Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of the tree Melaleuca alternifolia, which is native to Australia.

It’s well known for its ability to fight bacteria and reduce skin inflammation.

Specifically, tea tree oil helps fight P. acnes and S. epidermidis, two types of bacteria that can cause pimples.

One study found that 5% tea tree oil gel was almost four times more effective at reducing acne lesions and almost six times more effective at reducing acne severity than a placebo.

In another study, a gel containing 5% tea tree oil was proven equally effective at reducing pimples as a lotion containing 5% benzoyl peroxide, a common acne medication.

The tea tree oil treatment also resulted in fewer adverse effects, including dryness, irritation, and burning.

It’s important to note that tea tree oil is very potent and can cause redness and irritation when applied directly to the skin. For this reason, it should be diluted with a carrier oil.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, only a small amount of research has been conducted on the topical use of tea tree oil for health conditions, and a limited amount of research indicates that tea tree oil might be helpful for acne.

If you choose to try please it, use it safely and always perform a test patch on your skin, as tea tree oil can be very irritating and should never be applied undiluted to the skin.

You can purchase both tea tree oil and carrier oils online.

How to use tea tree oil for acne

Combine 1 drop of tea tree oil with 1 teaspoon carrier oil.

Dip a cotton swab into the mixture and apply it directly to pimples.

Apply moisturizer, if desired.
Repeat this process 1–2 times per day, as needed.

Tea tree oil fights inflammation and acne-causing bacteria. Applying it to the skin has shown that it may reduce pimples in some instances.