Tea tree oil is considered as effective as benzoyl peroxide in killing acne-causing bacteria. We have performed a single-blind, randomised clinical trial on 124 patients to evaluate the efficacy and skin tolerance of 5% tea-tree oil gel in the treatment of mild to moderate acne when compared with 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion. The results of this study showed that both 5% tea-tree oil and 5% benzoyl peroxide had a significant effect in ameliorating the patients' acne by reducing the number of inflamed and non-inflamed lesions (open and closed comedones), although the onset of action in the case of tea-tree oil was slower. Encouragingly, fewer side effects were experienced by patients treated with tea-tree oil.
-- Bassett IB, Pannowitz DL, Barnetson RS. "A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne." Department of Dermatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW.
However, like benzoyl peroxide, it can also dry your skin. You can apply tea tree oil directly on your face or mix it with other ingredients for anti-acne masks. There are also skin products that you can buy that contains tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is toxic when taken internally and can cause drowsiness, hallucinations, weakness, skin rashes, blood cell abnormalities, stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea and even coma.
The best tea tree oil brand: Tea Tree 100% Pure Essential Oil - 10 ml
