COSRX Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream Review

COSRX Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does COSRX Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what COSRX Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
  • Soothing: COSRX Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of COSRX Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using COSRX Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, COSRX Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Propanediol (est. ≈7.5%), Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (est. ≈5.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈3.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

Tip: Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that COSRX Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (est. ≈5.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, COSRX Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (est. ≈5.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: COSRX Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding COSRX Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream to your skincare routine:
 

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using COSRX Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing COSRX Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract and Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, these ingredients do not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of COSRX Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of COSRX Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing boost for any skincare routine
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution
  • Contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help reduce irritation and soothe the skin

Cons: 

  • Needs occlusives to seal in humectants if used as a standalone moisturizer
  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
7.5
5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Tromethamine
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Ferox Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Hibiscus Esculentus Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lupinus Albus Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
20.5
7.5
5
3
2.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 20.5 10
10.0
7.5
5
3
2.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
7.5
5
3
2.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 20.5 10
10
All humectants
20.5
7.5
5
3
2.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 5 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
5
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
5
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 5.9 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
5.9
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
5
Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract
0.3
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
0.3
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
5
1.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 6.9 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
6.9
5
1.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Propanediol
Est. %7.5
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %5
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

Glycerin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Pentylene Glycol
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
Panthenol
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Tromethamine
Est. %1
Function
Origin
TromethamineAn ingredient based on amino acids that is commonly used as a pH adjuster. It has a high pH, which means that it is basic (alkaline), so adding tromethamine to a skincare product will increase its overall pH level.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Cetearyl Olivate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl Olivate

A multifunctional ingredient derived from plants that primarily serves as an emulsifier. Supplied as a waxy ivory-colored flake, it can also be used as an emollient and slip modifier that gives a product an overall light, silky finish.

Sorbitan Olivate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan OlivateAn ester of sorbitol (a type of sugar alcohol) and olive oil fatty acids. It is used as an emulsifying agent to stabilize oil droplets in water (or vice versa).
Allantoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AllantoinA fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
Aloe Ferox Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Ferox Leaf Extract
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid CopolymerA synthetic humectant moisturizer often paired with glycerin. It also functions as a viscosity-controlling agent that creates gel-like formulas with thicker textures.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Hydrolyzed Hibiscus Esculentus Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Hibiscus Esculentus Extract
Lupinus Albus Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lupinus Albus Seed ExtractAn extract from the seeds of the white lupin - which contain an occlusive moisturizing and emollient fatty oil. The seeds are also rich in antioxidants.
Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Moringa Oleifera Seed ExtractAn extract derived from the seeds of a bush native to Northern India. It contains antioxidant, antimicrobial, and astringent organic acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids.
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melia Azadirachta Leaf ExtractAn antimicrobial and antioxidant extract derived from Neem leaves – an Indian traditional medicine. Neem leaves have been found to possess antibacterial and antifungal activity. It is also a prospective anti-wrinkle ingredient.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melia Azadirachta Flower ExtractAn antioxidant extract derived from the flowers of the Indian lilac, also known as Neem. It is often used in traditional medicine in India. The Neem flower extracts contain limonoids, which are currently under research for their anti-pigment activity.