Carbon Theory Charcoal & Tea Tree Oil Cleansing Wash
Works for
Anti-blemishSalicylic acidWorks well
“Carbon Theory’s Charcoal & Tea Tree Oil Breakout Control Facial Cleansing Wash is dermatologically proven to prevent breakouts and keep your skin clear, balanced and hydrated.”
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: salicylic acid. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
CleansingDecyl glucoside, Polysorbate 20 + 4 moreCleanses gently
“Charcoal & Tea Tree Oil Cleansing Wash”
This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (carbomer, decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, polyglyceryl-4 caprate, polysorbate 20, shea butter glycereth-8 esters) and should be able to cleanse the skin gently. Still keep in mind that any cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.
Even though this formulation is mild, the following cleansing agents could trigger an irritation or allergy for some people: decyl glucoside
ExfoliationSide benefit · Salicylic acidWorks well
This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: salicylic acid.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, LimoneneMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Decyl glucoside~8.1–12.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating
More about Decyl glucosideGlycerin~3.7–5.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinPolysorbate 20~2.5–3.8%
Polyglyceryl-4 caprate~2–3%
Lauryl glucoside~1.7–2.5%
Carbomer~1.2–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerCharcoal powder~1.2–1.8%
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~0.5–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilShea butter glycereth-8 esters~0.5–1.15%
Salicylic acid~0.2–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
More about Salicylic acidSodium hydroxide~0.15–0.65%
Sodium phytate~0.1–0.45%
Sorbic acid~0.1–0.3%
Benzyl alcohol~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholLimonene~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneIngredient list view
Water, Decyl glucoside, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Polyglyceryl-4 caprate, Lauryl glucoside, Carbomer, Charcoal powder, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Shea butter glycereth-8 esters, Salicylic acid, Sodium hydroxide, Sodium phytate, Sorbic acid, Benzyl alcohol, Limonene
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.
Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| Carbon TheoryCharcoal & Tea Tree Oil Cleansing WashYOUR PRODUCT | Dr. Barbara SturmCleanser | MixaAnti-Imperfection Comfort Cleanser | Biodroga MDCleansing Fluid - NEW CLEAR + | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 86% | 85% | 83% |
| Price | $9.99 | $66.63+$56.64 | $7.14−$2.85 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 8 | 3 of 8 | 2 of 8 |
| Key difference | — | Urea | Niacinamide | Arginine |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: CeraVe Gel Moussant Anti-ImperfectionsSkinfix Acne+ 2% BHA Cleanser
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 6 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
- 5A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparationssciencedirect.com
- 6
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.