Tea Tree Oil
INCI: Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Also known as: Melaleuca Oil, TTO
AcneactivebotanicalModerate evidencePregnancy safe
68
Skinlumis Rating
Comedogenic
1/5
Irritancy
3/5
Best applied
PM
Effective range
2%–5%
How It Works
A volatile essential oil from Melaleuca alternifolia. Clinically comparable to 5% benzoyl peroxide for mild acne, but slower-acting.
Terpinen-4-ol disrupts microbial cell membranes; reduces C. acnes colonisation and inflammatory mediators.
pH Range
5.0–7.0
Benefits
- Antibacterial
- Reduces blemishes
- Anti-fungal
- Natural alternative
Proven For
What the evidence supports.
Mild acneSpot treatment
Best For
- Oily
- Combination
Avoid If
- Sensitive skin
- Eczema
- Children under 12 (oral exposure risk)
Layering Order
5/10
Mid-routine serum or treatment step.
Max Safe Concentration
5%
Concentration range in well-formulated products: 2%–5%
Seasonal Use
Year-round.
For Estheticians & Professionals
Always dilute, neat application causes contact dermatitis.
Clinical Evidence
The research behind Tea Tree Oil.
Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.
Systematic Review
Gut microbiome dysbiosis is significantly associated with inflammatory skin conditions including acne and rosacea.
Dréno B, Dagnelie MA, Khammari A, Corvec S
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2020
View Study →American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2020
Systematic Review
EPA supplementation at 1.8g/day reduced inflammatory acne lesions by 42% over 12 weeks.
Thomsen BJ, Chow EY, Sapijaszko MJ
Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 2020
View Study →Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 2020
Systematic Review
Vitamin D deficiency significantly associated with acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
Mostafa WZ, Hegazy RA
Journal of Advanced Research, 2015
View Study →Journal of Advanced Research, 2015
Systematic Review
Androgen receptors in sebaceous glands directly regulate sebum production, establishing the hormonal basis of acne.
Makrantonaki E, Ganceviciene R, Zouboulis C
Dermato-Endocrinology, 2011
View Study →Dermato-Endocrinology, 2011
Pairs Well With
Conflicts With
RetinolBenzoyl Peroxide (in same step)
Your Skin Compatibility
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