There are obviously plenty of options when it comes to treating and preventing breakouts. And there will always be new formulations that claim to be the best. But they usually don’t replace tried-and-true favorites. Like tea tree oil, which remains a popular natural solution to fight breakouts.
Dr. Robb Akridge says the oil comes from the leaves of a small tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) native to Australia. Most of us associate tea tree oil with its acne- and grease-fighting capabilities. Susan Griffin-Black, co-CEO of EO Products, says the ingredient is an excellent way to treat, tone and balance skin. Akridge adds that the ingredient can actually be used on a variety of skin types from dry to oily. “Tea tree oil is thought to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties because it soothes the skin and can even be used on mildly irritated skin.” You can also apply it to cuts and use it to heal infections. It’s also ideal for dealing with acne caused by wearing face masks.
Here are the best tea tree oil skin care products that fight acne and oil.
Tea Tree Oil Is the Acne-fighting Ingredient That Won't Let You Down
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Dr. Oracle
A-Thera Peeling Sticks, $24.67 at Walmart
These sticks rely on a blend of tea tree extract, lemon extract and bamboo extract to make a noticeable difference in your skin. Throw in lactic acid to lift away dead skin cells and glycolic acid to exfoliate and you have one top-notch spot treatment.
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Meow Meow Tweet
Tea Tree Charcoal Facial Soap, $12 at Meow Meow Tweet
This zero-waste bar combines popular clarifying ingredients like activated charcoal and tea tree. Ground oats provide mild exfoliation to prevent pores from getting clogged and cocoa butter nourishes skin. Don't just use it on your face, the soap can be applied to your entire body to manage bacne and more.
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Lush
Tea Tree Water, $10.95 at Lush
Spray-on toners make life so much easier so there's no excuse to skip this one. It's made with just six ingredients, including tea tree, grapefruit and juniper berry waters. The combination tones skin and helps manage excess oil and breakouts. There's no alcohol in the refreshing formula so it won't leave skin craving moisturizer.
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The Body Shop
Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Night Mask, $22 at The Body Shop
Apply this vegan sleeping mask before bed and wake up to clearer skin. It's made with hero acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and community-trade tea tree oil that make skin smoother, balanced and less greasy. It also targets the appearance of enlarged pores. Fall asleep without worry because the mask is breathable and won't stain pillows.
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Sunday Riley
U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Acne Treatment Face Oil, $80 at Sunday Riley
Oils can be good for acne-prone skin and it's time everyone realized it. This Sunday Riley pick brings together tea tree oil, black cumin seed oil, milk thistle, cucumber seed, licorice extract and salicylic acid to remove impurities and calm redness. The oil is bright green when it comes out of the bottle, but quickly absorbs into skin without leaving behind any greasy residue or color.
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Elemis
Tea Tree S.O.S. Spray, $40 at DermStore
Having a skin care emergency? This naturally antiseptic spray will come to the rescue. Spritz it directly on your skin and Australian tea tree oil will fight pimple-causing bacteria without irritating complexions. The multipurpose product can be applied on your face and body. Furthermore, it makes a great foot deodorizer.
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TONYMOLY
I'm Real Tea Tree Mask Sheet, $3.75 at Ulta Beauty
Classic tea tree oil gets used in a modern way with this three-layer cotton sheet mask. Carefully unfold the mask, then apply it to clean, dry skin. The layered design and tea tree-rich essence have been formulated to penetrate skin for the best efficacy. The anti-inflammatory product calms, brightens and balances skin. The essence is lightweight yet not overly runny and it genuinely smells nice thanks to the addition of jasmine, thyme, rosemary and lemon.
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Uma
Deeply Clarifying Blemish Spot Treatment, $55 at Revolve
This tiny bottle will go far. Mix a drop or two into any oil, cream or lotion. It functions as a booster to combat zits and keep skin balanced. The formula relies on Ayurvedic principles and natural oils to clarify skin and keep it looking its best. Besides antiseptic tea tree, it has antibiotic clary sage, nourishing juniper berry, soothing lavender oil and relieving clove oil.
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Arcona
Tea Tree Mask, $36 at Nordstrom
Mask whenever it's convenient with this purifying formula. It can be used morning or night to reduce the appearance of pores and clear congested skin. It has a host of pimple-fighting ingredients, like tea tree extract, salicylic acid, sulfur and grapefruit extract. Don't worry, it's not overly harsh. Lavender, mint balm and allantoin calm skin. After using the mask for 15 to 20 minutes, rinse it away and skin will be balanced and dirt, debris and oil will be gone.
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Belif
Problem Solution Essence, $42 at Belif
Got problem skin? This soothing essence is the solution. After applying toner, rub it over your entire face. In addition to calming red skin, tea tree oil and white willow bark extract soak up excess grease, hydrate and keep problematic skin in check. The formula also preps your face for the next steps in your skin care routine. Those with sensitive skin should know that the front of the bottle helpfully lists everything the essence is formulated without, including mineral oils, synthetic dyes and fragrances and ethanol.
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The Organic Pharmacy
Peppermint, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus Face Wash, $67 at DermStore
Begin fighting acne from the first step with this gluten- and fragrance-free cleanser. Pump a few squirts out of the chic bottle and the soothing mix of essential oils will remove dirt, oil and bacteria without stripping skin of its natural moisture. In addition to fighting zits, it treats enlarged pores and hyperpigmentation.
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Eve Lom
Dynaspot, $34 at Sephora
As soon as you feel a zit sprouting, apply a bit of this acne treatment. The fast-acting formula is designed to target the first signs of breakouts and soothe skin. Antiseptic ingredients like tea tree oil, salicylic acid, yarrow and zinc oxide treat without overdrying or irritating skin. The formula has a rosy, universally flattering tint that works under or over makeup and on a bare face.
