From the outside, tea tree oil appears like nothing more than an earthy-smelling liquid. But in reality, it’s an all-natural, non-irritating and affordable acne-fighting weapon. And unlike most natural ingredients, tea tree oil comes armed with scientific trials to support the impressive acne-fighting claims.
According to a study conducted by the University Of Iran, tea tree oil face wash and gel “significantly improved mild to moderate acne” over a 12 week trial. Such research places it in the same league as other common breakout-banishing active ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide – only minus the dryness and irritation.
Don’t believe the science? Ok, let’s bring in the big guns: A celeb recommendation.
Speaking to Allure, Meghan Markle dubbed the native Australian ingredient as her “little cure-all”.
“The one thing I cannot live without when I’m travelling is a small container of tea tree oil,” said the Duchess of Sussex.
What is tea tree oil?
Tea tree oil is an antimicrobial agent, AKA it kills or inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungal infections. But the benefits of tea tree oil are hardly new news. Indigenous Australians have been using the anti-inflammatory ingredient for centuries, extracting it from the leaves of an Australian Narrow-Leaf Paperbark tree and inhaling the oil as a treatment for coughs and applying it topically for skin and wound healing. And due to its non-comedogenic build, tea tree oil makes the perfect candidate for soothing acne-prone skin.
What are the benefits of using tea tree oil on acne-prone skin?
Tea tree oil plays a prominent role in the reduction of all six types of pimples, from the surface level whiteheads and pustules, to the deeper, angrier red cysts.
It’s scientifically proven to prevent future breakouts by utilising its antibacterial properties to kill acne-causing bacteria such as p.acnes and staph, while the anti-inflammatory benefits reduce the swelling and redness of pre-existing breakouts.
What is the most effective way to use tea tree oil?
Head into any chemist and you’ll find tea tree-infused products in the form of moisturisers, toners, cleansers or just as a concentrated vial of essential oil (in which case apply with a cotton ball to areas of concern).
It’s effective enough for use on its own and gentle enough to complement existing acne-fighting products; use it to heal active congestion and prevent future breakouts.
Our most loved tea tree oil products:
The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil
The Body Shop’s Tea Tree Oil is a concentrated spot treatment diluted with cooling lemon oil to prevent over-drying and irritation.
“This tea tree oil is legit my favourite go to for blemishes and pimples. Every time I get a problem area, I apply it straight away (2 times a day, in the morning and at night) and they either shrink or disappear or they will give me a nice whitehead to naughtily pop.” – AimeeLeaBeauty
$9 at The Body Shop
A’kin Australian Tea Tree Oil Detoxifying Face Sheet Mask
Crafted from biodegradable, lightweight and 100 per cent eucalyptus fibre, A’kin’s Australian Tea Tree Oil Detoxifying Face Sheet Mask works to detoxify, clarify and refresh congested, irritated skin.
“The smell of teat tree oil is refreshing. the mask has plenty of serum I applied the excess serum on my neck and a bit on my hands too. Overall it’s a good eco-friendly natural refreshing sheet mask” – Merrydreams
$7.99 at Priceline
Australian Creams Tea Tree Cream
Soothe acne with the moisturising, non-greasy Australian Creams Tea Tree Cream. With no added perfumes, this bacteria-banishing moisturiser is the perfect solution for sensitive skin types to banish their breakouts.
$8.95 at Superpharmacy.com.au
Luckily I don’t get many spots anymore. Good to know there are natural products to help of they do come back.
I remember my sister used to put tea tree oil directly on to her spots and it really irritated her skin – I would not recommend it but having a diluted version in a cleanser would work a treat!
meghan markle doesn’t have acne =/ I’m sure she uses it for other things
I need to try tea tree oil in my routine.
I’ve always got Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Oil on hand, but I don’t find it particularly effective on zits.
I just got excited that Australian Creams are back on Bh, but they’re not in the All Brands listing! It seems only the Tea Tree Cream is listed.
The Tea Tree Oil mask sounds awesome for those with acne troubles.
That’s what I did! I only applied it once a day and it was fine on my skin.
I use it for cleaning as well!
I used ti use tea tree oil when I had lots of pimples. I felt like it worked.
My mum swears by it for everthing too! If I ask her a question her answer will be ‘Tea Tree oil’!!
I do love the Sukin Eucalyptus and Tea Tree body wash – it sounds simple and almost boring but it is amazing!
I agree that it’s safer diluted. I used to make a DIY facial oil blend with grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, rosehip oil and tea tree oil with only several drops of tea tree oil.
I have used tea tree a lot -great for stings too -very handy oil
I remember using this a lot when I was in my twenties.
A lot of people say it helps with their acne but for me it didn’t make a difference
Ive used it to treat some pimples before.
Yes. When my body goes nuts (that part of the month at times) I can get a cold sore (once twice per year). Tea tree is amazing against it! Also use it for oral hygiene regularly. Also for cleaning etc. Always have in stash and always used. Oh, rarely, but if some new haircare would cause my scalp to get itchy and irritated, I would use couple of drops of tea tree in my good shampoo and this soothes the scalp. And clears any mess.
Tea tree oil is good but I wouldn’t use it on my (sensitive skin) face
So many benefits
That sounds lovely. I’ve just started to make some of my own skincare products. I have made liquid hand soap and then I made my own body soap last weekend and added a few drops of tea tree oil.
I don’t think I’ve ever used it before.
Have started using Sukin Blemish Control it does have Tea Tree Oil as an ingredient and it is really good for helping to get rid of pimples.
Thankfully I’ve always had good skin, and I rarely get acne.
I like Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Blemish Stick with Manuka Honey. I has a doe foot applicator that makes it easy to target a single blemish with the product. Tea tree has always helped me with my hormonal breakouts.
Good article
I should revisit Tea Tree Oil. I haven’t used it in years.
My daughter uses diluted tea tree oil for her acne. We also use it as an antiseptic, and it can even be used to kill and remove mold off ceilings and walls.
I sometimes put some in the bucket when I mop the floors. What cleaning jobs do you use it for, Elly?
I don’t have acne so I dont need to use it on my face. I use TT oil in body lotion after I shave my legs and I also massage my feet with it
Not a problem for me.
How do you use it for cold sore? Just apply it straight on?
I get cold sores too!
In the laundry as a sanitizer, a few drops in the softener section.
I have used it to treat my skin before, but not all that often.
Straight on, when you feel it coming with those first tingles. This stops it from spreading and growing. Heals so fast too, the part that managed to pop out before you slapped tea tree on it. Pure, i use Thursday plantation, as it is so available everywhere.
Tea Tree Oil is really amazing for this!!!
Thanks Yoh! I will try it next time!
Oh, that’s a good idea!
My husband runs 10km each day so the laundry needs it! Otherwise it still stinks!
I’ve always used tea tree oil for various things. It’s a great healing oil and halts skin infection.
Sure does sound naturally good
Tea tree oil is great for so many things!
Wish I’d known that as a teenager
10km EVERY day? What a legend, Elly! But yes, I’m sure the tea tree oil is needed, lol!
Tea tree oil great to relief discomfort of itchy skin.
My son’s just started having trouble with acne – I’ll have to see if this helps him.
i love tea tree , i have super oily skin so i feel this really freshens my face up and i use it to treat other skin conditions such as bites and stings
Haven’t used it before. Not sure whether I will as I do not have acne and I have sensitive skin
I always have a bottle of tea tree oil at home but I don’t use it for acne.
Tea tree oil is good for so many things.
Fantastic product but can be too harsh used without diluting. I think it’s a case of what works for you.