Soothing Tea Cleansing Gel

Generally yes — this cleanser is free of the main ingredients flagged during pregnancy, including retinoids (retinol, retinyl palmitate), salicylic acid at exfoliating doses, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreen filters. The formula is sulfate-free and does not contain parabens or phthalates. The botanical essential oils (tea tree, chamomile, thuja, bitter orange) are present at low cosmetic concentrations in a rinse-off formula, which further reduces any systemic exposure risk. However, as with any skincare product during pregnancy, we recommend consulting your OB-GYN or midwife before use, as individual sensitivities can vary.

Use with caution if you have active fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis). The formula contains Rice Ferment Filtrate and Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, both of which can potentially feed Malassezia yeast — the organism responsible for fungal acne. On the flip side, the formula also contains Glyceryl Caprylate (a known antifungal emollient) and Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract (tea tree, which has antifungal activity), which may partially counterbalance this. As a rinse-off cleanser, contact time with the skin is short, which reduces the risk compared to leave-on products. If you are prone to fungal acne, consider patch testing first and monitoring for any flare-ups.

Yes. As a rinse-off cleanser, the Soothing Tea Cleansing Gel is fully compatible with all leave-on actives including retinol, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), AHAs (glycolic, lactic acid), and BHAs (salicylic acid). The cleanser's own mild PHA (gluconolactone) is gentle and won't increase sensitivity to other actives. In fact, using a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser before applying these actives is ideal — it prepares the skin's pH for optimal absorption. Simply cleanse, then apply your actives as normal in your routine.

This cleanser is best suited for oily, combination, normal, and acne-prone skin types — and also works well for most sensitive skin. The sulfate-free, pH 6 formula cleanses effectively without stripping, making it suitable for a wide range. Oily and acne-prone skin benefit most from the tea tree, gluconolactone, and licorice root complex. Dry skin types should use it as the second step of a double cleanse (not as a sole cleanser) and follow immediately with a rich hydrating toner and moisturizer to offset any potential tightness. Very dry or compromised skin types may prefer a creamier, more emollient cleanser.

You'll notice soft, clean, and balanced skin from the very first use. For brightening effects (from rice ferment filtrate and licorice root), most users begin to see visible improvements in radiance and skin tone after 3–4 weeks of consistent daily use. The PHA (gluconolactone) provides gentle exfoliation that can smooth skin texture within 2–3 weeks. For significant improvements in dark spots or post-blemish marks, allow 6–8 weeks of consistent use. Pair with a dedicated vitamin C serum or niacinamide product for enhanced brightening results.

This gel cleanser is designed as the second step of a double cleanse — use it after an oil cleanser or cleansing balm (such as the Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm) to remove water-based impurities like sweat, pollution, and remaining residue. The full routine order is: (1) Oil Cleanser → (2) Soothing Tea Cleansing Gel → (3) Toner/Essence → (4) Serum/Treatment → (5) Moisturizer → (6) Sunscreen (AM only). On low-pollution, makeup-free mornings, it can be used as your only cleanser. Use morning and/or evening as desired.

No, this cleanser is considered low-comedogenic with an overall rating of 1/5. The primary oil in the formula, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, carries a comedogenic rating of 2 (low). However, since this is a rinse-off cleanser, the risk of pore-clogging is dramatically reduced compared to leave-on moisturizers or serums — the oils and emollients are washed away with water before they can interact with pores. The formula is appropriate for oily and acne-prone skin types. If you are highly sensitive to rice bran oil specifically, be aware of its presence.

The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months, as indicated by the open jar symbol on the packaging. Because this cleanser is highly concentrated and a pea-sized amount is sufficient per use, a single 100ml tube typically lasts 3–4 months with twice-daily use (morning and evening). This means you'll stay well within the 12-month PAO under normal usage. Store at room temperature away from humidity and direct sunlight to maintain stability. Discard if you notice any change in color, smell, or texture before the PAO date.