essen HERB Tea Tree Foam Cleanser

essen HERB Tea Tree Foam Cleanser

Efficacy37/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Cleansing
Stearic acid, Myristic acid + 2 more
Can be harsh
What the product description says
“Tea Tree Foam Cleanser”
Source: Facetory

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin.

Keep in mind that cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.

Stearic acidEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~8.2–10%
Myristic acidEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic~3–3.7%
Lauric acidEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes~1.7–2.1%
Glyceryl stearateEffect: HighAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.65–1%
Anti-blemish
Lauric acid, Allantoin + 1 more
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract - A powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps reduce inflammation and acne.”
Source: Facetory

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

Lauric acidEffect: LowHelps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes~1.7–2.1%
AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.5–0.75%
Centella asiatica extractEffect: Low, below effective doseA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~0.2–0.35%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
4 strong irritants: Melaleuca alternifolia leaf extract, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil + 2 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 17 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf extractAn essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.45–0.65%est.
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilAn essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.45–0.7%est.
Raspberry ketoneUsed as a fragrance. It can reduce skin pigmentation, but it is not safe to use for these purposes in high concentrations as use of raspberry ketone and its derivative is linked to causing loss of skin pigmentation in people (leukoderma)High~0.25–0.5%est.
Mentha piperita extractUsed as a fragrance and can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.5%est.
Chamomilla recutita flower extractPlant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.
Eucalyptus globulus leaf extractUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.15%est.
Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenicMedium~3–3.7%est.
Potassium hydroxideUsed to adjust the pH level of productsMedium~2.3–2.8%est.
Lauric acidHelps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishesMedium~1.7–2.1%est.
Benzyl glycolHelps dissolve other ingredients and preserve productsMedium~0.95–1.15%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.45–0.7%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.45–0.65%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.45–0.65%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.3–0.6%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf extractTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~0.35–0.6%est.
Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymerAttracts water into the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Centella asiatica extractA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.Medium~0.2–0.35%est.
Comedogenic
2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
2 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic3/5~3–3.7%est.
Lauric acidHelps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes3/5~1.7–2.1%est.

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Ingredients

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Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Stearic acid~8.2–10%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid
Peg-400~4.3–5.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Peg-400
Myristic acid~3–3.7%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic

More about Myristic acid
Potassium hydroxide~2.3–2.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to adjust the pH level of products

More about Potassium hydroxide
Glycerin~2–2.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 Glycerin
Lauric acid~1.7–2.1%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
CleansingAntibacterialAnti-blemish

Helps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes

More about Lauric acid
Butylene glycol~1.4–1.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol
Polyquaternium-7~1.2–1.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish

More about Polyquaternium-7
Benzyl glycol~0.95–1.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps dissolve other ingredients and preserve products

More about Benzyl glycol
Panthenol~0.7–1.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol
Glyceryl stearate~0.65–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate
Allantoin~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin
Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf extract~0.45–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf extract
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~0.45–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.45–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
1,2-hexanediol~0.45–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Caprylyl glycol~0.45–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Sodium polyacrylate~0.4–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Mattifying

Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions

More about Sodium polyacrylate
Citric acid~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Raspberry ketone~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. It can reduce skin pigmentation, but it is not safe to use for these purposes in high concentrations as use of raspberry ketone and its derivative is linked to causing loss of skin pigmentation in people (leukoderma)

More about Raspberry ketone
Aloe barbadensis leaf extract~0.35–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf extract
Propanediol~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer
Sodium hyaluronate~0.25–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Long sugars that help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans
Mentha piperita extract~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance and can be irritating

More about Mentha piperita extract
Chamomilla recutita flower extract~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Chamomilla recutita flower extract
Centella asiatica extract~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Reduces irritationReduces rednessMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingAnti-oxidationAnti-blemish

A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.

More about Centella asiatica extract
Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract~0.1–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract
Maltodextrin~0.1–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Mattifying

Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil

More about Maltodextrin
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.05–0.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin

More about Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid~0.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation

More about Hyaluronic acid
Ingredient list view

Water, Stearic acid, Peg-400, Myristic acid, Potassium hydroxide, Glycerin, Lauric acid, Butylene glycol, Polyquaternium-7, Benzyl glycol, Panthenol, Glyceryl stearate, Allantoin, Sodium benzoate, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf extract, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-hexanediol, Caprylyl glycol, Sodium polyacrylate, Citric acid, Raspberry ketone, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Propanediol, Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, Sodium hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans, Mentha piperita extract, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Centella asiatica extract, Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract, Maltodextrin, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Hyaluronic acid

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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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
essen HERBTea Tree Foam CleanserYOUR PRODUCTsieroDustin Dun Cleansing FoamBring greenTea tree cleansing foamSkinfoodGarden Bean Gentle Fresh Foam Cleanser
Match—40%40%40%
Price—$38.73—$17.70
Shared key ingredients—6 of 147 of 145 of 14
Key difference—Salicylic AcidSalicylic AcidCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 18 studies and safety reviews.

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essen HERB Tea Tree Foam Cleanser
essen HERBTea Tree Foam Cleanser

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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.