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Tea Tree Biome Blemish Cica Gel Cleanser

Tea Tree Biome Blemish Cica Gel Cleanser

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A gentle, low-pH gel cleanser infused with Tea Tree Leaf Water (16,170 ppm), Centella Asiatica, and PHA (Gluconolactone) to soothe blemish-prone skin, control excess sebum, and strengthen the skin barrier without stripping moisture.

Low pH (Mildly Acidic) Paraben-Free Sulfate-Free No Artificial Dyes Silicone-Free Mineral Oil-Free Fragrance-Free Contains PHA Dermatologist Tested
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
Yes
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
200ml / 6.7 fl oz
pH Level
~5.5 (Mildly Acidic)
Key Active
Tea Tree 16,170 ppm
Type
Gel Cleanser
Price
~$14–$18
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Tea Tree Biome Solution

Exclusively developed formula with Tea Tree Leaf Water at 16,170 ppm to target blemishes and excess sebum while soothing irritation.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Lightweight Gel
Scent
Mild Natural Tea Tree
Absorption
Rinse-off (Instant)
Finish
Clean, Non-Tight

Tea Tree Biome Solution

Exclusively developed formula with Tea Tree Leaf Water at 16,170 ppm to target blemishes and excess sebum while soothing irritation.

Centella Asiatica (Cica) Complex

Contains four centellosides — Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, and Madecassoside — to calm inflammation and support skin repair.

PHA Gentle Exfoliation

Gluconolactone (PHA) provides gentle exfoliation that is milder than AHA/BHA, smoothing texture without sensitizing the skin.

Low pH Barrier Protection

Mildly acidic formula matches the skin's natural pH to maintain the acid mantle and protect against environmental stressors.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

No retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone. Contains Tea Tree Leaf Water (not essential oil), which is generally milder, but some practitioners advise caution with tea tree during pregnancy. Consult your doctor.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Free from fatty acids, fatty esters, polysorbates, and oils that feed Malassezia yeast. Contains a ferment filtrate (Cutibacterium Granulosum) but this is a bacterial ferment, not a fungal-feeding ingredient.

Low Comedogenic Risk

Rated 1/5 for comedogenicity. No heavy oils, coconut derivatives, or pore-clogging waxes. The gel formula is lightweight and non-occlusive.

Sensitive Skin Tested

Skin irritancy test completed. Uses mild surfactants (Coco-Betaine, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate) instead of harsh SLS/SLES. Fragrance-free and alcohol-free formula.

Active Compatibility

Safe to use alongside retinol, vitamin C, AHA, and BHA. As a rinse-off cleanser, the PHA content is minimal and will not cause over-exfoliation when layered with other actives.

Vegan & Cruelty-Free Status

Contains Cutibacterium Granulosum Ferment Extract Filtrate (a microbiome-derived ingredient). Not officially certified vegan or cruelty-free by Mediheal at this time.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Tea Tree Leaf Water 16,170 ppmProven

Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water is the star antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient. Unlike essential oil, tea tree water is gentler while still targeting acne-causing bacteria.

  • Antibacterial: Tea tree has demonstrated effectiveness against Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes), a key acne-causing bacterium.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce redness and swelling associated with active breakouts.
  • Concentration: Listed as the 5th ingredient at 16,170 ppm (approximately 1.6%), a meaningful concentration in a rinse-off product.
Tea tree water is milder than tea tree essential oil, making it less likely to cause irritation while still providing antibacterial benefits.

Centella Asiatica Complex 4 CentellosidesProven

A full-spectrum Centella Asiatica complex including Centella Asiatica Extract, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, and Madecassoside — the four key active centellosides known for skin repair.

  • Wound Healing: Centellosides stimulate collagen synthesis and support skin tissue regeneration.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation in eczema and acne-prone skin, confirmed in multiple clinical studies.
  • Barrier Support: Stimulates glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and hyaluronic acid synthesis for improved moisture retention.

Gluconolactone (PHA) Gentle ExfoliantProven

A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that provides gentle exfoliation without the irritation associated with AHAs and BHAs. Ideal for sensitive, acne-prone skin.

  • Exfoliation: Removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores with less irritation than glycolic or salicylic acid.
  • Antioxidant: Provides UV protection and chelates metal ions that can damage skin.
  • Humectant: Draws moisture into the skin, providing hydration during cleansing.
PHAs are larger molecules that penetrate skin more slowly, making them significantly gentler than AHAs — suitable for rosacea-prone and very sensitive skin.

Willow Bark Extract Natural BHA SourcePromising

Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract contains salicin, a natural precursor to salicylic acid, offering mild anti-inflammatory and pore-refining benefits.

  • Anti-inflammatory: Salicin helps soothe irritation and redness.
  • Pore Refining: Supports the appearance of smaller, cleaner pores over time.
Willow bark extract is not the same as salicylic acid. It is much gentler and does not penetrate pores as deeply. Effects are milder compared to pure BHA products.

Green Tea Extract AntioxidantProven

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is rich in catechins (especially EGCG), powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

  • Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals and protects against environmental damage.
  • Sebum Control: Studies show green tea catechins can help reduce sebum production in oily skin.

Cutibacterium Granulosum Ferment Extract Filtrate 1,000 ppmPromising

A patented probiotic-derived ferment that supports the skin's natural microbiome balance, helping to reinforce the skin barrier and reduce breakout-causing bacteria.

  • Microbiome Support: Helps maintain healthy skin flora by promoting beneficial bacteria.
  • Patent Complex: Part of Mediheal's exclusively developed Tea Tree Biome Solution.

35 ingredients

Water, Coco-Betaine, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water (16,170 ppm), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Chloride, Centella Asiatica Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Melissa Officinalis Extract, Tromethamine, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Gluconolactone, Xylitol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Anhydroxylitol, Glucose, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Chaenomeles Sinensis Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Cutibacterium Granulosum Ferment Extract Filtrate (1,000 ppm), Xylitylglucoside, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract

FREE FROM: Parabens, Sulfates (SLS/SLES), Artificial Dyes, Mineral Oil, Silicone, Synthetic Fragrance, Harsh Alcohols, PEGs, Gluten, Petroleum-based Ingredients
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Oil Cleanser
2
This Cleanser
3
Toner
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen (AM)

Use as the second step in a double-cleanse routine (after oil cleanser) or as your sole cleanser in the morning. Apply twice daily, AM and PM.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet Your Face

Splash your face with lukewarm water to dampen the skin. If using as the second cleanse in your PM routine, use after removing makeup with an oil cleanser.

2

Dispense & Lather

Pump 1–2 pumps of the gel cleanser onto your palms. Gently work the product into a light, airy lather with a small amount of water.

3

Massage Gently

Apply the lather to your entire face using soft, circular motions for 30–60 seconds. Focus on the T-zone and blemish-prone areas, but avoid tugging the skin.

4

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse off completely with lukewarm water. Pat your face dry with a clean towel and immediately follow up with toner to lock in hydration.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin
  • You struggle with frequent blemishes and breakouts
  • You want a low-pH cleanser that won't strip your moisture barrier
  • You prefer fragrance-free, gentle formulas
  • You want to incorporate Centella (Cica) into your cleansing step
  • You have fungal acne and need a safe cleanser

Consider alternatives if:

  • You need heavy-duty makeup removal (use an oil cleanser first)
  • You prefer rich, creamy cleansers with a thick lather
  • You have very dry skin and want a hydrating milk or balm cleanser
  • You need a strong BHA/AHA exfoliating cleanser for deep chemical exfoliation
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Tea tree and PHA help control sebum and unclog pores. Lightweight gel formula leaves skin clean without oiliness or residue.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Balances oily T-zone without over-drying cheeks. Glycerin and Aloe Vera provide hydration where needed.

Acne-Prone Skin
Excellent

Antibacterial tea tree targets acne, while Cica soothes inflammation. Non-comedogenic, fungal-acne safe, and free from pore-clogging ingredients.

Sensitive Skin
Good

Mild surfactants and low pH are gentle. Fragrance-free formula. Patch test recommended, as some very reactive skin types may be sensitive to tea tree.

Dry Skin
Moderate

Contains glycerin and Aquaxyl (xylitol complex) for hydration, but gel cleansers are generally better suited for oilier types. Follow with a rich moisturizer.

08

Results timeline

MONTH 2–3
Day 1–3

Immediate Comfort & Freshness

Skin feels clean and refreshed without tightness. The natural tea tree scent provides a soothing cleansing experience. No immediate dryness or stripping.

90% noticed cleaner-feeling skin
Week 1–2

Reduced Redness & Calmer Skin

Centella Asiatica begins to reduce visible redness and inflammation around active blemishes. Skin feels more balanced and less reactive.

70% noticed calmer skin
Week 3–4

Fewer Breakouts & Smoother Texture

PHA exfoliation smooths skin texture. Tea tree antibacterial action helps reduce frequency of new blemishes. Pores appear less congested.

65% noticed fewer breakouts
Month 2–3

Clearer, More Balanced Complexion

With consistent twice-daily use, overall skin clarity improves. Skin barrier feels stronger, sebum production is more regulated, and post-acne marks begin to fade.

55% noticed visibly clearer skin
09

Ratings by platform

2K+ REVIEWS
YesStyle
4.3
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some users find the lather too light for heavy makeup removal
Stylevana
4.4
Rating
150+
Reviews
Main complaint: Pump mechanism can be stiff initially
Amazon
4.2
Rating
300+
Reviews
Main complaint: Confusion between older and newer formula versions
Olive Young
4.5
Rating
1,800+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some users wish the bottle were larger
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Gentle yet effective cleansing without stripping moisture
  • Noticeable calming effect on redness and inflamed blemishes
  • Low pH formula maintains healthy skin barrier
  • Free from parabens, sulfates, fragrance, and silicone
  • Affordable price point for a quality K-beauty cleanser
  • Convenient pump bottle for hygienic dispensing
  • Fungal acne safe formula

Criticized

  • Not sufficient for removing heavy or waterproof makeup alone
  • Light lather may feel insufficient for those used to foamy cleansers
  • Tea tree scent, though natural, may not appeal to everyone
  • May not provide enough hydration for very dry skin types
  • Pump can be stiff on first use
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
$10.00
Budget Pick

Also features low pH and tea tree, but uses BHA (Betaine Salicylate) instead of PHA. Slightly more drying. Lacks Centella Asiatica complex and the microbiome ferment filtrate.

70% Match
Defence Barrier pH Cleanser
$12.00
Budget Pick

Low pH gel cleanser with mild surfactants. Focuses on barrier repair but lacks tea tree antibacterial properties. Better suited for sensitive skin without acne concerns.

65% Match
Green Tea Fresh Cleanser
$13.00
Similar Price

Green tea-focused gel cleanser with low pH. Emphasizes antioxidant protection over antibacterial action. No tea tree or Centella complex. Good for general oily skin maintenance.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Key Actives Tea Tree Oil + BHA
Size 150ml
pH Level ~5.0 (Low pH)
Surfactant Type Mild (Cocamidopropyl Betaine)
Fungal Acne Safe No (Polysorbate 20)
Fragrance Tea Tree Oil (Natural)
AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam
Key Actives AHA + BHA + PHA + Tea Tree
Size 100ml
pH Level ~5.5
Surfactant Type Stronger (Multiple Surfactants)
Fungal Acne Safe No (Fatty Acids present)
Fragrance Contains Fragrance
Green Tea Amino Hydrating Cleansing Foam
Key Actives Green Tea + Amino Acids
Size 150ml
pH Level ~6.0
Surfactant Type Mild (Amino Acid-Based)
Fungal Acne Safe No (Contains Oils)
Fragrance Contains Fragrance
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the pump cap closed when not in use to prevent contamination.

Packaging

Opaque pump bottle (200ml) — hygienic dispensing that minimizes air exposure and bacterial contamination.

Travel Friendly

No — 200ml exceeds the 100ml carry-on liquid limit. Decant into a smaller container for travel or purchase a travel-size version if available.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

This cleanser does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens — the main ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. However, it does contain Tea Tree Leaf Water. While tea tree water is much gentler than concentrated tea tree essential oil, some healthcare providers advise caution with tea tree during pregnancy. We recommend consulting your OB-GYN or dermatologist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Yes. This cleanser is free from common malassezia-feeding triggers such as fatty acids, fatty esters, polysorbates, and oils. The Cutibacterium Granulosum Ferment Extract Filtrate is a bacterial (not yeast) ferment and is not known to aggravate fungal acne. This makes it a solid choice for those dealing with fungal acne / malassezia folliculitis.

Yes. As a rinse-off cleanser, the active ingredients (PHA, tea tree, willow bark) do not remain on your skin long enough to cause adverse interactions. You can safely layer retinol, vitamin C, AHA, or BHA products in subsequent steps of your routine. If your skin is particularly sensitive, you may want to introduce actives one at a time.

This cleanser is best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. The tea tree and PHA help control sebum and blemishes, while Centella soothes irritation. It also works well for sensitive skin (it passed irritancy testing), though those with very dry skin may find it insufficient on its own without a heavier moisturizer afterward.

Most users report feeling an immediate difference in skin comfort and cleanliness from the first use. Visible reduction in redness and calmer skin typically takes 1–2 weeks. For noticeable improvement in breakout frequency and overall skin clarity, allow 3–4 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. Full results are usually seen after 2–3 months.

This is a water-based gel cleanser, so it belongs in the cleansing step of your routine. In the evening, use it as the second step in a double-cleanse (after an oil cleanser or micellar water). In the morning, you can use it as your sole cleanser. Follow with toner, serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM).

No. This cleanser has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5, meaning it has a very low risk of clogging pores. It is free from heavy oils, waxes, and comedogenic ingredients. The lightweight gel formula rinses cleanly without leaving pore-blocking residue. It is suitable for acne-prone skin and has passed dermatological testing.

The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal efficacy and freshness. The pump bottle design helps minimize contamination. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If the product changes in color, texture, or smell before the 12-month mark, discontinue use.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.3 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: The Mediheal Tea Tree Biome Blemish Cica Gel Cleanser is an excellent everyday cleanser for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. Its thoughtfully formulated blend of Tea Tree Leaf Water (16,170 ppm), a full Centella Asiatica complex, and gentle PHA exfoliation provides effective blemish care without compromising the skin barrier. The low-pH, fragrance-free, sulfate-free formula is suitable for sensitive skin and is one of the few gel cleansers that is also fungal acne safe. At around $15 for 200ml, it delivers impressive value for a K-beauty cleanser backed by patented microbiome technology. Best suited for those seeking a gentle yet targeted second cleanser that calms, clears, and protects troubled skin.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.

We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.

Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 4 ingredient(s):
Centella Asiatica Extract Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Madecassic Acid Gluconolactone
brightening Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Glycerin
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Centella Asiatica Extract Asiaticoside
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.

We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.

One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
2
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
1
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
60% 40%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 35 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 B
Coco-Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 A
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
Hydrating
0 Unknown
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
Antimicrobial, Antiseborrhoeic, Astringent, Tonic
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS