It's no secret that tea tree is an effective, gentle and natural solution to uncomplicated acne. Yet it took me a long time to believe the claims. For years I was under the impression that tea tree was weak and somehow not strong enough for my stubbornly problematic skin.
Months ago, I was finally convinced by my talented blogger pal Caitlin @ Beautiful (un)Necessities to give good old tea tree oil a try. I figured there was no harm in trying out The Body Shop's extremely handy and cute Tea Tree Starter Kit. I used these products diligently throughout the summer and had a fairly positive experience with it.
The kit includes:
Tea Tree Oil Skin Clearing Facial Wash
I'm not picky about my facial cleanser so long as I get the makeup off first with either cleansing wipes or Philosophy Purity Made Simple. (So what I'm really doing is a "double cleanse" -- but only when I wear foundation.) This cleanser has a refreshing effect on the skin. It feels clean without feeling stripped or dry. The tea tree oil smell is faint and not overwhelming. It splashes away without the feeling of residue sitting on the skin. So far so good.
Tea Tree Oil Skin Clearing Toner
Out of everything in the kit, this toner smells the worst and tingles most. Despite reading a lot about tea tree oil, I never saw mention of how badly the concentrated form smells. I almost can't stand it but this product also works well and its stinkiness is a small price to pay for better skin. Apparently the white stuff at the bottom of the bottle is corn starch which mattifies the skin. You have to shake the bottle to mix the liquid and powder together, which aids the delusion making you think you're an active part of the solution. It reminds me of an old discontinued Lancome toner for oily skin that used to be my favourite.
I would go so far as to say that this toner stings. I avoid the areas around my eyes and the upper lip because they're the most sensitive zones. Because of the smell, I've used this toner the least, but my skin does seem brighter after I've swept it over across the T-zone, chin and cheeks. My skin can take some tough love so I don't mind the tingling and the stinging if I see results. But if you have very sensitive skin or low tolerance for stinging and strong herbal scent, steer clear!
Tea Tree Oil Skin Clearing Lotion
I would have loved this lotion a few years ago when I was on a frantic hunt for mattifiers. Now, I've swayed closer to the opinion that I'll be oily no matter what and it's better to moisturize than dehydrate my poor aging skin despite the incessant acne. This lotion claims to hydrate as well as control oil but it leaves my face tight feeling and slightly uncomfortable. It's also too drying for the sensitive area around my mouth which always requires extra moisturizing, so I've been dabbing on eye cream on top of this lotion to compensate. On the plus side, it doesn't feel heavy or greasy at all. But swinging back to the negative, it doesn't do much to control oil nor does it seem to hydrate. Easily the least effective product in the kit.
(As an aside, I wish the kit had also included the Tea Tree Blemish Fade Night Lotion which apparently is great at diminishing acne scars.)
Tea Tree Oil
Finally, the much revered oil. The Body Shop version contains only 15% tea tree oil which I was disappointed by -- but this diluted form protects the sensitive skin types while remaining relatively effective in conjunction with the cleanser and toner. There were so many spots to treat that I decided 15% was weak enough to slather my entire face with it. Most of the time, I woke up on following mornings with reduced redness and swelling.
However, when summer heat combined with that time of the month plus exam stress resulted in fresh outbreaks, I gave up on this kit and everything else.
Still, I quite like the cleanser and the toner. And I like having the tea tree oil in reserve for better days when the skin is relatively calm but has a few spots that can use a sprinkle. The only product I would not bother with again is the day moisturizer.
For more information on the products such as pricing and ingredients, check out the official Body Shop website here, here, here and here.
For gentle anti-acne products, I much prefer the Aveda Outer Peace line but they're three times the cost of The Body Shop Tea Tree products. For those on a budget, this will tide you over. If you can splurge, go for the Aveda!
Have you had success with this particular line or tea tree oil in general? Next skincare post will be on the fails and successes of different percentages of tea tree oil. Stay tuned.
Months ago, I was finally convinced by my talented blogger pal Caitlin @ Beautiful (un)Necessities to give good old tea tree oil a try. I figured there was no harm in trying out The Body Shop's extremely handy and cute Tea Tree Starter Kit. I used these products diligently throughout the summer and had a fairly positive experience with it.
The kit includes:
- 60 ml Tea Tree Oil Skin Clearing Facial Wash
- 60 ml Tea Tree Oil Skin Clearing Toner
- 15 ml Tea Tree Oil Skin Clearing Lotion
- .33 fl oz Tea Tree Oil
- Re-usable mesh bag with zip closure
Tea Tree Oil Skin Clearing Facial Wash
I'm not picky about my facial cleanser so long as I get the makeup off first with either cleansing wipes or Philosophy Purity Made Simple. (So what I'm really doing is a "double cleanse" -- but only when I wear foundation.) This cleanser has a refreshing effect on the skin. It feels clean without feeling stripped or dry. The tea tree oil smell is faint and not overwhelming. It splashes away without the feeling of residue sitting on the skin. So far so good.
Tea Tree Oil Skin Clearing Toner
Out of everything in the kit, this toner smells the worst and tingles most. Despite reading a lot about tea tree oil, I never saw mention of how badly the concentrated form smells. I almost can't stand it but this product also works well and its stinkiness is a small price to pay for better skin. Apparently the white stuff at the bottom of the bottle is corn starch which mattifies the skin. You have to shake the bottle to mix the liquid and powder together, which aids the delusion making you think you're an active part of the solution. It reminds me of an old discontinued Lancome toner for oily skin that used to be my favourite.
I would go so far as to say that this toner stings. I avoid the areas around my eyes and the upper lip because they're the most sensitive zones. Because of the smell, I've used this toner the least, but my skin does seem brighter after I've swept it over across the T-zone, chin and cheeks. My skin can take some tough love so I don't mind the tingling and the stinging if I see results. But if you have very sensitive skin or low tolerance for stinging and strong herbal scent, steer clear!
Tea Tree Oil Skin Clearing Lotion
I would have loved this lotion a few years ago when I was on a frantic hunt for mattifiers. Now, I've swayed closer to the opinion that I'll be oily no matter what and it's better to moisturize than dehydrate my poor aging skin despite the incessant acne. This lotion claims to hydrate as well as control oil but it leaves my face tight feeling and slightly uncomfortable. It's also too drying for the sensitive area around my mouth which always requires extra moisturizing, so I've been dabbing on eye cream on top of this lotion to compensate. On the plus side, it doesn't feel heavy or greasy at all. But swinging back to the negative, it doesn't do much to control oil nor does it seem to hydrate. Easily the least effective product in the kit.
(As an aside, I wish the kit had also included the Tea Tree Blemish Fade Night Lotion which apparently is great at diminishing acne scars.)
Tea Tree Oil
Finally, the much revered oil. The Body Shop version contains only 15% tea tree oil which I was disappointed by -- but this diluted form protects the sensitive skin types while remaining relatively effective in conjunction with the cleanser and toner. There were so many spots to treat that I decided 15% was weak enough to slather my entire face with it. Most of the time, I woke up on following mornings with reduced redness and swelling.
However, when summer heat combined with that time of the month plus exam stress resulted in fresh outbreaks, I gave up on this kit and everything else.
In short, I'd recommend this kit for those with mild to moderate acne. Ye beleaguered sufferers of severe and persistent acne: keep looking.
Still, I quite like the cleanser and the toner. And I like having the tea tree oil in reserve for better days when the skin is relatively calm but has a few spots that can use a sprinkle. The only product I would not bother with again is the day moisturizer.
For more information on the products such as pricing and ingredients, check out the official Body Shop website here, here, here and here.
For gentle anti-acne products, I much prefer the Aveda Outer Peace line but they're three times the cost of The Body Shop Tea Tree products. For those on a budget, this will tide you over. If you can splurge, go for the Aveda!
Have you had success with this particular line or tea tree oil in general? Next skincare post will be on the fails and successes of different percentages of tea tree oil. Stay tuned.
Ugh the smell of tea tree oil is blah!
ReplyDeleteI remember trying this kit years ago but it was way too drying for me. I haven't used anything w/ tea tree oil since.
The kit is quite cute together! I think I felt the same way about mattifying lotions a couple years ago too. I actually find that using more moisturizing lotions makes my skin drier in the long run, which is good!
ReplyDeleteLove those mini sets, they are such a great value and a great chance to try out some new products. I have vitamin e and aloe one too.
ReplyDeleteOh no, I know tea tree is supposed to be good for the skin. I really don't know too much about acne products. If I had a big zit I used to use lemon on a cotton swab and place on top on the zit and press. Usually by the next day it's gone or shrunken and soon to be a goner. I know that salicylic acid is good, I've just started using Neutrogena's Natural Purifying Facial Cleanser and it feels pretty good. It has a slight almost acrid odor. I wonder if it's not worth a go, it's affordable. But I normally use Cetaphil or Origins Checks and Balances. Have you tried Origins? Eh, I like to try a lot of things I guess.
ReplyDeleteAs my daughter suffers from (teenage) acne issues from time to time, I too have sought many ways, mostly natural, to try and help her out. One thing I can tell you with absolute surety, is that pure tea tree oil, is NOT supposed to stink AT ALL. If your toner smelled, then I can guarantee you that it A) was not due to the tea tree oil (if it was of a superior and purified grade) and B) was most likely an inferior grade, possibly cut (diluted) with other additives. I have done extensive research into aromatherapy, and what I'm telling you here is based on proven facts. To be even more precise, the only 2 essential oils that can be taken "neat" (ie: undiluted) and even ingested with no harmful side effects, are tea tree oil and lavender in their purest forms, so while these Body Shop products have the words "Tea Tree" slapped on the label, I wouldn't bet that they've added either enough or the best form of the essential oil. It's sad that our labelling laws are not more stringent, as this misleads many people. If you want to try something out, go to a reputable health food store, buy a small vial of the highest grade tea tree oil they carry and first of all smell it (yes...it is strong, but not unpleasantly so) and then dab it on any acne/blemish scars you have. Then, sit back and watch how well it can perform. Tea tree oil really does not need anything else to act as a carrier for it, in order to be effective. Best part? It's natural AND healthy...and has long term results.
ReplyDeleteI tried the tea tree oil a while back...really didn't do anything for me. I do like the cleansing wipes though. I might give the cleansing gel a go, thanks for this review!
ReplyDeleteHi Liz! I tried Tea Tree Oil many moons ago when I suffered from acne. It helped a lot in getting rid of whiteheads but what I was using was pure tea tree oil at a high concentration. (I can't remember the number exactly, but there is a minimun % for it to be really effective). I found that for everyday use, it was gentler than benzoyl peroxide. I stopped using it because my skin got better, although I wouldn't say it was only because of the TT oil. No one single product cures acne, you know? But it definitely helped.
ReplyDeleteWhat I notice about the Body Shop TT oil range is that some products contain high concentrations of alcohol (including the spot treatment). I believe there's menthol in the cleanser, and so on. Those ingredients are skin irritants and that is the last thing you want to put your skin through if you're struggling with acne. I'd say don't give up on TT oil just yet, just try to find a pure extract that contains no unnecessary irritants.
Right now I'm not struggling with acne anymore but I do need to look after my skin because I will get blackheads and whiteheads if I don´t take care of it. I included chemical exfoliants in my routine (BHA mostly, and a bit of AHA some days) and it helps a lot to keep my skin clear and healthy.
I hope you find a better tea tree oil alternative, because I doubt that The Body Shop range does any justice to it!
I'm interested in your coming posts about tea tree oil. I'm allergic to benzoyl peroxide, and I've heard that concentrations of at least 5% TTO can produce the same antibacterial results as BP, but after a longer period of time.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever tried Paula's Choice products? Her stuff works well for me.
Oh yay, they have all ingredients listed on their site now, not just "key ingredients." I mean, duh - usually the key ingredients are the obvious ones, so if you were allergic to tea tree oil, for example, you wouldn't be looking at tea tree stuff to begin with!
ReplyDeleteAnyway. I go to an Aveda salon for my hair, but have never tried any of their other products. I'm tempted, now, because of you! :P
@Ashley - Oh, I definitely wouldn't recommend it for anyone with other than oily/combination skin! Glad you agree on the smell.
ReplyDelete@Dovey - I definitely think that our skin changes to adapt to whatever we're using! Mine also changes drastically from season to season so it's difficult to know sometimes what element is really affecting me. But my t-zone is always oily no matter what so mattifiers were very important for a long time. Now I just blot very diligently!
@Justine - I've heard good things about the Vitamin E one! Wish I had dry skin to test that out, lol.
@D - Lemon juice is amazing for acne-prone skin. I had great skin last year when I was doing regular scrubs with lemon and sugar. I haven't been very diligent with that lately, though. I tried something from Origins a LONG time ago but wasn't wowed. Might go back at some point, though (probably). See, we like being guinea pigs, I guess. :)
@Eugenia - Thanks for weighing in! It's interesting about the non-smell of pure tea tree oil because I've been testing a 100% tea tree oil alongside this kit and it stinks to high heaven. Tea tree is melaleuca which I have ingested in the past (forcibly via parental guidance, lol), so perhaps my childhood experience induces a more severe reaction to the smell than the average person. Also, I will take your advice and look into the grades of tea tree oil. I'm not sure where on the ranking my current 100% one belongs to, but it did have a great effect on my skin. I just can't stand the smell. :x
@Stacey - I think the wipes are my favourite, followed by the cleanser. It seems we're on the same wavelength!
@isabird - I have a post coming up re: my experience with a 100% tea tree oil. After the 15% one in this kit, I had to see if a higher concentrate would work better and it definitely does. I'm also on a big AHA kick right now and experimenting to see which combination of products will keep my skin clearer more long-term. Thanks for your advice and recommendations! I guess I found The Body Shop line more approachable and within reach. I have a fear of going into vitamin stores unequipped and being bombarded with info that I'm not sure is reliable.
@BooBooNinja - I've heard good things about Paula's Choice but haven't tried any yet. I'm not inclined to try new things unless I've seen the product up close and personal first. Still, I think it's on my list of brands to look into, which is about a mile long. :)
@Larie - I was going to copy & paste but thought it was better to just point to the websites. *LAZY* I haven't tried any other skincare from Aveda aside from a shower gel so don't take my word for it! Our skin are completely different. If you don't have acne issues, you have no need to try the Outer Peace regimen. Whatever else you try from there is on you! lol
Just as an aside.....but just to clarify that it's not that tea tree oil isn't rather pungent; in its most clarified form, it's not supposed to stink or be off-putting. It's also been known to leave a strangely sweet after-scent behind. As to actually having ingested it as a youngster....ick! While it's safe to do so, why on earth would you want to? LOL!!! I'm really, really happy that you saw positive effects with this though....that's what it all comes down to! I'll let you know if I come across any other new and worthwhile products in this area, and you keep me informed as well...I count on your amazingly thorough testing & weeding out skills! PS: have you tried out the Tanda Zap! yet? I'm supposed to begin testing it out soon (on my daughter actually), but I was curious if anyone else has had success with it.
ReplyDeleteLol, don't worry Liz - I have been distracted by their makeup displays often enough, it's really just a matter of time :P
ReplyDeleteHi Liz, My hubby uses Tea tree oil to dry out any nasties on his skin and swears by it. I've nominated you for a blog award. :) xoxo
ReplyDeleteI gave up on tea tree oil, I didn't like the smell and I didn't think it helped a whole lot. Thanks for the review though! I quite liked their Seaweed cleanser for oily skin :)
ReplyDelete@Eugenia - I didn't know it was tea tree oil back then, but one of my mother's friends became a sale rep for a melaleuca products company and we became bombarded with skincare and vitamin forms of everything melaleuca-related. I think now when I smell tea tree oil, it invokes those childhood memories of being forced to use melaleuca shampoos and stuff and my mind shuts down right away! As for Tanda, I've been hesitant to try it (I can be so timid with new things) but I'd love to hear you and your daughter's experiences with it! I think I just need to see more positive reviews on it before I'm convinced it works. Also, I'm saving up some Shoppers points to invest in the Clarisonic which I know would be extremely helpful.
ReplyDelete@Larie - I'm never tempted by their makeup actually. If there's something good... don't tell me! LOL
@Vita - Hey, good to hear! The male input is so rare too. LOL Thanks for the award!
@Rocaille - Hi, thanks for the comment! I haven't tried the seaweed cleanser yet but good to know!
Interesting that we both have the same issue with the skin around our mouths - mine is also highly sensitive and dry as well. Wonder what that's about?? Anyway, great review and helpful for those who are looking for a system for mild acne. Also, I agree about giving up trying to mattify the skin - I think it's probably a better solution to just keep hydrated and blot the shit outta any oiliness lol...at least, that's the approach I've been using lately :P
ReplyDeleteAhhhhh....now I understand! Melaleuca...., yeah right! Talk about an MLM (multi-level-marketing) scam! I have a hunch that the tea tree oil they offer in their products is closer to industrial strength, probably cut with fillers. I've smelled their products (my sister-in-law was conned into being a rep for the brand) and they all reek! So now I get your reluctance! If ever you get to smell the true essential oil, you'll find it quite different!! Thanks for letting me know!
ReplyDelete@Toya - I don't know but it's been that way ever since I was a kid! It's the first place to sting and the first place to dry. However, it's the only spot on my face that won't break out. I suppose we wipe the area often to remove food particles and lip products and so on, so it kind of makes sense that it's the most sensitive. As for blotting, I wish I didn't have to do that either but *SHRUG*!
ReplyDelete@Eugenia - Now that you say that, it totally makes sense. I did convince my mom not to join in on it herself but the crap we were thrown at via her friend was to an unbelievable degree. The whole thing is worth better investigating on my part. Thanks for your comments! Definitely a worthwhile discussion!
I was thinking of this kit for my 14 yr old niece but it sounds too harsh for her skin??
ReplyDeleteHi, Tracy! It would depend on what kind of skin she has. But used all together, I would say it's on the drying side - mostly because the moisturizer isn't very moisturizing. I think the cleanser would be fine if her skin is on the oily side.
ReplyDeletei actually own this kit too. although i think i got it wen they were having a sale on their kits. and actually The Body Shop is on groupon rite now which I dunno if that works for Canadians??
ReplyDeleteBut yeah i think its funny cuz I hated the face wash. i feel like it doesnt wash off my face and leaves a residue behind :/ it was easily the least favorite and least used out of the whole kit and i liked the lotion enough to buy the full size of it. although i do think it isn't moisturizing enough. i usually would moisturize with something else and then put it on as a kind of treatment lol and i liked the toner too and was contemplating getting the full size of that as well but lost interest in it before actually buying it xD
and actually i found the tea tree spot treatment to be the harshest thing out of the whole kit personally. i found it kinda stung and had a semi alcohol smell. and i do agree with you that i always thought tea tree smelled because i have a Desert Essence Tea Tree face wash that i use and that has a slight woodsy(?) scentthat i kind of associate with tea tree xD
i stopped using the kit and i should prolly go bak to try it out again lol
We have Groupon but I don't recall seeing anything about The Body Shop! But then I'm not paying as much attention to them as before (the deals don't seem to be as nice as earlier).
ReplyDeleteThat's funny, we have the total opposite reaction to everything in this kit! But we probably have very different skin types... and even if we don't, our preferences will vary. I get what you mean about the cleanser feeling like it doesn't come off. I don't get that feeling with this one but I've had it happen with other cleansers. That's when I really love that toners exist!
I have decided to give this a go due to your previous posts and bought the exact same starter/test kit.
ReplyDeleteI really do like the cleanser, but the moisturizer is too light for me. Although I have very oily skin, it gets easily dehydrated because of its sensitivity. So I end up piling two or even more layers of this to make it work for me. Especially after using the cleanser which leaves my skin clean completely, but a bit dry. However I have tried this on my cleavage area as I am getting terrible acne there (yaaaay! - irony, btw) and it works wonders there. Overnight. No kidding. But I have discovered that with a moisturizing serum, the face moisturizer really works well for my face. But I am not decided yet if I like it enough to purchase a full size tube after I finish the sample.
I have not tried the toner and oil yet. I have better product for spots and the toner does not appeal to me (sensitive skin, have I said it?).
My favourite face moisturizer to keep the oiliness away so far is from Payot. However it is still not enough for my cheeks in winter. So I can choose - extremely oily but hydrated skin or matte and awesome looking yet dry. Cool.
Oh, Jaromira - I wish you were still blogging! You gave so much information in this one comment than I did in my entire post! It seems like we're mostly in agreement. I'm going to try using your trick of serum before the moisturizer. Fortunately I don't have acne extending below the jaw line but I certainly commiserate with you! Lately I'm of the opinion that oily but hydrated is better. At least we can blot away the shine temporarily. Dry patches are incredibly difficult to get rid of and do not look good mixed with makeup. :(
ReplyDeleteThank you, Liz. I still have kind of blogging tendencies from time to time and even have another blog (invitation only), but it is in Czech and due to my long-term leave (and no camera despite my crappy phone one), I update quite rarely. But I guess I should bite the bullet and start again? Ahgh. I have to admit, that I miss it sometimes. When the project is finished, I will re-think it and if I start again, you will be one of the first people to know, I promise.
ReplyDeleteI have tried the toner finally and it is not that bad at all. I use a cotton pad and lightly dab it all over my face avoiding any sensitive areas (eyes, upper lip...). And I have to say that although I feel the tingling sensation, it does not irritate my skin (at least not too much) and I think it makes my makeup last longer during the day, but it may be also my wishful thinking :)
Overall, I would say this range must be great for teenagers. I am sure I would have loved it back then. But although I think these products are still quite gentle (assuming you are using them to treat oily skin), I feel like I need a bit of extra care (and I deserve it).
I think used together as a combination, they can be drying on even the oiliest of skin. But depending on how everyone skin is, we can find ways to use one or two products work together.
ReplyDeleteRe: blogging - I think if it's in you to write and there's a certain focus/love of something, it inevitably drives you to put a text message "out there." I've always had a series of personal blogs or online diaries or something of the sort, but they never really lasted for more than a year or so. It's hard to write consistently, risk too much exposure, sacrifice time that we don't have, etc, etc. I would definitely read your blog if you decide to start up again but understand you need to take the necessary time out to do whatever it is you need to do. Whatever the case, I'm so glad we connected! xoxo
I am actively trying to get through my Tea Tree cleanser but sadly it seems like a waste of effort. The smell doesn't linger but it is a lot to take in when I am washing my face. I don't mind the tea tree oil and the toner. In fact I love the toner. I think I might try tea tree oil from whole foods though, I heard it has more tea tree oil in it than the Body Shop one. =)
ReplyDeleteI tried a 100% tea tree oil after this and found it's much more effective. I still hate the pungent smell but it does work wonders! I think of The Body Shop versions as teaser to the more natural stuff. I would be lost in Whole Foods!
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