Description
What it is
The Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum is the hero product of innisfree’s long-running green tea line, and it is one of the most recognizable Korean serums on Canadian shelves thanks to its green glass bottle. The current version is a clear, water-like gel built around green tea, a blend of hyaluronic acid types and niacinamide. The brand positions it as a hydration step that leaves skin feeling plump without a sticky film.
It sits between toner and moisturizer in a routine and works morning and night. innisfree says the formula is free of fragrance and drying alcohols and describes it as non-comedogenic, which is why many people with combination or breakout-prone skin use it as their everyday hydrating layer. It is sold in an 80 mL bottle, with a larger 130 mL size and a refill pouch in some markets.
Key ingredients
- Camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract and seed oil: the signature ingredients of the line, used for their antioxidant profile and a light, comfortable feel on skin
- Sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid: different molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid that bind water to the skin surface and upper layers for a plumper look
- Niacinamide: vitamin B3, included to support an even-looking, healthy glow and a stronger barrier
- Panthenol: provitamin B5, a humectant that the brand includes to help reinforce the moisture barrier
- Lactobacillus ferment lysate: part of what innisfree calls its green tea tri-biotic complex, designed to support a balanced skin surface
- Betaine and saccharide isomerate: additional humectants that help keep skin feeling hydrated through the day
- Squalane: a lightweight emollient that softens skin without heaviness
Product details
| Brand | innisfree (Amorepacific group), South Korea |
|---|---|
| Line | Green Tea |
| Size | 80 mL (also sold in 130 mL and as a refill) |
| Format | Gel serum in a glass pump bottle |
| Main concerns | Dehydration, dullness, weakened moisture barrier |
| Skin types | All skin types, including oily, combination, dry and breakout-prone |
| When to use | Morning and evening, after toner and before cream |
| Fragrance | Formulated without added fragrance, according to the brand |
| Amazon ASIN | B09CQHJB4M |
How to use
- Cleanse and apply your usual toner.
- Dispense two to three pumps into your palm.
- Smooth evenly over the face and neck.
- Pat gently until absorbed, then follow with a moisturizer.
- In the morning, finish with sunscreen.
Hyaluronic acid works best on slightly damp skin. Apply the serum within a minute of your toner, then seal it in with cream so the water it attracts stays in the skin.
Who it suits
This is an easy first serum for anyone building a routine, because it is gentle, fragrance-free and layers under almost anything. Oily and combination skin types tend to like it as a stand-alone hydrator in summer, while dry skin will want a richer cream on top. If you are just getting started, our Korean skincare routine for beginners explains where a serum fits. It also pairs well with the Green Tea Amino Acid Cleansing Foam from the same brand.
Who should be careful
The formula is mild, but niacinamide can cause temporary redness or tingling in a small number of people, especially when combined with strong acids. Very dry or mature skin may find it too light on its own in a Canadian winter. Anyone with a known sensitivity to fermented ingredients should read the full list below first.
Patch test first. Apply a small amount to the inner forearm or behind the ear and wait 24 to 48 hours before using it on the face.
Full ingredient list
Water / Aqua / Eau, Propanediol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Betaine, Saccharide Isomerate, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Xylitol, Cetearyl Olivate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Butylene Glycol, Sorbitan Olivate, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Squalane, Panthenol, Allantoin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) Gum, Sodium Metaphosphate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Dextrin, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Glyceryl Oleate, Tocopherol, Lecithin, Sucrose, Lauryl Glucoside, Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate, Myristyl Glucoside, Xanthan Gum, Lactic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate.
This is the list published on innisfree’s US site for the current version. It contains no added fragrance and no denatured alcohol. Older batches and some Asian-market bottles used a different list that included fragrance and alcohol, so check the box if you are sensitive to either.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum good for acne-prone skin?
innisfree describes the current formula as non-comedogenic and suitable for acne-prone skin. It does not contain acne-fighting actives, so it is best seen as a gentle hydrating layer rather than a breakout treatment.
Can I use it with retinol or vitamin C?
Yes. It is a simple hydrating serum, so it layers well under or after most treatment serums. Many people apply it after a retinol serum at night to reduce dryness.
What is the difference between the old and new Green Tea Seed Serum?
The newer version is labelled Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum and shifts the focus toward several types of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and panthenol, with a lighter, water-gel texture. The brand also lists it as fragrance-free.
How long does an 80 mL bottle last?
At two to three pumps twice a day, most people get roughly two to three months of use, depending on how much they apply to the neck.
Learn more
See where this serum fits among other picks in our guide to the best Korean skincare products in Canada, or read our best Korean skincare for dry skin guide if you need extra hydration.
Ingredient lists can change between batches and markets. Always check the box you receive. This page is an independent guide; melaxin.ca does not sell products directly.
