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Tea Tree Oil Clarifying Face Toner

Tea Tree Oil Clarifying Face Toner

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

An oil-free clarifying toner formulated with Tea Tree Oil and Salicylic Acid (BHA) to treat pimples, control excess sebum, and reduce acne scar formation. Refreshes and purifies oily, acne-prone skin while unclogging pores for a cleaner, clearer complexion.

Oil-Free Paraben-Free Non-Comedogenic Hypoallergenic Dermatologically Tested Halal Certified (JAKIM) Contains BHA Sulfate-Free Silicone-Free
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
100ml
Price
RM 20.90
Type
Clarifying Toner
Skin Type
Oily / Acne-Prone
Key Active
BHA + Tea Tree
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Antibacterial Tea Tree Oil

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil fights acne-causing P. acnes bacteria with natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, comparable to benzoyl peroxide with fewer side effects.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Watery Liquid
Scent
Mild Tea Tree
Absorption
Instant
Finish
Matte / Fresh

Antibacterial Tea Tree Oil

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil fights acne-causing P. acnes bacteria with natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, comparable to benzoyl peroxide with fewer side effects.

BHA Pore Clearing

Salicylic Acid (BHA) penetrates deep into pores to dissolve sebum, dead skin cells, and blackheads, providing chemical exfoliation to keep pores clear and refined.

Cucumber + Aloe Soothing

Cucumber Juice and Aloe Vera Leaf Extract calm irritated skin, provide lightweight hydration, and help reduce post-acne redness and inflammation.

Oil-Free Sebum Control

Water-based, oil-free formula removes excess sebum and grime without over-drying, leaving skin feeling refreshed and mattified without tightness.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Contains Salicylic Acid (BHA). ACOG considers low-dose topical salicylic acid (≤2%) generally safe during pregnancy, but consult your doctor before use. Also contains Tea Tree essential oil which some practitioners advise caution with during pregnancy.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia)

Not fungal acne safe. Contains PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (ethoxylated emulsifier) and Sorbitan Caprylate, both of which can feed Malassezia yeast and potentially trigger or worsen fungal acne.

Non-Comedogenic

Rated 1/5 on the comedogenic scale. Dermatologically tested and declared non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic by the brand. Oil-free formula is unlikely to clog pores.

Contains Alcohol Denat.

Alcohol Denatured is the second ingredient. While it helps with quick absorption and degreasing, it may cause dryness or irritation for sensitive skin types with prolonged use. Always follow with a moisturizer.

Paraben & Sulfate Free

Free from parabens, sulfates, silicones, and added synthetic fragrances. Preserved with Phenoxyethanol and 1,2-Hexanediol instead of traditional parabens.

Halal Certified

Certified Halal by JAKIM (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia). Manufactured under GMP standards in Malaysia.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf OilProven

The star ingredient of this toner. Tea tree oil is one of the most well-researched natural antibacterial and anti-acne actives. Its primary active component, terpinen-4-ol, effectively kills P. acnes bacteria while calming inflammation.

  • Clinical Microbiology Reviews: TTO is a complex mixture of ~100 components, with terpinen-4-ol (40%) being the main active compound.
  • Anti-Acne Efficacy: 5% TTO gel has been shown to be comparable to 5% Benzoyl Peroxide lotion, with slower onset but fewer side effects.
  • Antimicrobial: Proven effective against acne-causing Propionibacterium acnes bacteria.
Tea tree oil can cause irritation in some people, especially with oxidized or improperly stored oil. Never apply undiluted TTO to skin. This product uses a safe, diluted concentration.

Salicylic Acid (BHA) ≤2%Proven

A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate deep inside pores to dissolve excess sebum, dead skin cells, and debris. It is the gold standard for treating blackheads, whiteheads, and acne.

  • Mechanism: Oil-soluble exfoliant that works inside pores to dissolve keratin plugs and reduce sebum buildup.
  • Anti-Inflammatory: Related to aspirin, salicylic acid has inherent anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and swelling of acne lesions.
  • Keratolytic Agent: Promotes shedding of dead skin cells, preventing pore blockages and improving skin texture.
BHA increases sun sensitivity. Always use sunscreen during the day when using this toner. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should consult their doctor before use.

Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf ExtractProven

A well-known soothing and hydrating botanical. Aloe vera calms irritation caused by acne and active ingredients like BHA, while providing lightweight moisture without adding oil to the skin.

  • Soothing: Contains compounds like acemannan that help reduce inflammation, redness, and skin irritation.
  • Hydrating: Acts as a humectant to attract and hold moisture in the skin, preventing the over-drying that can occur with clarifying toners.

Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) JuicePromising

Cucumber juice provides a cooling, refreshing sensation and contains antioxidants and vitamin C. It helps soothe inflamed, acne-affected skin and contributes to a calming post-cleansing experience.

  • Antioxidant: Rich in vitamins C and K, plus flavonoids that help protect skin from oxidative stress.
  • Cooling Effect: Natural astringent properties help tighten pores and reduce puffiness.

Glycerin + Propanediol + Butylene GlycolProven

A trio of humectant ingredients that work together to attract and lock in moisture. They prevent the toner from being overly drying despite containing alcohol and BHA, maintaining skin hydration balance.

  • Glycerin: One of the most effective and widely studied humectants in skincare, draws moisture from the environment into the skin.
  • Propanediol: A plant-derived alternative to propylene glycol that enhances ingredient absorption and provides lightweight hydration.
  • Butylene Glycol: Helps other ingredients penetrate the skin while providing subtle moisturizing effects.
These humectants help counterbalance the drying effects of Alcohol Denat. and Salicylic Acid, keeping skin balanced rather than stripped.

16 ingredients

Aqua, Alcohol Denat, Propylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Carbonate, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Propanediol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Juice, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Tromethamine, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbitan Caprylate

FREE FROM: Parabens, Sulfates (SLS/SLES), Silicones, Added Synthetic Fragrance, Mineral Oil, Gluten, Coconut-Derived Ingredients, Colorants, Phthalates
04

Where it fits in your routine

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

Use morning and/or evening after cleansing. Follow with a lightweight moisturizer. Always apply sunscreen in the morning as BHA increases photosensitivity.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Cleanse Your Face

Start with a gentle cleanser (Cosmoderm Tea Tree Oil Facial Cleanser works well as a companion). Pat face slightly damp.

2

Apply Toner

Pour a small amount onto a facial cotton pad, or dispense onto your palm. Apply lightly in circular motions across the entire face, avoiding the eye area.

3

Pat and Absorb

Gently pat the toner into skin until fully absorbed. The lightweight, watery formula absorbs almost instantly with no residue.

4

Follow Up

Apply your serum and a suitable moisturizer. In the morning, finish with sunscreen (SPF 30+) as BHA increases sun sensitivity.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have oily or acne-prone skin that needs oil control
  • You struggle with blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores
  • You want a budget-friendly BHA toner under RM 25
  • You prefer a lightweight, water-based toner that dries matte
  • You need a halal-certified acne treatment
  • You are looking for a simple, no-frills clarifying toner

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have dry or very sensitive skin (alcohol content may irritate)
  • You have fungal acne / Malassezia folliculitis
  • You are pregnant and prefer to avoid all BHA products
  • You want a hydrating or pH-adjusting toner
  • You are sensitive or allergic to tea tree essential oil
  • You need a fragrance-free toner (contains natural TTO scent)
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Ideal match. Oil-free formula with BHA and tea tree effectively controls sebum production, removes excess oil, and keeps skin matte throughout the day.

Acne-Prone Skin
Excellent

Specifically formulated for acne-prone skin. BHA unclogs pores while tea tree fights acne bacteria. Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic.

Combination Skin
Good

Works well on oily T-zone areas. Apply targeted to oily zones only if cheeks are dry. Follow with moisturizer on drier areas.

Sensitive Skin
Moderate

Contains Alcohol Denat. and Tea Tree Oil which may cause irritation for sensitive skin. Patch test first. Start with every-other-day use.

Dry Skin
Poor

Not recommended. The alcohol content and oil-stripping formula can worsen dryness and cause tightness. Look for hydrating toners instead.

08

Results timeline

MONTH 2-3
Day 1-3

Immediate Freshness & Oil Control

Skin feels noticeably cleaner, fresher, and less oily right after application. The tea tree scent provides a refreshing sensation. Excess surface oil is visibly reduced.

85% noticed immediate oil control
Week 1-2

Pore Clearing & Reduced Breakouts

BHA begins to work inside pores, loosening debris and blackheads. Active pimples start to shrink and fewer new breakouts appear. Some users may experience a mild purging period.

70% saw reduced breakouts
Week 3-4

Visibly Clearer Skin

Consistent use leads to noticeably clearer skin with fewer active blemishes. Pore appearance begins to refine and overall skin texture improves. Post-acne redness starts to fade.

65% reported clearer complexion
Month 2-3

Improved Texture & Scar Fading

With continued daily use, acne scars gradually begin to lighten. Skin texture becomes smoother and more even. Oil production is better regulated and breakouts are significantly less frequent.

55% noticed scar fading
09

Ratings by platform

751+ REVIEWS
Cosmoderm Official
5.0
Rating
1
Reviews
Limited reviews on official site; most feedback shared on pharmacy and e-commerce platforms
Shopee Malaysia
4.5
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Can feel drying on non-oily skin types due to alcohol content
Lazada Malaysia
4.3
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Small 100ml bottle runs out quickly with twice-daily use
Alpro Pharmacy
4.4
Rating
50+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some users found it unsuitable for combination-dry areas of the face
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Extremely affordable price point (RM 20.90 / ~$4.70 USD)
  • Effectively controls excess oil and sebum throughout the day
  • Contains proven acne-fighting ingredients (BHA + Tea Tree Oil)
  • Lightweight, watery formula absorbs instantly with no residue
  • Paraben-free, halal-certified, dermatologically tested
  • Helps reduce active pimples within 1-2 weeks of consistent use
  • Widely available at Guardian, Watsons, and online pharmacies
  • Non-comedogenic formula does not clog pores

Criticized

  • Contains Alcohol Denat. as the second ingredient, which can be drying
  • Small 100ml bottle size runs out quickly with daily use
  • Not suitable for dry or very sensitive skin types
  • Not fungal acne (malassezia) safe
  • Tea tree oil scent may be off-putting for some users
  • Limited availability outside of Malaysia and Southeast Asia
  • Does not significantly help with acne scar fading on its own
  • No pump or spray dispenser; liquid can pour out too quickly
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
82% Match
Purifying Neem Face Wash
~$5.00
Budget Pick

Uses Neem and Turmeric instead of Tea Tree for antibacterial action. No BHA, so gentler but less pore-penetrating. Alcohol-free option available. Similar price range.

72% Match
Garnier Pure Active Anti-Acne Toner
~$6.50
Budget Pick

Contains Salicylic Acid and Zinc for oil control. Lacks tea tree oil but adds zinc for additional sebum regulation. Slightly more accessible globally. Similar watery texture.

68% Match
Essentials Deep Cleaning Astringent
~$5.50
Budget Pick

Salicylic acid-based toner for oily and acne-prone skin. Contains alcohol and is more widely available internationally. Lacks botanical soothing agents like aloe vera and cucumber.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Tea Tree Skin Clearing Mattifying Toner
Key Actives Tea Tree Oil + Willow Bark + Tamanu Oil
Size 250ml
Alcohol Yes (Alcohol Denat.)
Parabens Free
Best For Oily Skin, Mattifying
Price/ml $0.056/ml
Witch Hazel Facial Toner
Key Actives Witch Hazel + Aloe Vera
Size 355ml
Alcohol Free
Parabens Free
Best For All Skin Types, Gentle
Price/ml $0.031/ml
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Key Actives 2% Salicylic Acid + Green Tea
Size 118ml
Alcohol Free
Parabens Free
Best For Acne, Blackheads, All Types
Price/ml $0.195/ml
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. Tea tree oil can oxidize when exposed to heat and light, reducing its effectiveness. Keep the cap tightly closed after each use.

Packaging

Plastic bottle with screw cap (100ml). No pump or spray mechanism; dispense by tilting the bottle onto a cotton pad or palm.

Travel Friendly

Yes, 100ml meets airline carry-on liquid limits. Compact size fits easily in travel toiletry bags.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Use with caution. This toner contains Salicylic Acid (BHA), which the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) considers generally safe in topical form at low concentrations (≤2%). However, it also contains Tea Tree essential oil, which some healthcare providers advise avoiding during pregnancy. We recommend consulting your doctor or dermatologist before using this product during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

No, this toner is not fungal acne safe. It contains PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (an ethoxylated emulsifier) and Sorbitan Caprylate, both of which can feed Malassezia yeast and potentially trigger or worsen fungal acne. If you have fungal acne, look for toners that avoid polysorbates, PEGs, fatty acids, and esters.

This toner already contains BHA (Salicylic Acid), so avoid layering additional BHA products at the same time to prevent over-exfoliation. You can use it with retinol, but introduce slowly and on alternate nights to avoid irritation. Vitamin C can be used in the morning while using this toner at night. Avoid combining with AHA in the same routine; alternate AM/PM or different days to reduce irritation risk.

This toner is best suited for oily and acne-prone skin types. It also works well for the oily zones of combination skin. It is not recommended for dry or very sensitive skin due to the Alcohol Denat. content and active BHA ingredient, which can cause dryness, tightness, or irritation on non-oily skin types.

Immediate oil control and a refreshed feeling are noticeable from the first use. Reduced breakouts and pore clearing typically become visible within 1-2 weeks of consistent daily use. Significant improvement in skin clarity, texture, and gradual fading of post-acne marks generally takes 4-8 weeks. Results vary by individual skin condition and severity of acne.

Apply this toner as Step 2 in your routine, immediately after cleansing and before any serums, treatments, or moisturizers. Use it morning and/or evening. The order is: Cleanser, Toner (this product), Serum/Treatment, Moisturizer, and Sunscreen (morning only). Always apply sunscreen during the day as BHA increases photosensitivity.

No, this toner has a comedogenic rating of 1/5 and is officially declared non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic by the brand. It is dermatologically tested and its oil-free, water-based formula is specifically designed not to clog pores. In fact, the BHA (Salicylic Acid) actively works to unclog pores and remove sebum buildup.

The toner has an estimated Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain the effectiveness of the tea tree oil and other active ingredients. Keep the cap tightly closed after each use. If the product changes color, consistency, or smell, discontinue use.

— Skincarisma verdict
3.8 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: Cosmoderm Tea Tree Oil Clarifying Face Toner is an excellent budget-friendly option for oily and acne-prone skin types, particularly popular in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Its combination of Tea Tree Oil and Salicylic Acid (BHA) delivers effective pore-clearing and antibacterial action at a fraction of the cost of international competitors. The clean, 16-ingredient formula is free from parabens, sulfates, and silicones, and carries Halal certification. However, the Alcohol Denat. as the second ingredient makes it too harsh for dry or sensitive skin, and it is not fungal acne safe. Best as an affordable daily clarifying toner for those with persistent oiliness and mild-to-moderate acne concerns.

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

brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Salicylic Acid Glycerin
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
Glycerin
ache Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
Salicylic Acid
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 1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
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
40% 26% 33%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 15 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
0 Unknown
Alcohol Denat.
3 B
Propylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Skin-Conditioningagent - Miscellaneous
Hydrating
4 B
Salicylic Acid
Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Antidandruff Agent, Antiacne Agent, Denaturant, Preservative, Exfoliant, Keratolytic, Corn/Callus/Wart Remover
brightening Brightening
ache Ache-fighting
Pores
3 B
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Perfuming, Surfactant, Fragrance, Emulsifying
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS