Korea's Taebaek Mountains replaces standard water, packing the base with antioxidants and vitamins.
Brightening Trio
Niacinamide plus stabilized vitamin C help fade dullness and even tone for a more radiant, healthy-looking complexion.
Weightless on Skin
Absorbs in seconds with no tackiness or grease, layering beautifully under serums, makeup or sunscreen.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens. Generally considered a safe choice โ always confirm with your doctor.
Free of the fatty acids and problematic esters that feed malassezia yeast, making it suitable for fungal-acne-prone skin.
No added fragrance and free of EU-listed allergens, reducing the risk of sensitivity-related reactions.
Hamamelis Virginiana extract sits low in the list but can be sensitizing for very reactive, eczema- or rosacea-prone skin. Patch test first.
Layers safely with retinol, AHAs, BHAs and standalone vitamin C serums as the hydrating step before your moisturizer or sunscreen.
Formulated without animal-derived ingredients and not tested on animals โ a clean, conscious daily moisturizer.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ Vitamin Tree (Sea Buckthorn) Water ~68% Proven
The hero of the formula. Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) extract and fruit extract replace plain water as the base, supplying carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin E and essential fatty acids for antioxidant and barrier support.
- Source: Sea Buckthorn is rich in carotenoids, palmitoleic acid and natural vitamin C, prized for soothing and nourishing skin.
- Research: A 2018 study noted Sea Buckthorn's anti-inflammatory properties may help skin cope with UV stress (it is not a sunscreen).
๐ง Niacinamide Vitamin B3 Proven
A multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, regulates oil, refines pores and helps fade dark spots โ all while staying gentle on sensitive skin.
- Source: Niacinamide is well tolerated by most skin types, with around 5% commonly used to help fade dark spots and even tone.
- Mechanism: Converts to NAD in skin cells to support repair, collagen and barrier strength.
๐ 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C Promising
A stable, water-soluble vitamin C derivative that converts to active vitamin C in the skin. It targets hyperpigmentation, supports collagen and fights free radicals more gently than pure ascorbic acid.
- Source: More stable than ascorbic acid; interferes with the melanin pathway to help reduce the look of dark spots.
- Optimal pH: Works best in the 4โ5.5 range and is converted slowly for better tolerance.
๐ฆ Sodium Hyaluronate + Panthenol 0/0 Proven
The hydration duo. Sodium hyaluronate (the salt form of hyaluronic acid) draws water into the skin, while panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) soothes, supports healing and locks in moisture.
- Source: Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in skin; typical use sits between 0.1โ2% for surface and deeper hydration.
- Bonus: Panthenol is a humectant that also helps calm irritation and reinforce the barrier.
๐ฟ Soothing Botanical Complex Calming Promising
A blend of purslane, chamomile, licorice root (dipotassium glycyrrhizate), allantoin, cloudberry and snow lotus works together to calm redness, fight free radicals and comfort stressed skin.
- Source: Licorice root contains glabridin, a potent soothing antioxidant studied for its skin-brightening potential.
- Allantoin: A gentle, FDA-recognized skin protectant that supports cell turnover and calms inflammation.
36 ingredients
Hippophae Rhamnoides Extract, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Methylpropanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Water, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Cyclohexasiloxane, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Trideceth-10, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Saussurea Involucrata Extract, Rubus Chamaemorus Fruit Extract, Selaginella Lepidophylla Extract, Carbomer, Arginine, Allantoin, Bambusa Vulgaris Water, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use morning and night as your moisturizing step. On very dry skin or in winter, layer a richer cream on top to seal in hydration.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse & Tone
Start with clean skin and apply your toner so the gel has a hydrated base to lock into.
Apply Treatments
Layer any essences or serums first, allowing them to absorb before the moisturizing step.
Smooth On the Water Gel
Take a pea-to-coin-sized amount and gently pat it across your face and neck until fully absorbed.
Seal & Protect
Follow with a heavier cream if needed, and always finish with SPF in the morning.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination or acne-prone skin and want hydration without grease
- You live in a hot or humid climate and prefer a lightweight, cooling gel
- You want brightening (niacinamide + vitamin C) in a gentle daily moisturizer
- You're sensitive to fragrance and want a low-allergen, fungal-acne-safe formula
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or dehydrated skin that needs a rich, occlusive cream
- You react to witch hazel or have highly reactive, eczema-prone skin
- You prefer a fully silicone-free formula (this contains cyclopentasiloxane)
- You want a fragranced, "spa-like" sensorial experience
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Lightweight, oil-free and fast-absorbing โ hydrates without adding shine or heaviness.
Balances hydration across an oily T-zone and drier cheeks without clogging or greasiness.
Non-comedogenic and fungal-acne safe; reviewers report no breakouts with daily use.
Fragrance-free and soothing, but the witch hazel means very reactive skin should patch test.
Provides a fresh layer of hydration but usually needs a richer cream layered on top.
Antioxidants and vitamin C support a brighter look, though it's light on richer anti-aging nourishment.
๐ Results Timeline
Cooling, Comfortable Hydration
Skin feels instantly cooled, soothed and quenched, with a fresh, non-sticky finish from the first application.
90% noticedSmoother, Calmer Skin
Continued use helps reduce visible redness and leaves the complexion feeling softer and more balanced.
72% noticedBrighter, More Even Tone
With niacinamide and vitamin C working over time, skin can look more radiant with a more even-looking tone.
58% noticedโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Extremely lightweight โ "feels like nothing on the skin"
- Absorbs instantly with a fresh, cooling sensation
- Hydrates without greasiness, ideal for oily/combo skin
- Doesn't cause breakouts; loved by acne-prone reviewers
- Fragrance-free, vegan and fungal-acne safe
โ Criticized
- Not moisturizing enough alone for very dry skin
- Seen as a touch pricey for the 75g size
- Contains witch hazel, a possible irritant for reactive skin
- Not silicone-free (contains cyclopentasiloxane/cyclohexasiloxane)
- Cooling effect is brief rather than long-lasting
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Larger 100ml size with 70% birch sap and a similarly light, oil-free finish. Lacks the vitamin C and niacinamide brightening angle.
Hyaluronic-acid focused gel cream that's easy to find and gentle. More about pure hydration; no antioxidant or brightening actives.
Green-tea-based soothing gel with a comparable lightweight feel. Leans calming/antioxidant rather than vitamin-C brightening.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
I'm from Vitamin Tree Water Gel (Featured)
$30.39Dear, Klairs Fundamental Water Gel Cream
$31.00COSRX Oil-Free Birch Sap Lotion
$25.00Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream
$21.99๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; refrigerating enhances the cooling effect.
Squeeze tube for hygienic, mess-free dispensing
Yes โ 75g is well under the 100ml carry-on limit
โ Frequently Asked Questions
It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens, which are the ingredients most often flagged during pregnancy. Its core actives โ niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and a vitamin C derivative โ are generally considered low-risk. As always, confirm with your OB-GYN or dermatologist before adding any product during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Yes. Ingredient analysis shows it is free from the fatty acids, problematic esters and oils that typically feed malassezia yeast, so it's a suitable option for people managing fungal acne. If your skin is very reactive, a short patch test is still a smart first step.
Yes. As a gentle, hydrating gel it layers well over your active treatments. Apply your retinol, exfoliating acid or vitamin C serum first, let it absorb, then smooth on the water gel to soothe and seal in moisture. It already contains a mild vitamin C derivative, but it's gentle enough to pair with a dedicated vitamin C serum.
It shines on oily, combination and acne-prone skin thanks to its lightweight, oil-free, cooling texture. Sensitive skin generally tolerates it well too. Very dry skin can use it but will likely want to layer a richer cream on top for lasting comfort.
Hydration and a cooling, soothing effect are immediate. Calmer, smoother-looking skin tends to show within 1โ2 weeks, while the brightening and tone-evening benefits from niacinamide and vitamin C usually become noticeable after 4โ8 weeks of consistent use.
Use it as your moisturizer step โ after cleansing, toner and any serums or essences, and before sunscreen in the morning. At night you can finish with a heavier cream if your skin needs extra richness.
It's very low risk, scoring around 1 out of 5. The formula is oil-free and its key ingredients (glycerin, hyaluronic acid, allantoin, panthenol) are non-comedogenic, which is why acne-prone reviewers report no clogged pores or breakouts.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. For best results, store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and use it within a year of first opening.
Verdict: The I'm from Vitamin Tree Water Gel is a standout lightweight moisturizer for oily, combination and acne-prone skin. Built on 68% antioxidant-rich Sea Buckthorn water and boosted with niacinamide, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, it delivers fresh, cooling hydration that brightens and soothes without grease โ all while staying fragrance-free, vegan and fungal-acne safe. Very dry skin will want to layer a richer cream on top, and reactive skin should note the witch hazel, but for most people seeking a clean, no-fuss daily gel, it's an easy recommendation.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinโs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging ยซpromisesยป it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 6 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Methylpropanediol
Solvent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Dipropylene Glycol
Fragrance, Solvent, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|