Tea Tree Oil for Acne: How to Use It Safely

Tea tree oil is one of the few essential oils with clinical trial evidence supporting its use for a specific skin condition: acne vulgaris. A 1990 study published in the Medical Journal of Australia compared 5% tea tree oil gel with 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion in 124 patients with acne. Both treatments significantly reduced acne lesion counts, with tea tree oil causing fewer side effects.

The evidence base

Subsequent research has generally supported these findings. A 2017 systematic review in the International Journal of Dermatology found that tea tree oil was effective for mild to moderate acne when used at concentrations of 2-10% in a gel or lotion. The antimicrobial activity of terpinen-4-ol against Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) is well-documented in vitro.

How to use it

The most effective way to use tea tree oil for acne is as a spot treatment diluted in a carrier oil or gel. A 5% dilution in jojoba oil (approximately 1 drop per ml of carrier) applied directly to individual spots is a practical approach. Do not apply neat tea tree oil to skin: at high concentrations, it is an irritant and can cause more inflammation, not less.

What to watch for

Tea tree oil can cause contact dermatitis in some people. If you experience increased redness, itching, or swelling after application, discontinue use. Oxidised tea tree oil (oil that has been stored improperly or is past its use-by date) is more likely to cause sensitisation. Store your tea tree oil in amber glass, away from heat and light, and use it within 12 months of opening.