Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment Review

Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment
1.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
2.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment has to offer:
 
  • A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 1.6 out of 10.
  • Soothing: Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment:
 

Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 1.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of Humectancy and Occlusivity: a low Humectancy of 2.0 out of 10 and a low Occlusivity of 1.3 out of 10.

This type of product provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to overall moisturizing efficacy when used as part of a skincare routine, alongside another moisturizer.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Borago Officinalis Extract (est. ≈1.7%), Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract (est. ≈1.6%), Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil (est. ≈0.3%), and others.

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Achillea Millefolium Extract (est. ≈1.8%), Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract (est. ≈1.6%), Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) Oil (est. ≈1.4%), and others.

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment to your skincare routine:
 

As a Standalone Moisturizer, It Has Relatively Low Moisturizing Potential

If you use Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment for moisturizing purposes, please keep in mind that it provides relatively light moisturizing on its own, and, more importantly, it’s not optimal for any skin type.

On one hand, it has low occlusivity, which suits oily and combination skin. On the other hand, it has a low estimated concentration of humectants, which are essential for effective moisturizing of all skin types, including oily skin.

Therefore, if used as a standalone moisturizer, this product should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer for optimal skin hydration.

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ascorbyl Palmitate, and Retinyl Palmitate. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. 

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, these ingredients do not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution
  • Contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help reduce irritation and soothe the skin

Cons: 

  • Minimal moisturizing efficacy, even for oily skin - something to keep in mind if this is your only moisturizer in your routine
  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
80
2
1.9
1.8
1.7
1.6
1.5
1.4
1
0.75
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Achillea Millefolium Extract
Function:
Origin:
Borago Officinalis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Carum Petroselinum (Parsley) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Juniperus Communis Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Secale Cereale (Rye) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil
Function:
Origin:
Corylus Avellana (Hazelnut) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
Function:
Origin:
Canola Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
2.0
1.7
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
2.7
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
1.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 2 10
2.0
1.7
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 2.7 20
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
1.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
1.7
0.3
All humectants 2 10
2
All humectants
2.0
1.7
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 2.7 20
1.3
All occlusives
2.7
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Ascorbyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Retinyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.7
1.6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 6.6 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
6.6
Borago Officinalis Extract
1.7
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
1.6
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
0.3
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Seed Extract
0.3
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
0.3
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
0.3
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
0.3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
0.3
Ascorbyl Palmitate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.8
1.6
1.4
1
0.75
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 8 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
8
1.8
1.6
1.4
1
0.75
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Alcohol Denat.
Est. %80
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat.

Denatured alcohol is ethanol that contains additives that make it unsafe to consume. It is mainly used as a solvent and an antimicrobial agent. A major drawback to alcohol denat. is that it dries out the skin.

Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil

A fragrant essential oil extracted from the rind or peel of a lemon. It is mainly comprised of limonene (up to 70%) and has a fresh, citrusy scent. Lemon peel oil may cause a sun-induced skin rash in people with a sensitivity towards citrus fruits.

Water
Est. %1.9
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Achillea Millefolium Extract
Est. %1.8
Function
Origin
Achillea Millefolium ExtractAn extract obtained from the common yarrow. It is full of astringent and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals that help with inflamed skin and wound healing, have soothing and refreshing effects on the skin, and give the product a fresh, green, and spicy scent.
Borago Officinalis Extract
Est. %1.7
Function
Origin
Borago Officinalis Extract
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Est. %1.6
Function
Origin
Calendula Officinalis Flower ExtractAn extract derived from the flowers of the pot marigold. Its yellow to bright orange flowers contain carotenoids, triterpenoids, and flavonoids. They all have fantastic anti-inflammatory activity and can help to soothe inflamed skin.
Carum Petroselinum (Parsley) Extract
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Carum Petroselinum (Parsley) Extract
Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) Oil
Est. %1.4
Function
Origin
Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) Oil
Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark ExtractAn extract obtained from black willow bark. It contains astringent tannins and salicin (which is converted to salicylic acid). Salicin has similar anti-inflammatory activity to aspirin.
Salicylic Acid
Est. %0.75
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf OilA fragrant and antioxidant essential tea tree oil praised for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Tea tree oil helps to treat acne, inflamed skin, and small wounds. It might, however, cause allergies and skin irritations.
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf OilAn essential oil extracted from the leaves of the Eucalyptus globulus, a tall, evergreen, Australian tree with waxy leaves. It mostly consists of cineole – which has potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity.
Juniperus Communis Fruit Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Juniperus Communis Fruit Oil
Secale Cereale (Rye) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Secale Cereale (Rye) Seed ExtractAn extract of rye seeds. Several patents claim that it has anti-wrinkle properties and the ability to enhance the anti-wrinkle activity of other ingredients.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed OilA liquid plant wax, also known as Jojoba oil, pressed from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis. These seeds can contain up to 50% of liquid wax. It is used as an occlusive moisturizer, emollient, and emulsifier.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Seed ExtractAn occlusive moisturizing extract from the seeds of the evening primrose that contains a rare emollient gamma-linolenic acid.
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Borago Officinalis Seed OilA fatty emollient and occlusive oil expressed from the seeds of borage flowers. It has a uniquely high content of a rare gamma-linolenic acid and also contains squalene, phytosterols, and vitamin E.
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ OilA fatty emollient and occlusive moisturizing oil obtained from wheat germ. It mainly consists of linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids followed by antioxidant vitamin E, phytosterols, and fatty alcohols.
Corylus Avellana (Hazelnut) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Corylus Avellana (Hazelnut) Seed OilAn emollient and occlusive moisturizing oil expressed from hazelnuts. It mostly contains fatty acids but also has various beneficial wound-healing and antioxidant compounds.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Calendula Officinalis Flower OilA bright orange marigold flower oil infusion that contains soothing compounds.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf ExtractA soothing and astringent extract derived from the fragrant, spicy leaves of rosemary. It has strong antioxidant properties. Rosemary extract can reduce signs of inflammation and also acts as an emollient and antimicrobial agent.
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)An orange-red plant pigment with powerful antioxidant activity.
Canola Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Canola OilExtracted from the seeds of the rapeseed plant, this emollient and occlusive oil is mainly comprised of fatty acids. It also offers antioxidants - lutein and the highest amount of phenolics among all vegetable oils.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycine Soja (Soybean) OilAn occlusive moisturizing oil expressed from soybeans. It does not leave an oily feeling on the skin due to its low content of saturated fatty acids. Glycine soja oil contains emollient fatty acids and a significant amount of antioxidants.
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl PalmitateA form of vitamin C derived from ascorbic acid and palmitic acid. It is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. Unfortunately, Ascorbyl Palmitate lacks the studies to prove its anti-wrinkle efficacy.
Retinyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Retinyl PalmitateAn esterified form of retinol – it combines retinol and palmitic acid into one molecule. Retinyl palmitate is less irritating than retinol but also much less effective in its anti-aging and acne-reducing effects.
Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limonene

One of the most used fragrances in skincare products. It is produced from the peels of citrus fruits and has a fresh, pleasant, citrusy smell. People who are sensitive to citrus should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LinaloolA fragrant, volatile compound naturally present in many essential oils. It has a pleasant scent and is often used in skincare products as a fragrance. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.