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Tea tree oil is made from the leaves of the Australian tree of the same name. Aboriginal Australians have used it as a traditional medicine for many centuries.
Today, people use tea tree oil in a variety of ways, including keeping the skin healthy. Does this include acne?
Let’s take a closer look at how tea tree oil may help with acne breakouts, the best way to use it, and safety precautions to keep in mind.
A 2015 review of 35 studies on the use of complementary treatments for acne concluded that there’s some evidence to support using tea tree oil for acne. But researchers note that this evidence isn’t of the best quality.
One 2006 study found that tea tree oil has both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This may help with treating inflammatory acne lesions, such as pimples.
A 2016 study looked at using a combination of tea tree oil and resveratrol to protect the skin from sun damage. Although not the aim of the study, researchers found most participants had less oil and bacteria on their skin, as well as smaller pores. This could potentially improve acne.
In a 2017 study, participants applied tea tree oil to their face twice daily for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, researchers concluded tea tree oil has the ability to “significantly improve” mild to moderate acne with no serious side effects. But this study only had 14 participants and didn’t adhere to other research quality standards.
A 2018 study found combining aloe vera, propolis, and tea tree oil can also improve acne.
Overall, the research says tea tree oil might help improve acne, but it’s not a cure-all.
Follow these steps for safe dilution and application.
With most acne treatments, you’ll want to use the treatment every day for best results. This includes tea tree oil.
Once you’ve done a patch test and know it’s safe to use diluted tea tree oil on your skin, you can apply the oil to the affected area twice a day as part of your morning and evening skin care routine.
Tea tree oil is generally safe to use on the skin. It’s not safe to swallow it. Ingesting it can cause serious symptoms, including confusion and ataxia. Ataxia is a loss of muscle coordination.
Also be careful not to get tea tree oil in your eyes, as it can cause redness and irritation.
If tea tree oil is correctly diluted, most people can use it on their skin . However, some people may develop an allergic skin reaction or skin irritation on the area where the oil was used.
That’s why it’s important to do a patch test on a small area of your skin before using diluted tea tree oil on your face. Make sure you stop using the oil right away if you notice any:
- itching
- redness
- swelling
- irritation
Tea tree oil is widely available and easy to find. You can find it at most drugstores as well as online. You may even find it at your local grocery store in the personal care section.
If you’re looking to buy tea tree oil to use on your skin, buy the purest oil available. Make sure the label says it’s 100 percent tea tree oil.
Research suggests tea tree oil may be helpful for mild to moderate acne breakouts. This is thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
While it may not be as effective as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid for treating acne, tea tree oil may be an over-the-counter [OTC] option if you have a sensitivity to these ingredients.
If you don’t see an improvement in your acne with OTC products, you may need prescription medications. A dermatologist can help find the best treatment for you. Treatment options may include:
- oral or topical antibiotics
- anti-androgen therapy
- birth control pills
While tea tree oil shouldn’t replace your current acne regimen, it may be a good complementary treatment.
Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory dermatological pathology that affects mostly young people. However, it can also appear in adulthood, mainly in women. It has a high psychosocial impact, not only at the time of active lesions but also due to the consequences of lesions such as scarring and hyperpigmentation. Several factors are involved in the physiopathology of acne and the constant search for active ingredients is a reality, namely phytotherapeutic ingredients. Tea tree oil is an essential oil extracted from Melaleuca alternifolia [Maiden & Betch] Cheel with known antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, making it a candidate for the treatment of acne. This review aims to describe the various properties of tea tree oil that make it a possible ingredient to use in the treatment of acne and to present several human studies that have evaluated the efficacy and safety of using tea tree oil in the treatment of acne. It can be concluded that tea tree oil has good antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that result in a decrease in the number of inflammatory lesions, mainly papules, and pustules. However, given the diversity of study designs, it is not possible to draw concrete conclusions on the efficacy and safety of this oil in the treatment of acne.
Keywords: acne vulgaris; anti-inflammatory properties; antibacterial properties; antioxidant properties; tea tree oil.
PubMed Disclaimer
Conflict of interest statement
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Figures
Schema of acne vulgaris [Created with BioRend].
Acne vulgaris lesions. [a] Closed comedones; [b] Open comedones; [c] Skin papula; [d] Skin pustula; [e] Nodular acne. Adapted from:
//www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/acne
[accessed on 20 April 2023].
Schema of molecular mechanisms involved in the acne vulgaris.
Chemical structures of the monoterpene/monoterpenoids and sesquiterpene/sesquiterpenoids present in the TTO and their concentrations in percentages [37].
Cited by
Emerging Insights into the Applicability of Essential Oils in the Management of Acne Vulgaris.
Does tea tree oil actually help acne?
It can be concluded that tea tree oil has good antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that result in a decrease in the number of inflammatory lesions, mainly papules, and pustules.
How long to leave tea tree oil on face for acne?
Studies have shown that tea tree oil reduces both inflamed and non-inflamed lesions associated with acne. Allow the solution to stay on your skin for a few hours or overnight then rinse your face with warm water. This treatment can be repeated daily & in some cases twice a day as tolerated.
Can you put tea tree oil on a popped pimple?
Apply an antibacterial spot treatment moving forward, such as tea tree oil. This will help to fight bacteria while ideally reducing inflammation. If the pimple is open or very irritated in appearance, continue applying ointment instead.
What brand of tea tree oil is best for acne?
We highly recommend the Fiora Naturals Tea Tree Essential Oil for those looking for a 100% natural and potent solution for their acne, dandruff, and other skin and scalp conditions.