How It Works and the 10 Best Ways to Use It

By Emily Lemon On Feb 24, 2022

Courtesy of retailers

If you usually combat stubborn acne with harsh skincare products containing ingredients like prescription-strength salicylic acid or retinol, allow me to introduce you to a more natural yet powerful acne-fighting alternative: tea tree oil.

This plant-based essential oil is derived from the Australian tree known as Melaleuca alternifolia. Native populations have used tea tree oil medicinally for centuries, but in recent years it’s gained popularity in skincare as more people seek out products made from natural, plant-based ingredients. But can this natural ingredient really stand up to the scientifically-optimized formulas available in drugstores or at your derm’s office? Let’s consult the studies.

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A well-cited study from 2006 found that tea tree oil has both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which indicates that it may help with treating inflammatory blemishes like pimples. A more recent study from 2018 found tea tree oil effective at improving acne when combined with another plant-based ingredient, aloe vera, and propolis, a compound produced by bees thought to fight infections, heal wounds, and more. While there’s still more research to be done, the current studies suggest that tea tree oil may help improve acne. Not to mention, it’s often cheaper and more widely available than prescription-strength acne solutions.

If you suffer from acne-prone skin, incorporating skincare products with tea tree oil into your daily routine can help reduce active blemishes and prevent future breakouts. There is no singular solution to acne, but using tea tree oil alongside other acne treatments is a solid strategy for keeping your skin clear, balanced, and blemish-free. Below, we’ve rounded up our favorite skincare products with tea tree oil that work to combat acne.

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B. Well Organic Australian 100% Tea Tree Oil

Straight from the source, this 100% organic, non-GMO tea tree oil is sustainably farmed from Australian tea tree leaves. Apply a drop on breakouts to calm and soothe the skin. If you suffer from a dry, itchy scalp, you can also use it as pre-treatment before the shower to combat flakes.

Tea Tree Essential Blemish Control Mask

When your skin is going through it, sometimes a spot treatment isn’t enough. This mask uses a powerful combination of willow bark, rosemary, and tea tree extracts to exfoliate and deep clean your pores.

U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Acne Treatment Face Oil

Contrary to popular belief, putting a face oil on top of oily, acne-prone skin doesn’t make acne worse. Clarifying tea tree, black cumin seed, and chamomile oil soothe inflammation alongside 1.5% salicylic acid. Together, this plant-based blend of oils and actives banishes breakouts fast.

Clear Skin Targeted Acne Treatment

Eminence Organic Skin Care

If pure tea tree oil is too much for your skin, try this targeted treatment. It features your standard zit-zapping tea tree oil and salicylic acid alongside calming ingredients like cucumber and Buchu leaf extract to gently oust the blemish without wreaking havoc on the rest of your skin.

Tea Tree Daily Anti-Imperfection Solution

Don’t let its small size fool you—this small but mighty bottle will have your blemishes begging for mercy. Use as a spot treatment to take care of angry breakouts overnight. Or, add a few drops of this Community Fair Trade tea tree oil into your favorite moisturizer to help improve your skin’s tone, texture, oiliness.

Read More: Best Spot Treatments for Acne

Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Tea tree oil is so much more than just an acne-fighting spot treatment. This cleanser features our hard-working hero to help balance your skin, which can prevent breakouts from occurring in the first place.

Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash

If you have acne-prone skin and you’re not using a cleanser with tea tree oil, you’re missing out. Less powerful than a spot treatment, this tea tree oil facial wash removes impurities and excess oil on the reg, leaving your skin looking less shiny, mattified, and visibly clearer.

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Go Away Acne Spot Treatment

This spot treatment brings together two tried-and-true blemish-fighting ingredients: tea tee oil and 5% benzoyl peroxide. Breakouts don’t stand a chance against this power couple.

Acnedote Pimple Patches

Acne patches are one of modern medicine’s greatest inventions, and these patches, in particular, are a prime example of what science and nature can do when they come together. These hydrocolloid dressings are infused with natural, plant-based extracts including tea tree oil and witch hazel to calm inflammation while drying out the pimple, shrinking it in size overnight.

Tea Tree Mask

Using a detoxifying mask on a regular basis can help reduce breakouts and minimize pore size over time. This mask pairs proven blemish-busting tea tree oil and salicylic acid with gentle mint balm and lavender extract to calm and nourish the skin.

Cristina Montemayor
Cristina Montemayor is a freelance writer and journalist living in Austin, Texas, covering beauty, grooming, style, and culture.

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