Review: Lunaroma Blemish Healing Blend

There are dozens of topical acne treatments on the market, but a much smaller variety of natural alternatives. The vast majority use tea tree oil, and this one is no exception. However, Lunaroma's Blemish Healing Blend is also a treat for the nose with its lovely herbal scent.

Pros:

• Easy roll-on applicator
• Pleasant herbal scent
• Gentle ingredients
• Helps treat blemishes
• A little goes a long way

Review: Desert Essence Facial Cleansing Pads

Note: Packaging has been updated since photo was taken.

When looking for an affordable, natural solution to my teenage blemishes, I first turned to the brand Desert Essence. It caught my attention, as it was one of the few skin care lines carried in Trader Joe's. While my usual grocery store changed when I moved, I still seek out products such as their Facial Cleansing Pads at local health food stores. Read on to find out why.

Pros:

• Easy to apply
• No need to buy extra cotton pads
• Affordable
• Retail availability
• Pads retain moisture well
• Contains several organic ingredients
  

Cons:

• Sometimes stings a little

Summary:
After many years, I have found Desert Essence to be an affordable, readily available, and gentle solution to my occasional blemishes. The Facial Cleansing Pads are no exception. I love how they stay moist almost indefinitely in this tight-sealing jar. I use them as a toner, and only add the blemish treatment if I'm dealing with a more intense breakout. The tea tree oil mix stings lightly, but the effect goes away quickly and this product really works. The pads are also gentle, with the current formula rating a low 2 on EWG's Skin Deep database. I enjoy the convenience of the pads - no dumping toner onto cotton pads and no spills. When I travel, I take a few in a zip-top bag, as the container is a little bulky for travel. If you're looking for a convenient, effective toner and treatment for blemishes, these pads are a great option.

Also available on Amazon.com.

Product Ratings (out of 5)

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Performance
Presentation
Purity
Value

Disclosure notice: This product was sent to me free of charge by the manufacturer for review. No additional compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.

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Review: Desert Essence Blemish Touch Stick

I used to use traditional drugstore acne creams as a teenager, but when I learned about animal testing, I started looking for alternatives. One of the first cruelty-free products I tried was this Desert Essence Blemish Touch Stick, which I still occasionally use today. The packaging may have changed, but the product offers the same great performance that made me fall in love with it so many years ago.

Pros:

• Gentle ingredients
• Non-drying
• Can be used under make-up
• Wide retail availability
• Effectively reduces blemishes
  

Cons:

• Requires frequent application

Summary:
Tea tree oil has long been used as a natural acne treatment for its antiseptic properties. However, this blemish touch stick is a convenient way to apply it, and packs in a few other gentle ingredients. Although the directions recommend applying six times a day, I find that 2-3 is plenty to see a difference. Without a targeted treatment like this one, my blemishes get much worse. This product is fairly gentle, rating a low 3 on EWG's Skin Deep database.

My only real complaint about this product is that the roller applicator sometimes doesn't travel well on airplanes. Otherwise, it's a great natural blemish treatment, and one I've stuck with for years because it is both effective and readily available. If you're looking for a little extra help with your skin care routine, this is a great ally.

Also available on Amazon.com.

Product Ratings (out of 5)

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Performance
Presentation
Purity
Value

Disclosure notice: This product was purchased by the reviewer. No compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.

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Review: MyChelle Clear Skin Spot Treatment

Note: Packaging has changed.

When I was a teenager, one of the first spot treatments I used was a conventional lotion. Applied dutifully throughout the day, it was effective, but I wish I had known about natural alternatives. Tea tree oil sometimes stings, so MyChelle has another, gentler option: the Clear Skin Spot Treatment.

Pros:

• Effectively reduces blemishes if applied at least twice a day
• Vegan and gluten-free
• A little goes a long way
• Suitable for those with sensitive skin
• Mild formula

Review: MyChelle Clear Skin Cleanser

Clear skin isn't necessarily a given for adults. While many acne products are targeted toward youths and teens, that doesn't mean they aren't great for adults, too. One of these products is MyChelle's Clear Skin Cleanser, part of the Youth Blemish Control line.

Pros:

• Leaves skin clean, not dry
• A little goes a long way
• Fresh citrus scent
• Gentle ingredients

Review: Golden Path Alchemy Purify Herbal Cleanser

Liquid cleansers have become commonplace, but many are filled with preservatives and other hazardous ingredients. Even natural cleansers can often have ingredient lists with 20 or more items, exposing you skin to more potential allergens. If you have sensitive skin or are looking for something simpler, try powdered cleansers such as the Purify Herbal Cleanser or Illuminate Cleansing Grains from Golden Path Alchemy.

Pros:

• Very gentle formulations
• Contain organic ingredients
• Light exfoliating effect
• Travel well
• Both left face feeling clean but not dry