Tea tree oil for blemish-prone skin: what the trials show
Two clinical trials, one comparison with benzoyl peroxide and one against placebo, and what they mean for everyday face care.
2 min read · Updated 2026-11-14
An Australian antiseptic in an Indian routine
Tea tree oil is distilled from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a tree native to Australia, where it has long been used as a topical antiseptic. It has become a common partner to Indian herbs like neem and turmeric in face washes for oily and blemish-prone skin.
The 1990 comparison with benzoyl peroxide
The first widely cited trial was published in the Medical Journal of Australia in 1990. Researchers compared a 5% tea tree oil gel with a 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion, the standard over-the-counter treatment, in 124 people with mild to moderate acne.
Both treatments reduced inflamed and non-inflamed lesions, including open and closed comedones. Tea tree oil took longer to show its effect, but people using it reported fewer side effects.
The 2007 placebo-controlled trial
A stronger design came from Iran in 2007, published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. Sixty people with mild to moderate acne were randomly given either a 5% tea tree oil gel or a placebo gel, with neither patients nor researchers knowing which, and were followed for 45 days.
The tea tree group improved significantly more. By the researchers' measures, the gel was about 3.6 times more effective than placebo on total lesion count and about 5.8 times more effective on acne severity. Side effects were similar and tolerable in both groups.
| Trial | People | Compared with | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bassett et al., 1990 | 124 | 5% benzoyl peroxide | Both reduced lesions; tea tree slower, fewer side effects |
| Enshaieh et al., 2007 | 60 | Placebo gel | Tea tree significantly better over 45 days |
What this means for a face wash
These trials tested leave-on gels, not rinse-off cleansers. A face wash with tea tree oil spends less than a minute on the skin, so it is best thought of as part of a gentle routine for oily, blemish-prone skin rather than a treatment. Kart Naturals' Clear Skin face washes pair tea tree with neem and turmeric in that spirit.
Using it well
- Never apply undiluted essential oil to the face.
- Patch test on the inner arm for two days before using a new product.
- Pair it with a light, non-greasy moisturiser so the skin does not overcompensate with oil.
- See a dermatologist for painful, cystic or scarring acne, which needs medical care.
Questions
How strong was the tea tree oil in these trials?
Both trials used a 5% tea tree oil gel. Pure essential oil is far stronger and can irritate skin, so it should always be diluted.
Is tea tree oil better than benzoyl peroxide?
The 1990 Australian trial found both reduced blemishes. Tea tree oil acted more slowly but caused fewer side effects such as dryness and stinging.
Can tea tree oil cause irritation?
Yes. Like any essential oil it can irritate or sensitise some people. Patch test new products on the inner arm first.
Sources
- Bassett IB, Pannowitz DL, Barnetson RS. A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne. Med J Aust 1990;153(8):455-8
- Enshaieh S, Jooya A, Siadat AH, Iraji F. The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2007;73(1):22-5
This guide is general information about traditional and natural care. It is not medical advice. For a skin, scalp or health condition, speak to a dermatologist or qualified practitioner.
