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Research · Randomized controlled trial

The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study

What it found

Tea tree oil gel was ~3.6× more effective than placebo for total lesion count and ~5.8× for acne severity, with similar, tolerable side effects.

Design
Randomized controlled trial
Year
2007
Sample size
60
Population
patients with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris (30 tea tree oil, 30 placebo)
Intervention
5% topical tea tree oil gel twice daily
Outcome
total lesion count and acne severity index
Journal
Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology

Citation last checked 2026-06-21.