Recommended Cleanser Formula for Sensitive Skin with Tea Tree Oil and Clay

For those seeking a facial cleanser containing tea tree oil and clay, suitable for normal and sensitive skin, and preferring a gel or foam texture over bar soap.

Due to the nature of clay, which is a fine powder, it is challenging to incorporate it into a clear gel or a light foam texture. Clay is a solid particle that needs to be suspended or dispersed within the product, which is better achieved in a cream texture or a gel that contains suspending agents. Therefore, a more suitable texture for a cleanser containing clay is a cleansing cream or a gel that can suspend particles (which will not be clear).

Regarding the ingredients you are interested in:

• Tea Tree Oil: We found Tea Tree Oil (Water Soluble) (Product ID 217) which is a special type of tea tree oil that can dissolve directly in water. It is suitable for mixing into water-based cleansing products like liquid soaps and cleansers. It is known for its antibacterial properties, beneficial for acne-prone skin or for cleansing and sanitizing in facial wash products. It is recommended to use at a concentration of not more than 2% for facial skin.
• Clay: Although volcanic ash clay was not specifically found in our search, Kaolin (China Clay, 300nm) (Product ID 32599) is a popular cosmetic-grade clay with oil-absorbing properties, suitable for mixing into masks or creams for oily skin. It is a fine powder that can be mixed in the final step of a formula.

To create a gentle cleanser for sensitive skin with these ingredients, you should choose a mild cleansing base. You could formulate a gentle cleansing cream or a gel that uses a suspending agent to keep the Kaolin dispersed. The Tea Tree Oil (Water Soluble) can be mixed directly into the water phase of the formula.

In conclusion, while a clear gel or a light foam may be difficult to achieve, you can create a cleansing cream or a gel that effectively suspends the clay particles. This type of cleanser can incorporate the tea tree oil and clay you desire while remaining gentle for sensitive skin.