Even as an adult, I still get occasional acne flare-ups. Sometimes it’s small red bumps; other times, it’s full-on pimples. Hormonal shifts are usually the main trigger for me, but other factors like sleeping with makeup on, stress, and holiday junk food can also spark breakouts. Right now I’m managing a hormonal chin breakout plus a few red bumps on my cheeks from too much holiday sugar.
Time to give my skin a little TLC.
I made a batch of these acne facial tabs—a homemade copycat of Lush’s Tea Tree Tabs. They combine the antibacterial and soothing properties of tea tree (melaleuca) essential oil with the deep-cleansing effect of steam. To use, drop 1–2 tabs into a bowl of hot, steamy water, then cover your head and the bowl with a towel to trap the steam. It’s relaxing and offers several skin benefits:
- reduces the appearance of pores
- deep cleanses the skin
- reduces inflammation
- soothes troubled skin gently
- speeds healing of pimples
This is an easy self-care routine to help start the new year with clearer skin.
What you’ll need
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- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup citric acid
- 20 drops tea tree (melaleuca) essential oil
- 2–3 tablespoons witch hazel
- mini spray bottle (optional, for misting witch hazel)
- mini silicone mold (about 2 Tbsp size works best)
- bowl and spoon
- jar or container to store finished facial tabs
How to make acne facial tabs with tea tree essential oil
Yield: about 15–20 facial tabs (2 tablespoon size each)
Step 1: Combine dry ingredients
Add 1 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup citric acid to a bowl. Mix well and use a spoon to break up any lumps.
Step 2: Add tea tree essential oil
Pour in 20 drops of tea tree (melaleuca) essential oil and mix thoroughly so the oil is fully incorporated into the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Add witch hazel
Add 2–3 tablespoons witch hazel. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more if needed. If the mixture becomes too wet, add more baking soda and citric acid to dry it out. If it’s too dry, add a little more witch hazel. You’re aiming for a damp-sand texture that can be packed into a mold and form a ball that breaks apart easily when dropped.
Tip: To prevent premature fizzing (the reaction between baking soda and citric acid), add witch hazel with a spray bottle in light mists rather than pouring water in all at once. This keeps the fizzing reserved for when you activate the tab with hot water.
Step 4: Pack into molds
Spoon the mixture into silicone molds (flower shapes work nicely) and press down firmly with the back of a spoon or your fingers. Pressing tightly helps the tabs hold together when dry; if the mixture is loose they may crumble when removed.
Step 5: Dry completely and unmold
Allow the tabs to dry fully before trying to remove them from the molds. Drying time varies by humidity and may range from a few hours to a few days. In high-humidity conditions, consider using a dehumidifier or placing the molds in a dry area. When fully dry, the tabs should pop out easily.
Step 6 (optional): Label and store
Place finished tabs in a jar and add a label if desired. Store them in a dry container away from moisture to preserve their fizz and scent.
How to use acne facial tabs
- Start with a clean face—use a gentle cleanser.
- Place 1–2 facial tabs into a heat-safe wooden, glass, or ceramic bowl.
- Pour hot, steaming water over the tabs to activate them.
- Close your eyes to avoid steam or essential oil getting into them.
- Drape a soft towel over your head and the bowl to trap the steam.
- Keep your face over the steam for several minutes to open and cleanse pores. If you feel too hot, lift the towel and move your head away until you cool down, then resume.
- When finished, pat your face dry with a clean towel.
- Apply a gentle toner.
- Finish with a lightweight serum or moisturizer to seal in hydration.
Where to get supplies
- baking soda
- citric acid
- tea tree (melaleuca) essential oil
- witch hazel
- mini spray bottle
- mini silicone mold (2 Tbsp size recommended)
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Note: Products and information in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice—always consult a medical professional about your health.
