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Updated on July 18, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe and reef safe . They have a total of 3 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin

Free From

They both do not contain any common allergens, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Cure Aqua Gel Exfoliator
Cure Aqua Gel Exfoliator
Exfoliator
Japanese Brand Japan
B.LAB Matcha Hydrating Foam Cleanser
B.LAB Matcha Hydrating Foam Cleanser
Face Cleanser
Korean Brand South Korea

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Benefits

Concerns

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Aqua Gel Exfoliator
Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Isopropyl Alcohol Solvent
0 / 0 Alcohol IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
AlcoholAlcohol Icon 5 Concerns

Isopropyl Alcohol is more commonly known as rubbing alcohol. It is most commonly used as a solvent, meaning it helps other ingredients dissolve.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract Antimicrobial, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract comes from rosemary. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean.

Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract Skin Conditioning

Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract comes from the leaves of the Ginkgo tree. This tree is native to China and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae.

Steartrimonium Bromide Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

Steartrimonium Bromide is a preservative.

Unknown Full details ->
Dicocodimonium Chloride Emulsifying

We don't have a description for Dicocodimonium Chloride.

Unknown Full details ->
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer Emulsion Stabilising

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products.

Disliked Full details ->
Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon
2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

Matcha Hydrating Foam Cleanser
Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon
2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate Cleansing, Skin Conditioning

Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate is a cleansing agent. It can be naturally derived or synthetically-created.

Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate

Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate is the sodium salt from the lauric acid of glutamic acid.

Disliked Full details ->
1,2-Hexanediol Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Astringent
Antioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps fight Acne Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon 5 Benefits

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.

Betaine Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon
3 Benefits

Betaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.

Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate

Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate is a modified starch used to help thicken a product.

Unknown Full details ->
Centella Asiatica Extract Cleansing, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon
2 Benefits

Centella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Ficus Carica Fruit Extract Humectant

Ficus Carica Fruit Extract comes from the fruit known as the fig. Figs are rich in antioxidants and helps hydrate the skin.

Laminaria Japonica Extract Skin Protecting

Laminaria Japonica Extract comes from a kelp more commonly known as 'sweet kelp'. It is commonly eaten in Japan, Korea, and China.

Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract Skin Conditioning

Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract comes from the false daisy plant. False daisy contains antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids.

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract Skin Conditioning

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is extract from the neem plant.

Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract Skin Conditioning

Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract is from the Neem tree. Neem trees originate from India.

Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract.

Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract.

Hydrogenated Lecithin Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin. Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between molecule hydrogen and another element.

Lauryl Betaine Cleansing, Skin Conditioning

Lauryl Betaine is a surfactant. It helps cleanse your skin by gathering oil, dirt, and other pollutants to be rinsed away.

Unknown Full details ->
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Fragrance IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon Helps with Anti-AgingHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Camellia Sinensis Leaf is the leaf of the tea plant. These leaves are used to make white, oolong, green, and black tea.

Sodium Chloride Masking
Can worsen Dry Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
3 Concerns

Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Polyquaternium-39

We don't have a description for Polyquaternium-39.

Decylene Glycol Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Decylene Glycol.

Unknown Full details ->
Allantoin Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing
0 / 0 Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Scar Healing Icon
3 Benefits

Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Fructan Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Fructan.

Unknown Full details ->
Fructooligosaccharides Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Fructooligosaccharides is an alternative sweetener. It is often derived from the blue agave plant.

Beta-Glucan Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce Skin Redness Icon
Helps reduce Skin RednessHelps reduce Skin Redness Icon

Beta-Glucan is a polysaccharide. It can be derived from the cell walls of seaweed, oats, yeast, and fungi.

Ceramide NP Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon
CeramideCeramide Icon 4 Benefits

Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Hyaluronic Acid Icon
Hyaluronic AcidHyaluronic Acid Icon

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is created by the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight. Once created, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight.

Hydroxyacetophenone Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon

Hydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant and helps with skin conditioning.

Ethylhexylglycerin Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Mixed

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Loved

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin
Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Loved

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

Aqua Gel Exfoliator
4
2
2
2
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
Matcha Hydrating Foam Cleanser
20
5
2
4
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

22 Routines
18% use in am
82% use in pm
32% use every day
1,233 Routines
45% use in am
55% use in pm
97% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Cure Aqua Gel Exfoliator 10 ingredients

Aqua Gel Exfoliator hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

B.LAB Matcha Hydrating Foam Cleanser 31 ingredients

3.7 /5
from 27 ratings
Great Value (11) Works Well (7) Light Scent (6)
skinogre's avatar

skinogre

1 month ago · Oily Skin
Review

I really do adore this cleanser, what people have said about this is extremely true. It smells of natural matcha, has an earthy light scent and...

I really do adore this cleanser, what people have said about this is extremely true. It smells of natural matcha, has an earthy light scent and contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid and Centella extract. This makes my skin feel nourished while putting it on despite its cleansed feeling. I can definitely see how some people may find it too harsh as I too have had the same experience, especially when I first started using it, I had to oscillate between my soon jung whip cleanser which is a lot gentler. But it became something that my skin really needs in summer/spring so I’d definitely recommend it for people in hot climates or just oily skin/sweaty skin. One thing I love about this cleanser is that it feels so good to rub in, it has a consistency of like powdered chalk butter then once you rub it in your hands it feels like a glossy conditioner texture.

What did this do for my skin:
- cleans my skin properly without leaving a slimy residue
- after I use it I tried to experiment by not applying toner but instead letting my skin air dry, I’ve noticed it takes a longer time to dry (about 6 more mins) than other cleansers I use this could be due to the hyaluronic acid and ceramides preventing water loss
-less dead skin cells come off than other cleansers when I wipe it off with my toner pads afterwards
-really feels like a clean slate
-the harshest I can cleanse my skin without exfoliators in my cleanser and tight uncomfortable skin
- makes me feel like I’m in a spa because of the smell hehe

How it differs from other cleansers:
-fungal acne ingredients safe 🤩
- has natural substance of matcha in it, so it smells really nice too
-really lovely texture
-doesn’t froth or foam but more so lathers and glides on face

Drawbacks:
-can be harsh for dry skin because of how deep it cleans
-I’d feel really worried when I first used it if I didn’t have extra gentler cleansers laying around in my room because it was a little too much for my skin to get used to (got there eventually)

Who I’d recommend it for:
- oily skin
- combination skin
- people with lots of closed commodones
-hot climate/sweating users
-people who want a deeper thorough cleanser without exfoliants like salicylic acid

When do I use it/recommend it for:
-summer, humid or dense areas
-mornings are good evening feels even better

How long it lasts:
Will update, only had it for 1 month but there’s plenty left.

Water and oil based Cleansers are the basics that need to be perfected, I wouldn’t recommend this for your first starter cleanser but definitely for someone wanting to niche down their specific needs depending on their learnt skin behaviors

ChienYun_CY's avatar

ChienYun_CY

4 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

Have been using this cleanser for about half a year. I switch between using the Cosrx LowPH cleanser and this depending on my routine. So far, this...

Have been using this cleanser for about half a year. I switch between using the Cosrx LowPH cleanser and this depending on my routine. So far, this cleanser has been pretty gentle on my skin and helps me to get rid of impurities. It has a slight matcha scent as well, pretty refreshing.