Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Toner
Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Toner
Product Description
Product overview
An alcohol-free purifying toner that harnesses the antibacterial power of 100% pure Australian Tea Tree Oil and the natural astringency of Witch Hazel to gently cleanse pores, remove impurities, and balance oily or breakout-prone skin without over-drying.
Antibacterial Tea Tree Oil
100% pure Australian tea tree oil fights acne-causing bacteria and removes excess oil from the skin surface.
Texture & feel
SENSORYAntibacterial Tea Tree Oil
100% pure Australian tea tree oil fights acne-causing bacteria and removes excess oil from the skin surface.
Natural Witch Hazel Astringent
Witch hazel water tightens pores and improves skin appearance without the harshness of alcohol-based toners.
Hydrating Humectants
Sodium PCA, glycerin, and sorbitol draw moisture into skin, preventing the tight dry feeling common with purifying toners.
Soothing Botanicals
Aloe vera and lavender oil calm irritation while lactic acid provides gentle exfoliation for smoother skin texture.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains tea tree essential oil and lavender oil. Generally considered safe in rinse-off or low-concentration products from the second trimester, but avoid in the first trimester. Consult your doctor before use.
Contains Polysorbate 20, which can feed Malassezia yeast and worsen fungal acne. Not recommended for those with active pityrosporum folliculitis.
Rating 1/5. Lightweight watery formula with no heavy oils or waxes. Very unlikely to clog pores for most skin types.
No denatured alcohol or ethanol. Won't strip the skin's natural moisture barrier or cause rebound oiliness.
Free from petrochemicals, silicones, synthetic parabens, propylene glycol, lauryl sulphates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic colours, and animal-derived ingredients.
Safe to use alongside retinol, vitamin C, and chemical exfoliants. The gentle lactic acid content is low enough not to cause over-exfoliation. Apply toner first, then wait before layering actives.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSMelaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf OilProven
The hero ingredient. 100% pure Australian tea tree oil is a well-studied natural antiseptic with broad-spectrum antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective against acne-causing bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes).
- Clinical: A study in the Medical Journal of Australia found 5% tea tree oil gel comparable to 5% benzoyl peroxide for treating mild to moderate acne, with fewer side effects.
- Mechanism: Terpinen-4-ol, the main active component, disrupts bacterial cell membranes and reduces inflammation.
- Concentration: Listed 7th in the INCI list, estimated at approximately 0.5–1% in the final formula.
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) WaterProven
The second most abundant ingredient after water. Witch hazel distillate is a time-tested natural astringent rich in tannins and polyphenols that tighten pores and soothe irritated skin.
- Properties: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mild astringent effects due to high tannin content (hamamelitannin).
- Benefit: Helps reduce excess sebum and refine the appearance of pores without the drying effect of alcohol.
- Note: This product uses a water-based distillate (alcohol-free), which is gentler than alcohol-extracted witch hazel.
Sodium PCA + Glycerin + SorbitolProven
A trio of powerful humectants that attract and bind moisture to the skin. Sodium PCA is a naturally occurring component of the skin's own Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF).
- Sodium PCA: Skin-identical ingredient with comedogenic rating of 0 and irritancy rating of 0. Highly effective at preventing transepidermal water loss.
- Glycerin: One of the most researched and effective humectants in skincare. Draws water from the deeper dermis and the air to hydrate the upper skin layers.
- Sorbitol: A sugar alcohol that adds slip and hydration, reinforcing the moisture-binding effects of the other humectants.
Lactic Acid + Sodium LactateProven
A mild alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) paired with its salt form. Provides gentle chemical exfoliation while also acting as a pH buffer and humectant.
- Exfoliation: Loosens dead skin cells on the surface to reveal brighter, smoother skin and helps unclog pores.
- pH buffering: Sodium lactate stabilises the formula's pH and enhances the skin's own moisture retention.
- Pregnancy note: Lactic acid in low topical concentrations is generally considered safe during pregnancy by dermatologists.
Allantoin + Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice PowderProven
A soothing duo that calms irritation and supports skin repair. Allantoin is a well-known skin protectant, and aloe vera provides hydration and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Allantoin: Promotes cell regeneration, softens skin, and helps reduce irritation from active ingredients.
- Aloe Vera: Rich in polysaccharides that moisturise, and contains salicylates that provide mild anti-inflammatory action.
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) OilPromising
A calming essential oil with mild antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Also provides the product's signature herbal scent alongside the tea tree oil.
- Antibacterial: Research shows lavender oil has activity against several strains of bacteria, complementing tea tree oil.
- Soothing: Linalool and linalyl acetate, two key components, are known to reduce skin redness and irritation.
14 ingredients
Water, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Polysorbate 20, Sodium PCA, Glycerin, Sorbitol, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Lactic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Lactate, Allantoin, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Limonene, Linalool.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse morning and evening after cleansing. Part of the Thursday Plantation 3-Step Facial Care Program (Face Wash → Toner → Face Cream). Best results when paired with Tea Tree Face Wash and Tea Tree Face Cream.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse First
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser (Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Face Wash recommended) and pat dry.
Apply to Cotton Pad
Dispense a small amount of toner onto a cotton pad. A little goes a long way — you only need enough to dampen the pad.
Gently Sweep Over Face
Wipe the cotton pad gently across your entire face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Focus on oily zones like the T-zone.
Follow With Moisturizer
Allow the toner to absorb for 30 seconds, then follow with your serum and moisturizer. Use daily, morning and night, for best results.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin that gets shiny throughout the day
- You deal with occasional breakouts, blackheads, or clogged pores
- You want a natural, alcohol-free toner with minimal synthetic ingredients
- You prefer a clean, herbal-scented skincare experience
- You're a teen or young adult looking for a gentle acne-fighting toner
- You want a simple, no-fuss product with a short ingredient list
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or dehydrated skin — witch hazel may feel stripping over time
- You have fungal acne (malassezia) — contains Polysorbate 20
- You are highly sensitive to essential oils (tea tree, lavender)
- You want a heavily hydrating or anti-aging toner
- You are in your first trimester of pregnancy
- You need a large bottle — this is only 100ml
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThis toner was designed for oily skin. Tea tree oil controls excess sebum while witch hazel tightens pores. Leaves a clean, matte finish with no greasiness.
Balances oily T-zone while humectants (glycerin, sodium PCA) prevent dry patches from becoming tighter. Works well across different face zones.
Antibacterial tea tree oil targets acne-causing bacteria. Low comedogenic rating (1/5) means it won't clog pores. Great for mild to moderate breakouts.
Alcohol-free and contains soothing allantoin and aloe vera. However, essential oils (tea tree, lavender) may cause reactions in very sensitive or reactive skin. Patch test first.
Contains humectants but the astringent nature of witch hazel may feel slightly drying over time. Best paired with a rich moisturizer if you have dry skin.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Immediate Freshness
Skin feels cleaner, tighter, and refreshed immediately after application. Excess oil is visibly reduced. The herbal tea tree scent fades quickly.
90% noticed cleaner-feeling skinReduced Oiliness & Clearer Pores
With consistent daily use, many users report noticeably less midday shine and a reduction in new breakouts. Pores begin to appear more refined.
70% noticed reduced breakoutsClearer Complexion
Active blemishes begin to fade. Skin texture feels smoother thanks to the gentle exfoliating action of lactic acid. Overall complexion looks healthier and more balanced.
60% noticed improved skin textureLong-Term Skin Maintenance
Continued use helps maintain clear skin and prevent future breakouts. Best results when used as part of a consistent routine with compatible cleanser and moisturizer.
55% reported sustained clearer skinRatings by platform
509+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Alcohol-free formula that doesn't strip or over-dry the skin
- Noticeably reduces oiliness and helps clear mild acne
- Short, clean ingredient list with recognizable natural ingredients
- A little product goes a long way — economical per use
- Gentle enough for daily use, including on teens
- Refreshing, clean feeling immediately after application
- Free from parabens, silicones, and synthetic fragrances
- Vegan and cruelty-free from a trusted Australian brand
Criticized
- Small 100ml bottle — runs out quickly for daily users
- Strong tea tree and herbal scent may not appeal to everyone
- Not effective enough for severe or cystic acne
- Can feel slightly drying on already-dry skin types
- Price per ml is higher than many drugstore toners
- Not fungal acne safe due to Polysorbate 20
- Limited availability in some regions outside Australia
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
355ml bottle — over 3x the size for a similar price. Also alcohol-free with witch hazel and aloe vera. Lacks tea tree oil, so less antibacterial action, but much better value per ml.
473ml bottle at a fraction of the cost. Contains witch hazel with added rosewater and hyaluronic acid for hydration. No tea tree oil and contains some alcohol (14%), so a different approach to oil control.
250ml bottle with Community Trade tea tree oil. Also targets oily and blemish-prone skin. Contains alcohol denat as a key ingredient, which makes it more drying than the Thursday Plantation version.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For external use only.
Opaque plastic bottle with screw cap. Protects tea tree oil from light degradation.
Yes — 100ml bottle is under the 100ml carry-on liquid limit for air travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. The toner contains tea tree essential oil and lavender oil, which are generally considered safe from the second trimester onward in diluted topical products. However, essential oils are not recommended in the first trimester. The lactic acid concentration is low enough to be considered safe. Always consult your healthcare provider before adding new products to your routine during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
No. This toner contains Polysorbate 20, an emulsifier whose fatty acid ester structure can be metabolised by Malassezia yeast, potentially worsening fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis). If you have confirmed or suspected fungal acne, look for toners without polysorbates, esters, or fatty acids.
Yes. This toner is compatible with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. It contains only a small amount of lactic acid, so it won't cause excessive exfoliation when layered with other actives. Apply the toner first and let it absorb, then layer your active serums on top. If you experience irritation, alternate days between this toner and strong actives like retinol.
This toner is best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. The tea tree oil and witch hazel work together to control excess sebum and fight breakout-causing bacteria. It's also suitable for normal skin types. Those with very dry or highly reactive skin may find it slightly drying and should pair it with a richer moisturizer or consider a more hydrating toner.
Most users notice a cleaner, fresher feeling immediately after the first use. Visible improvements in oiliness and breakout frequency typically appear within 1–2 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. Clearer, smoother skin texture generally develops within 3–4 weeks. Severe acne may need complementary treatments alongside this toner.
This toner is Step 2 in your routine. Use it immediately after cleansing (Step 1) and before serums, treatments, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Apply to a cotton pad and sweep over the face and neck. It's part of Thursday Plantation's 3-step system: Face Wash → Toner → Face Cream.
This toner has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5, meaning it has a very low risk of clogging pores. The watery formula contains no heavy oils, waxes, or silicones. Tea tree oil and witch hazel actually help to unclog pores by removing excess oil and debris. It is very unlikely to cause breakouts in most skin types.
The toner has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. Store it below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve the efficacy of the tea tree oil. The 100ml bottle typically lasts 4–8 weeks with twice-daily use, well within the 12-month shelf life.
Verdict: Thursday Plantation Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Toner is a solid, no-nonsense purifying toner for oily and acne-prone skin. Its clean, minimal 14-ingredient formula pairs proven antibacterial tea tree oil with gentle witch hazel astringency — all without alcohol, parabens, or synthetic additives. It excels at controlling oiliness, clearing mild breakouts, and leaving skin feeling refreshed. The main drawbacks are its small 100ml size (which drives up the cost per ml), the strong herbal scent that won't appeal to everyone, and the presence of Polysorbate 20 that makes it unsuitable for fungal acne sufferers. If you have oily or combination skin and value natural, straightforward formulations from a trusted Australian heritage brand, this toner is well worth trying as part of your daily routine.
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 skin’s 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 «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.
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 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 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
|
|
|
| 0 |
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent, Skin Conditioning, Soothing
|
|
|
| 3 |
Polysorbate 20
Surfactant, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium PCA
Skin Conditioning, Humectant, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|