Tea Tree Oil for Acne

Two studies in 1990 and 2019 found that a 5% tea tree gel significantly improved mild to moderate acne and it was similarly effective to the medication benzoyl peroxide. Topical tea tree had fewer side effects than benzoyl peroxide so compliance was higher. A 2007 study found 5% topical tea tree to be significantly more effective for acne than placebo after 45 days. Some people may be allergic to tea tree oil.

Bassett IB, Pannowitz DL, Barnetson RS. A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne. Med J Aust. 1990 Oct 15;153(8):455-8. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1990.tb126150.x. PMID: 2145499.

Enshaieh S, Jooya A, Siadat AH, Iraji F. The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2007 Jan-Feb;73(1):22-5. doi: 10.4103/0378-6323.30646. PMID: 17314442.

Lubtikulthum P, Kamanamool N, Udompataikul M. A comparative study on the effectiveness of herbal extracts vs 2.5% benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2019 Dec;18(6):1767-1775. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12962. Epub 2019 Apr 23. PMID: 31012999.

Hammer KA, Carson CF, Riley TV, Nielsen JB. A review of the toxicity of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil. Food Chem Toxicol. 2006 May;44(5):616-25. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2005.09.001. Epub 2005 Oct 21. PMID: 16243420.