If you've ever had breakouts, you've probably heard of tea tree oil. It comes from the leaves ofMelaleuca alternifolia, a tree native to Australia, and people have used it for generations. Here's what research shows and how tea tree oil might work in your daily routine.
What the studies tested
A well-known study in Australia from 1990 gave 124 people with mild to moderate acne either a 5% tea tree oil gel or a 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion. After three months, both groups had fewer inflamed spots. Benzoyl peroxide worked faster, but tea tree oil caused less dryness, itching, and stinging.
In a 2007 placebo-controlled trial with 60 people, a 5% tea tree gel worked better than a gel without tea tree over six weeks. Another small study later used a stronger gel, around 20%, and spot counts dropped by about half over three months.
What that does and doesn't mean
These studies shared a few things: they all used leave-on gels instead of cleansers, the tea tree oil content was measured and fairly high, and the groups were small. Reviews suggest tea tree oil looks promising for mild acne, but bigger, better studies are still needed.
Body washes and bar soaps are different since they're only on your skin briefly before you rinse them off. That's why we don't call our tea tree products acne treatments, and you shouldn't use them that way. If your breakouts keep coming back or are painful, it's best to see a dermatologist first.
Why we still love tea tree
We use tea tree oil in our wash for what it does best: giving a crisp, clean, herbal scent and a fresh feeling after workouts, hot days, or long shifts. It's a favorite for people whose skin often feels oily.
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Our Tea Tree Body Wash blends tea tree oil with honey, aloe, and coconut, olive, and hemp seed oils. It's sulfate-free and made in small batches in Ohio. Use it every day or whenever you want a refreshing clean.
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We handcraft our Tea Tree Oil Bar Soap with olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax for a rich lather.
Using tea tree oil safely
Undiluted tea tree oil can irritate your skin, so don't use it straight from the bottle. Keep tea tree products away from your eyes, and stop using them if your skin gets red or itchy. Always patch-test new products on a small area first. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, patch-test and wait 24 hours before using. Our formulas are gentle, but everyone's skin is different, so check the ingredients and stop using if you notice irritation.
FAQ
Does tea tree oil help with acne? Small studies using 5% to 20% tea tree gels found fewer spots than a placebo gel, but results didn't match benzoyl peroxide. Larger studies are still needed.
Will a tea tree body wash clear my breakouts? Our body wash and bar soap are made for cleansing and a fresh tea tree scent, not for treating acne. For acne, see a dermatologist or use an over-the-counter product labeled for acne.
Can I put tea tree oil directly on my skin? Undiluted oil can irritate your skin. Use it diluted or in a finished product, and always patch-test first.
Is tea tree good for oily skin? Many people with oily skin like the clean, crisp feel of tea tree in their daily wash.
The Beessential Takeaway
Tea tree oil is well known, and research on leave-on gels shows promise for mild breakouts. Because a wash rinses off quickly, we focus our tea tree products on what they do best, giving a crisp, herbal scent and a fresh, clean feel, especially for oily skin.
Unlike many basic cleansers that just remove dirt and oil, our tea tree body wash and bar soap also refresh your skin and leave it feeling balanced, without stripping moisture. Some cleansers for oily or acne-prone skin can be harsh or drying, but our formulas are gentle enough for daily use and offer the added benefit of tea tree for those who like its purifying properties.
If your breakouts keep coming back or are painful, it's best to see a dermatologist. Take a look at ourtea tree skin care, handmade in small batches in Ohio, to find your favorite.
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