Does Tea Tree Oil Help Acne?

If you struggle with blemishes and breakouts, you may be curious to learn more about a skincare ingredient that’s popular for its potential to provide clearer, healthier skin—tea tree oil. 

But does tea tree oil help acne, or is it an empty pimple-banishing promise? 

Tea tree oil is not a newcomer in the skincare world, but its powers are still relatively unknown. While not a foolproof ingredient, it could be a natural aid in your anti-acne routine. Let's dive in and explore the benefits, usage, and potential side effects of tea tree oil for acne-prone skin.

What is Tea Tree Oil?

Tea tree oil is made from the tea tree plant, also known as Melaleuca alternifolia [1]. Native to Australia, the oil from this plant has been used for centuries by indigenous communities for its medicinal properties, particularly in skincare. 

So, what makes tea tree oil so special? 

This essential oil has potent antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular natural remedy for various skin conditions. While research is limited, tea tree oil is currently used as a treatment for [2]:

• Acne
• Athlete’s foot
• Lice
• Nail fungus
• Cuts
• Mite infections on the eyelids
• Insect bites

Can Tea Tree Oil Help Acne-Prone Skin?

From salicylic acid to sulfur, there are countless ingredient options to choose from in the fight against acne. Is tea tree oil a strong contender?

In short, tea tree oil could be useful for acne-prone skin. While minimal, research points to topical tea tree oil as a treatment for mild to moderate acne:

• In one study, a 5% tea tree oil gel reduced mild to moderate acne when compared to a placebo [3].
• Similarly, another study found that a twice-daily application of tea tree oil products reduced mild to moderate acne [4].
• When compared to a 5% benzoyl peroxide solution, a 5% tea tree oil solution equally reduced acne lesions and severity [5].

Like any acne treatment, tea tree oil isn’t an overnight success. It may take a few months, or at least a few weeks, to see a visible difference. However, the research points to potential for this natural acne solution.

How Does Tea Tree Oil Help Acne-Prone Skin?

Acne isn’t a simple equation. Pimples arise from any chaotic mix of inflammation, bacteria, dead skin, and sebum (the skin’s natural oils) [6]. Luckily, tea tree oil attacks more than one of these causes.

When applied to the skin, tea tree oil can reduce acne lesions and severity through these special properties [7]:

• Antimicrobial – Bacterial overgrowth is a common cause of acne—particularly the overgrowth of Propionibacterium acnes. Tea tree oil has been shown to possess antimicrobial properties, making it effective in killing bacteria and reducing the risk of infection.
• Anti-inflammation – In addition to its antimicrobial action, tea tree oil also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is the primary aggravator of acne, resulting in red, swollen, and uncomfortable pimples. By reducing inflammation, tea tree oil can help soothe the skin, alleviate the visible signs of acne, and promote the healing process.
• Sebum control – While healthy sebum levels are crucial, too much skin oil can lead to clogged pores and acne. Research shows that tea tree oil could possibly balance excess sebum production in those with oily skin [8].

Benefits of Using Tea Tree Oil on Skin

Tea tree oil isn’t a one-trick pony. Beyond its acne-fighting abilities, this natural elixir offers a range of benefits for your skin. 

From moisture to antimicrobial powers, the natural properties of tea tree oil make it a powerful solution for a number of skin issues. Currently, research shows that tea tree oil benefits could include:

• Infection prevention – Tea tree oil's antimicrobial properties make it an excellent weapon against a number of skin infections, both bacterial and fungal. Research shows promise in tea tree oil as a treatment for reducing a variety of bacteria-induced lesions [9].
• Eczema relief – Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by red, itchy, and dry patches. While research on tea tree oil for eczema is limited, one study shows that it could be more effective than zinc or clobetasone butyrate to treat eczema [10].

Wound healing – From paper cuts to burns, tea tree oil could speed up the healing process for a number of wounds. Besides its anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil may also trigger the activity of white blood cells, a crucial player in healing wounds [11].

Side Effects of Tea Tree Oil for Skin

So, tea tree oil may be a superhero-to-be in your skincare routine. However, like any skincare ingredient, it comes with potential adverse reactions.

Before adding any tea tree oil product to your regimen, it's important to know the potential side effects, especially for more concentrated forms. In certain skin types, tea tree oil use may lead to any of these less-than-desired outcomes [12][13]:,

• Skin irritation – While often anti-inflammatory, a high concentration of tea tree oil can be too harsh for some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin. Undiluted tea tree oil may leave you with redness, itching, or a burning sensation. In severe cases, certain skin types may even develop contact dermatitis—an itchy, red, and burning rash. 
• Photosensitivity – Like other acne-fighting ingredients, tea tree oil could increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Using a daily moisturizer with SPF is therefore heavily recommended, whether you’re using tea tree oil or not.
• Allergic reactions – Although rare, some individuals may be allergic to tea tree oil. An allergic reaction can manifest as redness, swelling, hives, or even severe reactions like difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis. If you have a known allergy to tea tree oil or any other natural skincare ingredients commonly found in essential oils, it's important to avoid using tea tree oil on your skin.

How to Use Tea Tree Oil in Your Skincare

Every skincare ingredient comes with “do’s” and “dont’s”—and tea tree oil is no exception. To bring this natural solution into your routine, you’ll need to apply it with care and caution.

Above all, tea tree oil has one rule—you must dilute it. Tea tree is an essential oil, which makes it highly potent and irritating in its undiluted form [14]. To use it on your skin, you must use a solution that’s diluted (usually around 5% to 10% tea tree oil). 

Once you have the right concentration, you can incorporate tea tree oil into your regimen by following these steps:

1. Cleanse – Use a gentle facial cleanser to rid your face of any dirt or impurities.
2. Tone – If toner is part of your regimen, apply it to a cotton pad and softly swipe it across your face.
3. Apply tea tree oil product – As a gel or tincture, apply your tea tree oil product across the entirety of your face or to any acne-prone areas ( T-zone, chin, jaw-line, etc.).
4. Moisturize – Apply a daytime moisturizer or a night cream to your face and neck.
5. Protect – During your morning routine, make sure to use a daily moisturizer with SPF to protect your skin from UV rays.

PROVEN: Your Path to Clear Skin

If you’re fighting different types of acne a la natural, tea tree oil may be your solution. This essential oil has incredible antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and oil-regulating properties that can help reduce and prevent pimples. However, it's important to remember that skincare is not a one-size-fits-all solution—everyone’s skin has unique needs and concerns.

If you're seeking a personalized skincare approach, we’re here to guide the way. At PROVEN Skincare, we develop tailored skincare routines that address your specific concerns, all through the power of natural and research-backed ingredients. With your personalized PROVEN facial cleanser, SPF moisturizer, and night cream, you can achieve your most radiant complexion—without subjecting your skin to harsh chemicals or synthetic ingredients. 

Discover your custom 3-step regimen by taking our skincare quiz today.