Does Tea Tree Oil Actually Work for Acne?
Medically reviewed by Andre Stone | MD, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine on August 25th, 2026.
Limited clinical studies suggest that a 5% tea tree oil gel may reduce acne lesions after several weeks, but more high-quality research is needed to confirm how well it works. Tea tree oil has antimicrobial activity against Cutibacterium acnes, one of several factors involved in inflammatory acne. One comparative study found that both 5% tea tree oil and 5% benzoyl peroxide improved acne. Tea tree oil acted more slowly but caused fewer reported skin reactions in that study. This does not establish that it works as well as standard treatments. Do not apply undiluted tea tree oil. If you choose to try it, use a properly formulated topical product and stop if redness, burning, swelling, or a rash develops. Do not swallow tea tree oil.
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