Active ingredient

Tea Tree Oil

INCIMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil

Last reviewed by BIOSAR Scientific Team, PharmD, Cosmetic Chemistry, Pharmacy practice on April 28, 2026.

What it is

Tea tree oil is the essential oil distilled from Melaleuca alternifolia, used in skincare to reduce visible blemishes and support surface-balancing care. Its principal active, terpinen-4-ol, disrupts microbial cell membranes and dampens C. acnes-driven redness. Combine carefully with retinol or strong acids. Patch-test before facial use.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Use with caution

Use with caution — consult your clinician.

Topical tea tree oil at low cosmetic concentrations is generally considered acceptable during pregnancy and lactation. Mother to Baby cautions that human pregnancy data are limited; oral use is avoided.

Mechanism in detail

What Tea Tree Oil does

Essential oil valued for its purifying affinity with blemish-prone skin. It supports a clearer, calmer-looking surface, and is dosed at a balanced level so it stays effective without overwhelming sensitive skin.

Evidence

What the research says

3.55×5% gel vs placebo in mild-to-moderate acne, 45 daysA double-blind trial in 60 patients with mild-to-moderate acne: over 45 days, a 5% tea tree oil gel reduced the total lesion count 3.55 times more than placebo gel, and the severity index 5.75 times more. Tolerability was similar.A clinical study in patients, in a medical setting. It is shown for the science of the ingredient, not as an example of cosmetic use.Read the study →Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2007

Where it helps