Our Skincare Experts Tested & Compared the Best of the Best
Unsponsored Review of The Squalane + Tea Tree Cleansing Gel by Biossance
A Hydrating, Gentle Cleanser That Still Packs A Punch Against Acne

That squeaky clean feeling after washing your face can soon turn to a tightness from wrinkle-inducing skin dryness, which triggers excess oil and acne.
While most acne face washes use strong cleansing ingredients, the Squalane + Tea Tree Cleansing Gel by Biossance takes this gentler, smarter approach.
What is Squalane in Skin Care?
Squalane is a moisturizing type of oil and it has a fatty acid profile very similar to that of sebum, the natural oil our skin makes.
By nourishing our skin with the right moisturizing ingredients such as squalane, this can help our skin produce less oil due to dryness.
And less oil helps reduce the changes of acne and breakouts forming.
While some malicious corporations source their squalane from hunting sharks, Biossance uses vegan sourced squalane made from sweet sugarcane.
Sugarcane is also a much more eco-friendly resource in that it is renewable and sustainably grown.
Squalane can also be sourced in an eco-friendly way from olive oil, which has shown ultraviolet protective benefits.
Who would want to use shark oil on their skin, anyways? As always, be sure to check the ingredients list thoroughly in all of your personal care products.
With just the right amount of cleansing ingredients and a moisturizing dose of squalane, the Squalane + Tea Tree Cleansing Gel by Biossance did not leave our skin feeling dry and tight.
How Does Tea Tree Oil Clear Acne?
Have you noticed “tea tree” on many acne skin care products?
From tea tree oil to tea extract and even tea tree water, tea tree helps fight existing acne while keeping future breakouts at bay.
But how does this simple natural ingredient work so well against many forms of acne from deep, cystic acne caused by hormonal changes to simple pimples?
Research shows that tea tree oil works like the dermatologists’ go-to acne care ingredient: benzoyl peroxide.
Both tea tree oil and benzoyl peroxide provide antimicrobial aka acne bacteria fighting properties.
However, benzoyl peroxide can cause the side effects of some stinging and redness.
On the other hand, tea tree oil does not cause much of these side effects as a gentler yet just as powerful ingredient against acne.
Our Honest Review of the Squalane + Tea Tree Cleansing Gel
Instead of reviewing this product on its own, we wanted to compare it against its most formidable competitors.
The Problem Solution Cleansing Foam by Belief and the Find Your Balance Oil Control By Olehenriksen.
All 3 acne fighting cleansers are around the same mid-luxury tier price point $24 to $29 and fit our standards for non-toxic ingredients.
After comparing these products, we noticed that the Squalane + Tea Tree Cleansing Gel was the most hydrating and effective against acne.
Everyone’s acne and skin is unique.
However, hydrating the skin and not stripping away too much of its natural moisture is key to reducing oiliness and breakouts.
When looking for the best acne fighting cleanser, whether you have a combination of dry and oily skin with mild breakouts or you’re in the depths of cystic hormonal acne, you need a cleanser that is 1) very hydrating cleanser and 2) has acne bacteria fighting ingredients.
And the Squalane + Tea Tree Cleansing Gel powerfully checks both of those boxes!
While all 3 acne fighting cleansers had tea tree ingredients, the Squalane + Tea Tree Cleansing Gel’s hydrating quality made it a much more effective solution against acne.
Start being gentle with your skin by doing the first step of your skin care routine better with the cleanser: the Squalane + Tea Tree Cleansing Gel.
With regular use, the Squalane + Tea Tree Cleansing Gel helped clear breakouts and keep them away. It’s our favorite cleanser!