Tea Tree Oil + Salicylic Acid Balancing Face Wash
Tea Tree Oil + Salicylic Acid Balancing Face Wash
Product Description
The Skin Nutrition Botanicals Tea Tree Oil + Salicylic Acid Balancing Face Wash is a clear gel cleanser that pairs purifying tea tree oil with pore-clearing salicylic acid (BHA), then softens the actives with hyaluronic acid, glycerin and aloe. Built for oily, combination and acne-prone skin, it gently exfoliates, helps smooth bumps and clears clogged pores β at a price almost nobody can beat.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Two-Way Acne Action
Tea tree oil helps calm blemish-causing bacteria while salicylic acid (BHA) gets into pores to dissolve oil and dead skin.
Hydration Built In
Hyaluronic acid, glycerin and aloe vera juice help offset the tight, stripped feeling exfoliating actives can leave behind.
Gentle Daily Gel
A light-lathering gel that rinses clean, designed to be used once or twice a day by most oily and combination skin types.
Unbeatable Value
Skin Nutrition Botanicals delivers genuine active ingredients at roughly the price of a candy bar β a true budget hero.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains salicylic acid (BHA) plus tea tree essential oil. In a rinse-off cleanser at low strength this is generally considered low-risk, but doctors recommend caution β check with your OB/GYN first.
No esters, polysorbates or problematic fatty acids that feed malassezia. Tea tree oil is even naturally antifungal, making this a safe pick for fungal acne.
A lightweight, water-based rinse-off gel with a comedogenic rating around 1/5 β it is not designed to clog pores.
Since it already contains BHA, avoid stacking it with strong retinoids or additional exfoliating acids in the same routine to limit irritation.
Tea tree oil and salicylic acid can sensitize reactive skin. Patch test on the inner arm for 24 hours before regular facial use.
There is no synthetic parfum on the label β the herbal scent comes directly from the tea tree oil itself.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π§ͺ Salicylic Acid BHA Β· up to 2% Proven
The star exfoliant. Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble beta-hydroxy acid, so it can travel into the pore lining to dissolve excess sebum and shed dead skin that leads to blackheads and breakouts.
- Source: The US FDA OTC monograph recognizes salicylic acid at 0.5β2% as an effective acne treatment.
- Source: Dermatology literature describes BHA as keratolytic and comedolytic, helping to unclog and refine pores.
πΏ Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil) Botanical active Proven
A classic blemish-fighting botanical with antibacterial and antifungal properties, traditionally used to calm acne-prone and congested skin.
- Source: A 1990 Medical Journal of Australia trial found a 5% tea tree oil gel reduced mild-to-moderate acne, comparable to benzoyl peroxide with fewer side effects.
- Source: Later studies confirm tea tree oil has measurable activity against acne-associated bacteria and malassezia yeast.
π Witch Hazel Water (Hamamelis Virginiana) Astringent Promising
A plant distillate rich in tannins that acts as a mild astringent, helping to tone the skin and temporarily reduce the look of excess shine and large pores.
- Source: Witch hazel is documented for astringent and soothing antioxidant properties on the skin.
- Source: The alcohol-free water form used here is gentler than traditional alcohol-based witch hazel toners.
πͺ΄ Aloe Vera Juice (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice) Soothing Promising
A calming, water-light humectant that helps counter the potential dryness of the exfoliating actives and adds a soothing feel during cleansing.
- Source: Aloe vera is widely studied for hydrating and soothing irritated or compromised skin.
- Source: It pairs well with actives by helping maintain comfort and moisture balance.
π§ Hydration Duo: Sodium Hyaluronate + Glycerin Humectants Proven
This pair of humectants draws water toward the skin, helping the formula feel less stripping than a basic acne wash and supporting a softer post-cleanse finish.
- Source: Sodium hyaluronate (the salt form of hyaluronic acid) is a well-established humectant that binds water to the skin.
- Source: Glycerin is one of the most studied and effective humectants in skincare.
15 ingredients
Water (Purified Water), Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Salicylic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Disodium EDTA.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use it as your core cleansing step, morning and/or night. Because it already exfoliates with BHA, skip additional strong acids on the same day if your skin is reactive β and always finish your daytime routine with SPF.
π How to Use
Wet
Splash your face with lukewarm water to loosen surface oil and debris.
Lather
Massage a small amount over damp skin for 20β30 seconds, avoiding the eye area.
Rinse
Rinse thoroughly with cool water and gently pat dry with a clean towel.
Follow Up
Apply your toner, serum and moisturizer β and a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning.
Build Frequency
Start once daily (PM). If your skin tolerates it well, increase to twice daily.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination or acne-prone skin
- You want real active ingredients on a tight budget
- You enjoy a fresh, herbal tea tree scent
- You want a simple daily cleanser with no added parfum
- You're looking for a fungal-acne-safe wash
β Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry, eczema-prone or highly sensitive skin
- You dislike strong medicinal/herbal scents
- You already use several strong acids or retinoids
- You want a guaranteed, disclosed active percentage
- You prefer a sulfate-free, ultra-gentle cream cleanser
π― Skin Type Compatibility
BHA and witch hazel help control shine and clear congestion without a heavy residue.
Targets the oily T-zone while humectants keep drier cheeks comfortable.
Tea tree plus salicylic acid is a proven combo for blemishes, blackheads and clogged pores.
The surfactant base and exfoliating actives may feel stripping β use sparingly and follow with a rich moisturizer.
Tea tree oil and BHA can sting reactive skin β patch test and start with infrequent use.
π Results Timeline
Clean, Refreshed Skin
Skin feels deeply cleansed and refreshed, often with a light tea tree tingle.
85% noticedSmoother Texture
Fewer new clogged pores and blackheads, with a smoother surface feel.
60% noticedFewer Breakouts
Visible reduction in active breakouts and more balanced oil through the day.
50% noticedClearer, Even Tone
With consistent use, skin looks clearer and more even in tone.
40% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Outstanding price-to-performance value
- Tea tree + salicylic acid genuinely target acne
- Hyaluronic acid and aloe soften the actives
- No added synthetic fragrance
- Fungal-acne safe and low comedogenic
β Criticized
- Active percentages are not disclosed
- Surfactant base can feel drying for some
- Strong medicinal tea tree scent isn't for everyone
- Basic flip-cap bottle, not airless
- Limited availability β often out of stock
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Another low-cost salicylic acid cleanser, but without tea tree oil or added hyaluronic acid. Simpler and widely available.
A more refined 2% salicylic acid wash with zinc PCA. No tea tree, but a clearer, disclosed active percentage and a gentler feel.
Adds ceramides and niacinamide for barrier support and is fragrance-free, but skips tea tree and costs over 10x more per bottle.
π Comparison with Competitors
Skin Nutrition Botanicals Tea Tree + Salicylic Acid Wash (This Product)
~$1.25The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash
~$14.00The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
~$11.00CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
~$14.00π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, with the cap closed.
Flip-cap plastic bottle (available in 1 oz and 4 oz sizes)
Yes β the 1 oz size is TSA carry-on friendly (well under 100 ml)
β Frequently Asked Questions
Use with caution. The wash contains salicylic acid (a BHA) and tea tree essential oil. In a rinse-off cleanser at low strength, salicylic acid is generally considered low-risk by most dermatologists, but because tea tree oil and BHA are both flagged ingredients during pregnancy, you should check with your OB/GYN before using it while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Yes. The formula does not contain esters, polysorbates or the fatty acids that typically feed malassezia yeast. Tea tree oil is even naturally antifungal, so this is considered a fungal-acne-safe cleanser.
This wash already contains BHA (salicylic acid), so avoid layering it with additional strong exfoliating acids or retinoids in the same routine to prevent over-exfoliation. It can generally be paired with vitamin C or niacinamide, but introduce one active at a time and monitor for irritation.
It is best suited to oily, combination and acne-prone skin that deals with clogged pores, blackheads and breakouts. Dry and sensitive skin types can use it, but should do so sparingly and always follow with a moisturizer.
Most people notice cleaner, fresher skin immediately. Smoother texture and fewer clogged pores tend to appear within 1β2 weeks, with a more visible reduction in breakouts usually around 4β6 weeks of consistent daily use.
Use it as your main cleansing step, after any makeup remover. Apply it morning and/or night, then follow with toner, serum, moisturizer and (in the morning) sunscreen.
No. It has a low comedogenic rating of about 1/5 and is a water-based rinse-off gel. The salicylic acid in the formula actually helps unclog pores rather than block them.
Around 12 months after opening (12M PAO). Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and keep the cap closed between uses.
Verdict: For roughly $1.25, the Skin Nutrition Botanicals Tea Tree Oil + Salicylic Acid Balancing Face Wash is a genuinely functional active cleanser. Tea tree oil plus salicylic acid is a proven combination for oily and acne-prone skin, and the addition of hyaluronic acid, glycerin and aloe keeps it from feeling overly stripping. It's fungal-acne safe, low comedogenic and free of added fragrance. The trade-offs are honest ones: the active percentages aren't disclosed, the surfactant base can be drying for dry or sensitive skin, the tea tree scent is strong, and stock can be hard to find. As a budget buy, it's a standout.
Product Overview
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.
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.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinβs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
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 Β«promisesΒ» 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.
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
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
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.
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!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
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.
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.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 2 |
Citric Acid
Masking, Fragrance, Chelating Agent, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent
|
Brightening
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Texture
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Chloride
Masking, Viscosity Controlling, Bulking Agent
|
|
|
| 0 |
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing, Foaming
|
|