innisfree Green Tea Amino Hydrating Cleansing Foam: A Gentle Daily Cleanser with Amino Acid Surfactants

innisfree's Green Tea Amino Hydrating Cleansing Foam uses amino acid-based surfactants rather than the harsher sulfate surfactants common in drugstore foams. At $37.44 for 250g (larger than typical 150ml cleansers), it's priced as a long-lasting daily product. The "Amino" in the name refers to the amino acid surfactant base, which cleanses effectively without the tight-stripped feeling that sulfates can cause. Combined with green tea extract, this is positioned as a gentle everyday cleanser.

Amino acid surfactants (sodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium lauroyl glutamate, and similar) are a more expensive alternative to sodium lauryl sulfate and similar harsh surfactants. The formulation cost increase shows up in the price point, but the skin benefit is real: less disruption of the stratum corneum, less post-cleanse tightness, better tolerance across skin types. For users who find cheap foams drying, amino-acid-based cleansers are the upgrade.

What It Does

Amino acid surfactants cleanse daily dirt, sunscreen, and light makeup without disrupting the skin's pH or stripping lipids. Green tea extract adds mild antioxidant support during the brief contact time. The foam format provides visible cleansing lather that users psychologically associate with "clean," while the surfactant profile stays gentle. The post-cleanse feel is clean but comfortable, not tight.

Who It's For

• Normal to combination skin: Primary target, suits the texture balance.
• Sensitive skin that reacts to sulfate cleansers: Amino acid base is gentler.
• Double-cleanse second step: After an oil cleanse, this is the water-based follow-up.
• Green tea ingredient enthusiasts: Innisfree's hero ingredient in cleanser form.
• Daily-use routine with high-quality cleansing expectations: Better than drugstore foams.

Key Specs

• Volume: 250g
• Price: $37.44
• Hero ingredients: green tea extract, amino acid surfactants
• Texture: creamy foam when lathered
• Fragrance: light green tea
• pH: balanced, skin-compatible

How to Use

Wet face with lukewarm water. Dispense a pea-sized amount into palms, lather with more water until foamy. Massage onto face for 30 to 60 seconds, avoiding aggressive scrubbing. Rinse with lukewarm water thoroughly. Pat dry. Apply toner and the rest of your routine within 60 seconds for maximum hydration retention.

Use morning and evening. For evening post-makeup, this is the second cleanse after an oil-based first cleanse.

FAQ

Why is amino-acid cleanser better than sulfate cleanser?

Gentler on the skin barrier, less disruption to the acid mantle, better post-cleanse feel, less risk of triggering dryness in sensitive skin. The downside is higher cost per bottle and slightly less foaming action (though modern amino-acid formulations foam well).

Does it remove makeup?

Light makeup yes, heavy or waterproof makeup no. For heavy makeup, use an oil or balm first cleanse, then this as the second cleanse.

How does this compare to ETUDE Moistfull Collagen Foam?

Both are gentle daily foam cleansers. ETUDE uses collagen and glycerin for softness; innisfree uses green tea and amino acids for a slightly different profile. For brightening adjacency: innisfree (green tea has mild brightening). For softness focus: ETUDE. Choose based on ingredient preference.

Is 250g too big?

For daily morning and evening use: 4 to 5 months. That's a long duration, but within shelf life safely. The large size improves per-ml economics.

Can sensitive skin use this?

Generally yes. Amino-acid surfactants are typically better tolerated than sulfates. Patch test first if you have rosacea or known surfactant sensitivity. For acutely compromised skin, consider a cream cleanser without surfactants at all.

Related Products

Pair with innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum as the first serum after cleanse, or follow with innisfree Jeju Orchid Enriched Essence for anti-aging layering.

Browse the full innisfree collection or related categories: Korean cleansers, green tea skincare.