Innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Cream: what it does and how to use it

What is in the cream?

The Australian formula combines green tea with five forms of hyaluronic acid, squalane and Ceramide NP. Hyaluronic acid helps hydrate skin, while squalane and ceramide help retain moisture. The skin barrier is the outer layer that helps keep water in. The formula also includes glycerin, panthenol, allantoin and madecassoside. Malaysia highlights panthenol for soothing and the combination of ceramide and squalane for moisture retention. Ingredient percentages are not listed, so there is no stated hyaluronic acid strength to compare.124

The US page lists the cream as fragrance free and without drying alcohols. Its "formulated without silicone" statement conflicts with its ingredient list, which includes stearyl dimethicone and methyl trimethicone. Do not choose this cream on the assumption that it contains no silicones. The Australian ingredient list also includes cetearyl alcohol, so "without drying alcohols" should not be read as "contains no ingredient named alcohol."13

What does it feel like?

Innisfree describes the US cream as lightweight and silky, with easy absorption. The Australian version is described as refreshing and moisturizing without weighing skin down. Singapore describes a dewy finish rather than a matte one, which gives the word glow an actual job description. Innisfree also positions the US cream as a moisturizer to wear under makeup.135

Who is it best for?

The Australian cream is marketed for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and is fragrance free. A cream is a sensible starting texture for dry skin: creams generally contain more oil than lotions or gels and preserve more water. For oily skin, a lighter gel can be a better fit. With combination skin, apply moisturizer to dry areas rather than automatically covering oily areas with the same amount. The forehead, nose and chin are often the oily areas. These are general moisturizer choices, not a prediction of how this jar will behave on your skin.14

For sensitive or very dry skin, fragrance free is a useful feature because fragrance can irritate. Green tea and other plant ingredients do not make a product allergy proof. Choose by the formula and your response to it, not by the presence of a botanical name.4

How do you apply it?

1. 1Cleanse your face. Innisfree's Australian routine places toner next, followed by serum or essence if you use them.
2. 2Apply the cream after serum. Australia specifies a coin sized amount for the face and neck; Malaysia specifies a dime sized amount.
3. 3Smooth the cream over your face and neck, then gently pat for absorption.
4. 4Use it morning and night. In the morning, apply sunscreen after the cream.

As general dry skin guidance, apply moisturizer while skin is still damp after bathing or washing to help trap water. Use a cream again when skin feels dry, and gently massage it in. For morning protection, choose a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, alongside shade and protective clothing.6

Is it the same as the Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum?

No. The US Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum is a separate product with a water like gel texture, niacinamide, panthenol and encapsulated hyaluronic acid. Innisfree tells you to apply two to three pumps after cleanser and toner, before moisturizer, morning and night. The cream and serum occupy different steps in the routine, despite names that appear to have been assigned by the same committee. If you use both, the serum goes first and the cream follows. The serum can also be layered with other serums; Innisfree places it first among those layers.7

How quickly should you expect hydration?

Innisfree reports a fivefold hydration boost after one use of the US cream in instrumental testing involving 31 women. After one week, 93% of 30 women in a home use survey reported healthier, more radiant skin. Treat hydration and comfort as the main reasons to use the cream, rather than expecting it to replace treatment for a skin condition.3

What sizes and prices are listed?

When should you stop using it or see a doctor?

Innisfree's Singapore and Malaysian directions say to avoid direct eye contact and rinse thoroughly with water if contact occurs. Stop using the cream and consult a doctor if irritation occurs. The cream is for external use only and should be kept out of reach of children.25

Tell a dermatologist if moisturizer causes burning, stinging or irritation. Seek care if dryness persists despite moisturizing, or becomes painful, cracked, bleeding or very irritating. Persistent dryness can have an underlying medical cause and need more than a cosmetic cream. If you already have a prescribed dry skin treatment plan, follow that plan rather than replacing it with this moisturizer. For excessively dry skin, retinoids and other irritating products can worsen the problem; discuss your routine with your dermatologist.46