Review: Biossance Squalane + Tea Tree Cleansing Gel

A refreshing cleansing gel made with tea tree to deeply purify pores, help balance skin and reduce excess surface oil. This cleansing gel removes makeup while leaving skin healthy-looking and visibly clearer. Sulfate-free, non-drying formula features squalane to boost the performance of tea tree and help keep skin feeling ultra-soft.

– Biossance

I received two sample sizes of Biossance’s Squalane + Tea Tree Cleansing Gel in some of my recent purchases from them, and while it definitely helped in keeping my skin clear during my two weeks of usage (1x each evening). Application was easy, though my skin felt dry at the 30 second mark. I would predict that, after finishing, if I let my face dry, my skin would feel a bit tight. So while the results were clearly evident, I couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable while washing.

Ingredient Pros and Cons

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Disodium Coco-glucoside Citrate, Squalane, Cocoyl Proline, Melaleuca Alternafolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Sodium Levulinate, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Leaf Extract, Magnesium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Gluconate, Caramel, Citric Acid, Linalool

Significant Pros

• Glycerin (hydrating)
• Squalane (moisturizing, emollient)
• Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (soothing)
• Melaleuca Alternafolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil (acne-fighting – helpful in low concentrations)

Significant Cons

• Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil (skin irritant)
• Citric Acid (potential skin irritant)
• Linalool (skin irritant)

The Takeaway

If you have super oily and acne-prone skin, this cleanser will definitely help in addressing blemishes and sebum — however, even for my oily skin, this felt a bit too intense (most likely due to the high concentration of tea tree oil). The price isn’t so severe that it isn’t worth trying – so for anyone looking for something intense this is a decent go-to (just make sure to follow-up with something hydrating!!!!!).