Review - Melaleuca Zap-It! Facial Wash

Today's review is about a cleanser that I've been using since FOREVER. Now I'm wondering why I didn't begin my blog with a review about my long-time cleanser? I guess I was too carried away by my sudden skincare and makeup obsession that I forgot to post about the cleanser I used the longest. 

I've used this for almost 3 years now, and it's considered an "uncommon" brand(?). It's neither drugstore nor high ended, but it's from the company Melaleuca. Yes, my family was involved into this direct selling company few years ago and have been using their products ever since. However, we didn't replace all of our household products with Melaleuca products. We only used some of them such as facial products, dishwashing liquid, sanitiser and so on. Haha that sounded like everything. 

Enough rambling, lets get started with the review already!

Product Description :

MELALEUCA Zap-It! Facial Wash 177ml / 6 fl.oz

• Effective yet gentle cleanser
• Removes oil to help prevent breakouts

Uses :
For blemishes

Usage Directions :

• Cleanse skin twice a day
• Wet face
• Apply to hands, add water, and work into a lather
• Massage face gently, rinse thoroughly
• Because excessive drying of the skin may occur, start with one application daily, then gradually increase to two or three times daily if needed or as directed by a doctor.
• If bothersome dryness or peeling occurs, reduce application to once a day or every other day.

Active ingredient :
Salicylic acid

Inactive ingredients :
Butylene glycol, disodium cocamphodiacetate, fragrance, T36-C5 Melaleuca Oil, phosphoric acid, sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, sodium chloride, water 

Product of USA

Packaging :
It comes in a tube that looks just like a usual facial cleanser, what's different is that it's transparent. Apparently, it is the first step in the zap-it! routine. I forgot what products are included in the following steps, but I've been only using this product for years now. It is a slightly yellowish translucent liquid, and lathers up pretty well.

Review :
It has a slight tea tree scent, since it contained T36-C5 Melaleuca Oil, which is similar to tea tree essence. Those who find the smell of tea tree annoying might don't like this product, but for me it's still within acceptable range. I personally find the smell of tea tree essence a little bit too compelling, but this cleanser is okay. It also contained salicylic acid to control acne breakouts. I've often have breakouts on my oily T-zone when I was in my secondary school. I have long fringe at first so that my forehead will be kept clean, but one day I went and cut bangs, and BANG! All my pimples started popping out. Ever since I had bangs, I became unconfident with my forehead because there were pumps and redness all the time. After using this cleanser, my acne has slowly decreased and now, my forehead is clean and clear! I'm glad I used this product.

The cleanser forms a bubbly lather and only a little amount is needed. Using too much may lead to excessive drying. 

Of course, the downfall of this product was that it was drying out my skin. As mentioned in the description, excessive drying or peeling may occur. I've experienced it multiple times while using this product, it comes and goes, like "episodes" of dryness. It normally occurs with peeling of the skin around my nose, cheeks and lip corners (U-zone). It's super irritating whenever I see my skin peeling, it just so unpleasant to look at! It's like I lived in a dessert. But maybe that's how it's preventing acne, by removing oils from my face. I guess it's a good thing(?)

My Verdict :

Pros :

• Very effective in treating my acne problems
• Has a mild tea tree scent

Cons :

• Too drying, not suitable for dry skin
• Bothersome peeling may occur

Do you use this cleanser as well? Let me know if you do! (Not many people do, though :P)


**This is not a sponsored review. All opinions are honest and the product(s) are bought with my own money.