Thoroughly Clean Face Wash Original
Thoroughly Clean Face Wash Original
Product Description
Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash (Original) is a deep-cleansing daily cleanser powered by Australian Eco-Harvestยฎ Tea Tree Oil and an olive- and coconut-based Castile soap. Designed for oily and combination skin, it lifts away excess oil, makeup, and impurities while botanical extracts of chamomile, calendula, and goldenseal help soothe โ all without sulfates, parabens, or synthetic fragrance.
โจ Texture & Feel
Eco-Harvestยฎ Tea Tree Oil
Australian-sourced tea tree oil with well-documented purifying and clarifying properties for oil-prone skin.
Plant-Based Castile Soap
An olive- and coconut-oil Castile base cleanses gently without harsh sulfate detergents.
Soothing Botanicals
Chamomile, calendula, and goldenseal extracts help calm and condition while you cleanse.
Clean, Conscious Formula
Vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and free from parabens, sulfates, and artificial dyes.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
No retinoids or salicylic acid, but it contains tea tree, lavender, and bitter orange essential oils. Many clinicians advise caution with essential oils during pregnancy โ check with your doctor.
Not malassezia-safe. Coconut oil and several botanical oils contain fatty acids and esters that can feed malassezia yeast.
Cleanses with a plant Castile base instead of SLS/SLES, and uses no parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrance.
The blend of tea tree, lavender, and citrus oils can irritate very reactive skin or eyes. Patch test first and avoid the eye area.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ฟ Eco-Harvestยฎ Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia) ~0.5โ2% Proven
The brand's signature active. Tea tree oil has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties and is one of the most researched botanical anti-acne ingredients.
- Source: Multiple studies show tea tree oil reduces acne-causing C. acnes bacteria; 5% tea tree gel has performed comparably to 5% benzoyl peroxide in trials.
- Source: Its key active is terpinen-4-ol (about 40% of the oil), responsible for much of its antibacterial effect.
๐ฅฅ Coconut Oil / Castile Soap Base (Cocos Nucifera Oil) Base Proven
The cleansing base is built on saponified coconut and olive oils (Castile soap). Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids โ mostly lauric acid โ which give the formula its gentle, plant-derived cleansing power.
- Source: Coconut oil's high fatty-acid content helps soften skin and trap moisture, making the wash less stripping than sulfate cleansers.
๐ง Glycerin Moderate Proven
A plant-derived humectant naturally found in skin. It draws moisture into the skin to offset the tightness a deep cleanse can cause.
- Source: A 2016 study found glycerin to be a more effective humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
- Source: Its low molecular weight lets it hydrate deeper layers and support the skin barrier.
๐ผ Chamomile (Chamomilla Recutita Extract & Oil) Low Promising
Used as both an extract and an essential oil, chamomile is rich in antioxidants and soothing compounds such as bisabolol.
- Source: Chamomile's anti-inflammatory compounds help calm redness; chamomile essential oils have also shown wound-healing and antimicrobial activity.
๐ธ Calendula (Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil) Low Promising
Derived from marigold, calendula is skin-soothing thanks to its flavonoid content and helps reduce visible inflammation.
- Source: Emerging research suggests calendula limits nitric-oxide production, a signaling pathway involved in skin inflammation.
- Source: A 2008 study found marigold had anti-fungal potential against 23 fungal types found on human skin (note: malassezia acne stems from yeast, not fungus).
๐ฑ Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis Root Extract) Low Promising
A traditional North American botanical added for its soothing, conditioning reputation. Desert Essence highlights it as a calming extract in this formula.
- Source: Goldenseal has a long history in traditional skincare; modern cosmetic data is limited, so it's best viewed as a supporting botanical.
๐บ Awapuhi (Hedychium Coronarium Root Extract) Low Promising
The extract of Hawaii's fragrant white ginger lily, traditionally prized as a softening and conditioning botanical.
- Source: Brand positioning describes awapuhi as adding softening properties to the cleanser; clinical cosmetic data is limited.
๐ Bladderwrack (Fucus Vesiculosus Extract) Low Promising
A brown-algae extract that adds marine antioxidants plus minerals such as sodium, potassium, and amino acids.
- Source: The extract supplies antioxidants that help defend skin cells against free-radical damage from pollution.
13 ingredients
Castile Soap (Water/Aqua, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Tall Oil, Potassium Hydroxide), Glycerin (Plant), Eco-Harvestยฎ Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Hydrastis Canadensis (Golden Seal) Root Extract, Hedychium Coronarium Root Extract (Awapuhi), Fucus Vesiculosus (Bladderwrack) Extract, Cymbopogon Martini (Palmarosa) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Oil, Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil, Callitris Intratropica (Blue Cypress) Wood Oil.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
This is your first step โ a daily cleanser used morning and night. Because it can feel slightly tightening, always follow with a hydrating moisturizer (and SPF in the morning).
๐ How to Use
Moisten Skin
Wet your face with warm water to open and prep the skin.
Massage In
Apply a small amount and massage in gentle circular motions over cheeks, chin, forehead, and neck for about one minute, avoiding the eyes.
Rinse
Rinse thoroughly with cool water and gently pat dry.
Follow Up
Use twice daily, then apply your moisturizer. Tip: the formula is very liquid, so a foaming pump bottle makes it easier to dispense.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin that gets shiny by midday
- You're acne-prone and want a tea tree cleanser
- You prefer natural, vegan, sulfate-free formulas
- You like a refreshing herbal scent rather than perfume
- You want a deep clean that removes makeup and excess oil
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You have dry or dehydrated skin (it can feel stripping)
- You're sensitive to essential oils or fragrance compounds
- You follow a strict fungal-acne (malassezia) safe routine
- You dislike strong herbal/tea tree scents
- You prefer a thick, cushiony cream cleanser texture
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Deeply removes oil and impurities without the heavy residue of richer cleansers โ its sweet spot.
Great for the oily T-zone; drier cheeks may need a richer moisturizer afterward.
Tea tree targets breakout-causing bacteria, but coconut-oil base means pore-clogging-prone users should monitor.
Multiple reviewers report tightness and dryness; not the best match for already-dry skin.
No synthetic fragrance, but the essential-oil blend can trigger reactions โ patch test recommended.
๐ Results Timeline
Immediate Clean Feel
Skin feels squeaky-clean and refreshed; makeup and surface oil are removed in one wash.
~80% noticedLess Surface Oil & Shine
Regular users report a more balanced, less greasy complexion through the day.
~60% noticedClearer, Smoother Skin
With consistent use, many reviewers describe fewer breakouts and improved skin texture and clarity.
~45% noticedโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Deep, thorough clean that removes makeup and oil
- Effective tea tree oil for breakout-prone skin
- Natural, vegan, sulfate- and paraben-free formula
- Great value โ large 8.5 oz and 32 oz sizes available
- Refreshing herbal scent with no synthetic fragrance
โ Criticized
- Can feel drying or tight, especially on dry skin
- Tea tree scent is strong for some users
- Very runny consistency is hard to dispense
- Essential oils may irritate sensitive skin or eyes
- Coconut-oil base is not fungal-acne safe
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Also tea-tree-led and great for oily/acne-prone skin, in a larger 16 oz bottle. Adds mint for a cooling tingle, but is a more conventional surfactant formula rather than a Castile-soap base.
An Australian tea tree cleanser at a comparable price. Simpler botanical lineup without the chamomile/calendula/goldenseal blend, but very similar purifying intent.
A foaming tea tree gel for blemish-prone skin. More lather and a different texture; uses Community-Trade tea tree oil but isn't a natural Castile formula.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean (Featured)
~$9.99The Body Shop Tea Tree Facial Wash
~$15.00CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
~$15.99Botanic Hearth Tea Tree Face Wash
~$12.95๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the cap closed.
Flip-top plastic bottle (8.5 fl oz / 250 ml; also in 32 fl oz value size)
The 8.5 oz bottle exceeds the 100 ml carry-on limit โ decant into a travel bottle for flights.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens, which is reassuring. However, it does include several essential oils โ tea tree, lavender, and bitter orange โ and many clinicians advise extra caution with essential oils during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As a rinse-off cleanser the exposure is limited, but we recommend checking with your doctor before use.
No. The Castile-soap base is built on coconut oil, and the formula also contains plant oils whose fatty acids and esters can feed malassezia yeast. If you're managing fungal acne, this isn't an ideal pick โ though being a rinse-off cleanser, its contact time on skin is short.
Yes. As a cleanser it's rinsed off before your actives go on, so it generally layers fine with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, or BHAs. Because it can be slightly drying and contains essential oils, introduce strong actives gradually and moisturize well to avoid over-stripping the barrier.
It's best for oily and combination skin, and useful for acne-prone skin thanks to its tea tree oil. Dry and very sensitive skin types may find it too cleansing โ multiple reviewers with dry skin report tightness, so those types should consider a gentler cream cleanser.
Most users notice an immediately cleaner, less oily feel after the first wash. Within 1โ2 weeks oil and shine often look more balanced, and with consistent twice-daily use over about 4โ6 weeks many reviewers report clearer skin and improved texture. Results vary by skin type and routine.
It's the first step โ your cleanser, used morning and night. After rinsing, follow with toner (optional), treatments/serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen in the morning. Always moisturize afterward, since the deep clean can leave skin feeling slightly tight.
The formula contains coconut oil, which is highly comedogenic (around 4/5) on its own. Because this is a wash-off product with short skin contact, the practical risk is lower โ we rate the finished cleanser around 3/5. Pore-clogging-prone users should patch test and monitor how their skin responds.
Typically around 12 months after opening. Store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and keep the cap closed to protect the botanical oils. Discard if the color or scent changes noticeably.
Verdict: A long-loved, affordable natural cleanser that does exactly what its name promises โ a thorough, oil-cutting clean powered by Australian tea tree oil and a plant Castile base. It shines for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin that wants a vegan, sulfate-free option with a fresh herbal scent. Just keep expectations realistic: it can feel drying for dry or sensitive skin, the essential-oil blend isn't for everyone, and it isn't fungal-acne safe. Pair it with a good moisturizer and it's one of the best value tea tree cleansers around.
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 skinโs 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 ยซpromisesยป 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
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Cocos Nucifera Oil
Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Perfuming, Antioxidant
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking, Skin Conditioning
|
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 0 |
Hydrastis Canadensis Root Extract
Masking, Skin Conditioning
|
|