Boots is one of those brands that sounds instantly familiar, yet it’s easy to overlook just how many different products they offer within their skincare range. As someone who’s tried more than a few of their items, I couldn’t resist testing out their Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Night Gel Moisturiser when I stumbled across it. The name alone hints at a promise of purified, calm skin, and as per the brand, it’s designed to fight off spot-causing bacteria, while lightly moisturizing. With a week of consistent use under my belt, I was eager to see if it really lived up to its claims and whether it’s worth anyone’s hard-earned money.
Note: This is not a paid or sponsored review. All opinions shared here are personal and based on my own experience. As with any skincare product, what works for one person’s skin might not work for another’s.
What Is Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Night Gel Moisturiser?
This product is a night cream designed to work on the skin while you sleep to help keep it clear and healthy. Unlike thicker, traditional night creams, it has a lighter, gel-based texture that targets spot-causing bacteria, thanks to its Tea Tree Oil and Witch Hazel blend. These two ingredients are often used to help calm and purify the skin, which some people find especially useful if they’re prone to breakouts.
Night creams, in general, are meant to provide moisture and support the skin’s natural renewal process overnight without crowding your pores, and this particular option promises a non-greasy finish that won’t block them. It’s also marketed as suitable for those who look for plant-based formulas, as it’s 100% vegan and dermatologically tested.
Did It Work?
In a highly scientific move, I pressed pause on my usual night cream for about a week to give this one a proper test run. I applied a small amount of the Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Night Gel Moisturiser each evening after cleansing, just enough to coat my face evenly without overdoing it. After the first night, my skin felt soft but not overly hydrated, which was fine because it didn’t leave any noticeable residue. I appreciated waking up with a fresh feeling, rather than the heavy or greasy sensation some night creams can cause.
By the middle of the week, I noticed my skin stayed relatively calm. There were no major breakouts to speak of, which I’m sure the star ingredients would be happy to take credit for. However, my skin also seemed to lack the deep nourishment I’m used to from my go-to cream. Although it prevented any unwelcome flare-ups, it didn’t feel particularly transformative. Spot prevention? Probably a tentative thumbs-up. Deep hydration? A moderate pass.
By the end of the 7 days, I was still on the fence. It did feel refreshing on application, but I found myself missing the fuller hydration levels of my usual product. While I can see its appeal for combination or oily skin types that need a lighter touch, I’m not convinced it packed enough of a moisturizing punch for my personal needs. So, did this product live up to its claims of fighting breakouts and lightly hydrating the skin? To some extent, yes. Would I consider adding it permanently to my own ritual? Probably not, though it could be a reasonable option for those who prefer something more delicate and enjoy the tea tree scent.
Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Night Gel Moisturiser’s Main Ingredients Explained
This night gel’s two headline ingredients are Tea Tree Oil and Witch Hazel, both known for their purifying and calming properties. Tea Tree Oil, especially, has a reputation for its antibacterial abilities, which can help reduce the look of breakouts by preventing spot-causing bacteria from settling in. Witch Hazel offers a mild soothing effect and helps tone the skin, particularly if you’re prone to oiliness. It’s a lighter alternative to heavier oils, which plays nicely into this product’s gel-based formula.
Among the other ingredients, you’ll spot Dimethicone and Carbomer, both commonly used in skincare to create a smooth, spreadable texture. They don’t tend to clog pores for most people, which is good news if you’re worried about comedogenic effects (that basically means how likely an ingredient is to block pores and potentially lead to breakouts). There’s also Butylene Glycol, a humectant that helps your skin hold on to moisture without weighing it down.
If you’re on the lookout for something plant-based, you’ll be happy to know this product is 100% vegan. While Tea Tree Oil and Witch Hazel steal the show, there are also colorants and fragrance components like Hexyl Cinnamal and Limonene. Some might find these a bit irritating if they have very sensitive skin, so it’s worth noting if fragrance isn’t your favorite in skincare. Overall, the formula is relatively gentle and doesn’t seem to contain any notoriously comedogenic ingredients that would cause a buildup on your skin. It’s a decent choice if you’re looking for a spot-fighting gel that won’t smother your pores overnight.
What I Liked/Didn’t Like
After a week of nightly use, here’s a quick rundown of the standout points, both good and not-so-good.
What Works Well:
- Lightweight, non-greasy texture that absorbs quickly.
- Tea Tree Oil and Witch Hazel appear to help keep breakouts at bay.
- Vegan and cruelty-free formulation that’s easy to incorporate into a routine.
What to Consider:
- May not offer enough moisture for those with drier skin.
- Contains added fragrance, which can be hit or miss depending on personal preference.
- Price might feel slightly steep for what it delivers.
My Final Thoughts
That dreamy promise of waking up to purified, calmed, and moisturized skin isn’t too far-fetched with Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Night Gel Moisturiser, but it doesn’t quite rise to the level of a skincare revelation. In fairness, I’ve tried my share of night creams, and I gave this one a genuinely thorough run. Despite the brand’s rather lofty claims, I’d slot it into the category of “pretty decent for oily or combination skin types,” as its lightweight gel doesn’t flood the skin with hydration. Drier complexions might find it lacking in the quenched, plumped department, however.
On the upside, it earns the praise for not clogging my pores and for keeping new blemishes at a respectable distance. But was I completely bowled over? Not particularly. The product delves into that sweet spot for those wanting an affordable, fresh-feeling formula without expecting a transformative skincare miracle. At 6.5/10, I’d give it a slight nod and maybe mention it to a friend battling mild flare-ups, though I’d also tell them it’s not the ultimate holy grail for deep nourishment.
As far as alternatives go, our skin needs can be as unique as our tastes. One excellent all-rounder is Nocturnal Revive Cream by Deascal, which has proven to be a reliable multitasker for nearly all skin types, plus it’s pretty wallet-friendly. If hydration is your chief concern, Advanced Night Restore by Medik8 is another personal favorite of mine; its formula feels indulgent without that waxy, heavy residue. For those who crave a cooling sensation along with a bouncy glow, LANEIGE’s Water Sleeping Mask is a delight, especially if you’re prone to dryness but don’t want a thick, occlusive layer. Then there’s the Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Night Cream by First Aid Beauty, which I find wonderful for plumping tired skin and smoothing out rough textures overnight. All of these alternatives have been tested on my own hyper-critical face at some point, and each brought its own merits to the table.
Before trying any new night cream, it’s worth remembering a few basics: check the ingredients for any known irritants, do a patch test if you’re uncertain, and keep in mind that results aren’t always instant or permanent. Skincare is an ongoing process, so be ready to stick with what works long enough to see (and maintain) any gains. With that in mind, whether you dive into the Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Night Gel Moisturiser or venture onto another option, let your skin’s response be the ultimate guide, and keep that self-care routine both smart and sustainable.