Desert Essence • Tea Tree Oil Facial Cleansing Pads • Skincare - Face

Where To Buy?

sugarfreepersonality on 10/18/2012 7:17:00 PM more reviews by sugarfreepersonality

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I personally love these and feel inclined to give them a fantastic review to offset the poor ratings that these pads are recieving!

For reference, I have combination skin that is prone to clogged pores and sometimes acne, if I aggravate it. I love the list of ingredients in this formula, it's all natural and contains ingredients that are known to be good for the skin. They contain no animal products and are a cruelty-free company, which means I'm a happy and guilt-free consumer (:
All right, now, I've been doing well in rehabilitating my skin lately and was looking for a product to offset small blemishes caused by oily skin throughout the day, so I picked these up from Whole Foods after reading the reviews on MU about them. I expected the strong smell, as other reviewers have noted, and I don't mind the smell because I know it's not artificial fragrance- only the natural scent of tea tree oil. Plus, honestly, the smell is only "unbearable" if you focus on it intently, which I do not. The pads are a bit abrasive, for lack of a better word, so I don't even use a scrub to take off dead skin anymore- these do it for me! They can be scratchy if you apply too much pressure and use them roughly on your face, I'll say, and I wouldn't recommend doing that.

Within the first few days of using these, I noticed a fantastic difference in my skin (: it was less oily throughout the day and blemishes healed far more quickly- the results excited me to no end and I'd recommend these to anybody looking for clear(er) skin. Even after cleansing and toning, these pads picked up the last bits of dirt left on my skin, and that impressed me; my AHA moisturizer also seemed to absorb better, as well, which means faster results for me overall in my skin regimen!
Now I'll stop babbling. Purchase these! I don't think you'll regret it!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Bronze71 on 10/16/2012 1:28:00 AM more reviews by Bronze71

Age: 36-43   Skin: Very Oily, Dark, Warm   Hair: Black, Relaxed, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

This is one product you do not use as directed. Have you tried to remove make-up with these pads???? OUCH! Feels more like rubbing your face with bricks.

Remove make-up with make-up remover. Wash face. While face is still dripping wet apply the tea tree oil pads.

Follow by a serum/moisturizer or both.

If you use it this way you will see an absolute difference in the morning. I would not use it if I had sensitive skin. It is kinda harsh. But if you like a little stinging followed by a cooling sensation from your serum---this is the way to go.

These pads are great for large pores if used as I described. If you need a break from retinolds I would strongly suggest using these pads.... if you can no longer afford your regular high priced serum...use these pads.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* Kalya on 8/24/2012 8:19:00 AM more reviews by Kalya

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Medium   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I have very sensitive skin.
Yes, this product does cleanse the skin....and remove the outer epidermis layer as well!
These pads cause burns and subsequently 'dents' or pockmarks on the skin. Way too harsh for facial skin. In addition, the strips leave the skin super dry (flaking) and pores enlarged. Even after applying a moisturizer, the skin looks horrible.
The smell is okay - sort of medicinal.
I prefer the gentler alternative of using cold cream cleanser.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

trishz on 8/16/2012 4:32:00 PM more reviews by trishz

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I'm not sure why the rating is so low on these! They must not work for everyone else the way they work for me.

These pads have seriously changed my life. I've been using them for two years now and haven't had one breakout -- NOT ONE. I struggled with chin acne for about 8 years, every day -- and now no breakouts!!

They're the only drugstore product I use and I will buy these for the rest of my life!

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

squirrelsatemyramen on 6/23/2012 7:16:00 PM more reviews by squirrelsatemyramen

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I have fair to medium skin that is normal to sensitive that stays clear most of the time. When I do get any zits, though, I like to use these to clear them up. I sometimes get rashes out of stress, and these pads help with that problem as well. They do not feel harsh and irritate my skin, either.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* mulletoftruth on 5/7/2012 6:26:00 PM more reviews by mulletoftruth

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Other    

I really love these things and feel like they're contributing to a vast improvement I've seen in my skin lately. They're quite harsh, and do have alcohol in them, but I rather suspect that's makes them so effective, in that they really do completely remove all traces of makeup, oil, and debris.


I use either makeup remover wipes or micellar water at night to remove makeup & cleanse my skin, followed by a spritz of grape water. These pads are the last step in getting everything of my face before toning & moisturizing.


They seem to be quite effective in keeping blackheads at bay and treating a hormonal acneic patch on my chin/jawline that flares up. I buy them at vitacost and the price is very reasonable, as all Desert Essence products are. My only complaint is that by the time I get down to the last 7 or 8 pads, they tend to be dried out.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* Miaoudeminou on 5/5/2012 11:20:00 AM more reviews by Miaoudeminou

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I use the pads at night to take off make-up and keep acne away. It has done pretty well at both. Most of my acne is gone and I'm down to 3 very very tiny pimples at the moment. Which is a great improvement because my other pimples were larger and there were more. My skin just has improved over all and it does help I'm using an AHA lotion & Grapeseed oil at night to combat the dryness. If these continue to keep 80%+ of the pimples away then I'll continue to purchase them. I do have to say they smell & sting a little sometimes but those things don't bother me (might bother others and wanted to make note of it).

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

beliEVE379 on 2/25/2012 3:49:00 AM more reviews by beliEVE379

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Oh my wow, I've found my answer!
After reading some of the reviews here I decided to head down to my local health foods, tho I was still reluctant due too my passed experience w tea tree oil ravaging my skin, however I thought this is not harshly formulated, and perhaps I was over zealous with it then.
Well, let me say this has been the nail to the coffin for my acne problems.
Id already been getting my skin clear, but I was still in need for an effective acne treatment and toner, & this is it!

I've only been using it for 2 weeks and already I see a difference in my skin, I can walk out the door w/out makeup if I wanted to.

This is how I fit it in my daily skin routine. In the evening I remove MU w/my OCM blend then was the oil grime away w/ my cleanser, and after I sweep my face w/these pads for any left residue..and I make sure to moisturize well.
In the AM I skip washing my face. I simply spray some rosewater & again sweep away any oily residue my skin produced & collected dust over the night. It keeps my skin less oily & cleaner through the day and keeps my pores unclogged.
I don't mind the smell anymore, it used to remind me of pinesol..but I've actually grown quite fond of it now thanks to its effectiveness. My only complaint is that its not offerred in a larger quantity package.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* staci01 on 2/24/2012 1:54:00 AM more reviews by staci01

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Other, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Other    

Ok, I originally liked these pads to helping keep my skin clear but the high alcohol content was too harsh for my skin. Because of this I stopped using them. Today I found them again and thought to look at the label and saw that there were some specific directions on there. According to the label you 1.) wash your face 2.) use the tea tree pads "paying special attention to oily areas and avoiding eye area" and 3.) RINSE WITH COOL WATER and 4.) moisturize skin. So you're supposed to use these pads to help cleanse your skin but not keep it on the skin. That explains a lot. I guess it pays for me to look at the label more closely. lol! ; )

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

makeupmiller on 2/12/2012 12:55:00 PM more reviews by makeupmiller

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Hazel    

this stuff is amazing! i dont have bad acne but i get a couple reoccurring zits in the same spot on my face and these pads clear them up so fast! and make my skin feel so soft and clean. the smell is really overpowering but after a while you get used to it. i would definitely recommend these facial pads!

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

whitley0499 on 9/20/2011 5:41:00 PM more reviews by whitley0499

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Dark   Hair: Brown, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

This is a really good product for people with recurring acne. I started using this 2 yrs ago and it took a little getting used to the smell of the tea tree oil, but now I actually don't mind it. This in combination with the thoroughly clean face wash knocked out my acne problems after years of trying all kinds of expensive products and prescriptions.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* lil_me on 8/12/2011 2:13:00 AM more reviews by lil_me

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

$3.99 50 pads.
I enjoy using these when my pores feel clogged. Recently, I've got my 11 year old to use it around his nose to keep his pores clear. Seems to be gentle enough for him. The texture of the pads could be improved if it's thicker and a bit softer. Overall, it is very good for the money. The smell is slighty overpowering but it does not linger very long. I have repurchased tis many times already.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

imergo on 7/21/2011 4:41:00 PM more reviews by imergo

Age: Unknown   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

These are STRONG and are great for drying out "wet" pimples (eww). The texture of the pad is a bit harsh, and since I'm not using them for exfoliating purposes, I just dab the pad repeatedly on the area of the breakout. If this is too irritating for you, I find the Desert Essence Blemish Touch Stick to be very similar in formula and easier to apply to small areas.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

shortea on 4/14/2011 2:59:00 AM more reviews by shortea

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I used to use this product all the time (when I was on my organic craze) anyway...they worked pretty good, the pads are kinda harsh in texture so be gentle when using. They have a strong scent/vapors that kind of sting your eyes. I would recommend this product if you are an eco-friendly shopper and enjoy organic products.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* Amsi on 2/6/2011 2:54:00 PM more reviews by Amsi

Age: 19-24   Skin: Very Oily, Tan, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I have chronically oily, congested, acne-prone skin and this is the ONLY product that has ever effectively tamed my oiliness. I have to blot every hour or two, even if I put on a mattifier and/or powder. It's disgusting! I've tried a bunch of mattifying lotions, but none worked for more than an hour or two. These Tea Tree Oil Pads really help tame my oilies.
...
How I use them: I use these in the morning after gently cleansing my face. I rub the pad all over and let the product soak in. I don't wash it off. They scent is extremely pungent due to the witch hazel, tea tree oil and alcohol, and the fumes cause me to have to step away to take a breath or even pinch my nose. I can even taste it in my mouth. Whether I use these under makeup or alone, they work well to control oil. If you're really oily as I am, you'll still get greasy throughout the day, but I would say this product cuts it down by 25%, which isn't much but my face is an oil spill. Make sure you close the lid tightly so the pads don't dry out.
...
Who should use this: I have really oily, blemish-prone skin and it works for me. However, I would not recommend this product for those who have normal-to-dry skin as it can be too drying.
...
EDIT: I don't know if my skin got used to this (is that even possible?), but it doesn't seem to control my oily skin as well anymore. My skin has been worse overall lately so maybe that's why. Worth a try, though.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

goldensun on 9/18/2010 10:06:00 PM more reviews by goldensun

Age: 44-55   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I buy these from Puritan's Pride online at $5.99/$6.99 for 50 pads depending if product is on sale. You do not need to use them daily. Tea tree is beneficial for the skin in removing dirt and residue. It is, also, an antiseptic in healing. Yes, there is a smell which is normal being tea tree. The scent does not linger. A slight tingle may be felt, too, but that passes quickly. Tea tree is a natural product from Australia.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* thelaurenator on 9/8/2010 7:37:00 PM more reviews by thelaurenator

Age: 19-24   Skin: Very Oily, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

These pads are VERY effective. You're supposed to rub the pad over your face, scrub a bit, and rinse off with cool water. These pads are soaked in very potent essential oils and grain alcohol, so the scent is STRONG and burns my eyes a little bit, but after I rinse with cool water my skin has a wonderful healthy glow and feels tingly and warm. It also takes care of stubborn breakouts, and I've found that it fades old acne marks REALLY well for me.

I love these pads, but I may try to find a similar product that is cheaper; these pads a bit pricey.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* ltgee on 6/14/2010 4:57:00 PM more reviews by ltgee

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily, Tan, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

way too harsh-burns on contact! and i have pretty tough oily skin...the only thing i liked was that the pad felt scrubby...

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Stephanie10 on 4/14/2010 12:56:00 AM more reviews by Stephanie10

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Red   Eyes: Green    

so of course they tend to burn my eyes slightly and smell very strong because of the tea tree. But it doesn't bother me much. They get out ALL the extra dirt and oil that I didn't get out while removing my makeup and although I don't see a HUGE difference in my acne (it did clear it up some, though) I see an improvement in the overall texture and clarity of my skin which I am extremely pleased with. my skin began to have a much more glowy look to it that I had never seen before. I also like that they are 100% vegan and I am using something natural on my face without all the harsh chemicals. I have already repurchased these pads 3 times and will continue to do so unless my skin gets used to them. For now they work great for me and I'm very pleased with them. Only cost about 4 bucks at my local trader joes so the cost is reasonable too.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

gorosheeta on 3/26/2010 12:54:00 AM more reviews by gorosheeta

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight   Eyes: Blue    

Ugh, these things stink! They burn my eyes when I swipe over my cheeks, and burn my nose when i swipe my chin. Also, the texture of the pad is rather rough. But....they really work for my chronically clogged skin, and produce minimal redness. They really *really* work.

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No