Tea tree oil topical
Australian essential oil with RCT signal for acne (vs benzoyl peroxide), tinea pedis, and seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Why
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a long-established Australian antimicrobial essential oil. The Bassett RCT compared 5% tea tree oil with 5% benzoyl peroxide for acne and found similar reduction in inflammatory lesions with fewer side effects and slower onset on tea tree. Separate small RCTs support effect on tinea pedis (athlete's foot), seborrhoeic dermatitis, and MRSA decolonisation as part of broader regimens.
How it works
Terpinen-4-ol (the principal active component) disrupts microbial cell membranes by binding the lipid bilayer. Anti-inflammatory effects in keratinocytes via reduced histamine-induced cytokine release.
Expected onset · Acne: reduction in inflammatory lesions over 4–6 weeks. Tinea pedis: symptom relief within 2 weeks, full resolution over 4 weeks.
How to take
Dosage
Acne: 5% gel applied to affected areas twice daily. Tinea pedis: 25–50% solution applied twice daily for 4 weeks. Always patch-test before broad application.
Timing
Twice daily during the symptomatic phase
On the label
Look for 'Melaleuca alternifolia oil' compliant with ISO 4730 standard. Storage in dark glass away from heat preserves terpinen-4-ol content.
Ideal for
Adults with mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne; people with mild fungal skin infections or seborrhoeic dermatitis seeking a topical option.
Safety
Evidence
Bassett 1990 Med J Aust RCT (n=124 acne): 5% tea tree oil similar to 5% benzoyl peroxide for inflammatory lesion reduction over 3 months, with fewer side effects but slower onset. Enshaieh 2007 RCT (n=60): 5% tea tree oil gel reduced total acne lesion count vs placebo over 45 days. Tinea pedis RCTs support 25–50% solutions; lower concentrations are less effective.
- Bassett et al., Med J Aust 1990, tea tree oil vs benzoyl peroxide for acne (RCT, n=124)
- Enshaieh et al., Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2007, 5% tea tree oil gel for mild-moderate acne (RCT, n=60)
- Carson et al., Clin Microbiol Rev 2006, Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties
Where to get it
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