Tea Tree Oil

What it is

Tea tree oil is an essential oil from the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia plant with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity against acne-related bacteria. Applied topically in diluted form it can reduce inflamed and non-inflamed acne lesions. It is typically used as a spot or leave-on treatment rather than at full strength.

Benefits

Reduces mild to moderate acne lesions; a 5% gel beat placebo in a controlled trial and matched 5% benzoyl peroxide for lesion reduction with fewer side effects, though it worked more slowly.

When to take it

Usually applied PM as a diluted spot or thin leave-on treatment; introduce gradually to gauge tolerance. Pair with daytime sunscreen, as treated, exfoliated acne-prone skin can be more sun-sensitive.

Side effects

Can cause skin irritation, dryness, redness, and stinging, especially undiluted, and is a recognized cause of allergic contact dermatitis. Patch test first and avoid applying neat oil to large areas.

Sources

• The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study
• A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne

Products containing Tea Tree Oil

No products in our database contain this ingredient yet.