Remedy · herb
Tea tree oil (topical)
Also: melaleuca oil, Melaleuca alternifolia
An essential oil with trial support for mild-to-moderate acne when applied to the skin.
Evidence by condition
Each grade reflects the research for Tea tree oil (topical) and that condition specifically.
- BAcne vulgaris
Topical 5% gel meaningfully reduces acne lesions versus placebo, with effect comparable to benzoyl peroxide but slower; trials are small and few.
1 citation
- The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study Randomized trial 2007 · n=60 · Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology · PMID 17314442
- The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study
Tea tree oil is for topical use only — swallowing it is toxic. As an acne treatment it has small but consistent trial support, making it a reasonable gentler alternative to standard topicals for mild-to-moderate acne.