As an aesthetician with 35 years of experience treating acne, I understand the challenges of finding the right products and ingredients to clear up acne and prevent breakouts. After all, from cysts to pustules to papules, not all acne is the same. But there’s one ingredient I rely on because it really works. I’ve seen my clients experience amazing results, but I wanted to learn more about the science behind it, so I recently put it to the test in a lab. And the results were incredible! Read on to learn more about my favorite ingredient, tea tree oil.
What is Tea Tree Oil?
Native to Australia but now also found in parts of India, New Zealand and China, tea tree oil has a proud history in medical and cosmetic applications. Produced by distillation of tea tree leaves, this ingredient is known for its versatile uses in all skin care applications. In fact, long before anyone knew how to extract tea tree oil, Australian indigenous people were using the leaves to treat bruises, skin infections, wounds and insect bites.
As well as compounds derived from other plants such as willow bark, chamomile extract and witch hazel. the study Tea tree oil has proven benefits for acne-prone skin. Extracted from the Australian plant Melaleuca alternifolia, tea tree oil has three key properties that benefit the skin: it’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and acts as a solvent to break down the buildup of dirt, oil, or debris that clogs pores.
How tea tree oil works against acne
Antibacterial
Tea tree essential oil has been proven to have powerful antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antiparasitic properties (which is why it’s such a powerful bug repellent). These properties are primarily due to terpinen-4-ol, a compound that is extremely good at disrupting the protective barrier surrounding bacteria, causing bacterial membranes to lose integrity and function, essentially destroying the bacteria’s defense mechanisms.
How we tested tea tree oil for its anti-acne properties
Tea Tree Oil is the main ingredient in one of our best-selling products. Rapid Response Detox MaskSo, it only made sense to officially test its effectiveness in fighting blemishes. So what did this process involve? Fasten your seatbelts, science geeks!
Testing begins by growing actual C. acnes bacteria in cultures until there is enough bacteria present to conduct a study. Once there is enough bacteria present, the cultures are exposed to Rapid Response Detox Masque. A momentary (or near-instantaneous) measurement, called t=0, is then taken to determine how quickly the product begins to work. After seven minutes (t=7), the amount of bacteria remaining in the cultures is compared to t=0 to determine the percentage of C. acnes that was controlled.
The effectiveness of Rapid Response Detox Masque ultimately comes down to three measurements: the initial amount of bacteria, t=0, and t=7.
test results
The initial amount of bacteria was 2.7 x 10^6. At t=0 we counted 2.6 x10^6. That means there was an almost immediate 3.7% reduction in bacteria. This may not seem like much, but it’s unrealistic to expect complete control of acne-causing bacteria instantly, so this is a promising start.
After just 7 minutes, at t=7, a final measurement was taken to calculate the amount of acne-causing bacteria remaining in the Petri dish. The result was… 3.0 x 10^4, a 98.89% reduction. Yes, that’s right! A 98.89% reduction in acne-causing bacteria. I was amazed!
summary
Ok, enough jargon, here’s the gist: Rapid Response Detox Mask not only instantly suppresses acne-causing bacteria, but also balances bad surface bacteria to clear skin in just 7 minutes. Infused with both Tea Tree Oil and Manuka Oil, this mask acts as a complete reset to balance skin and minimize active acne breakouts.
A Practical Guide to Using Tea Tree Oil for Acne
When to use tea tree oil directly vs. in a product
Now that we’ve looked at the results of using tea tree oil as a formulation ingredient, let’s take a closer look at the results of using tea tree oil in its pure form.
When using essential oils such as tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, or lavender oil, do not apply them directly to the skin. Because tea tree oil is an oil-soluble aromatic compound extracted from the leaves of the tea tree, the terpenes in it are very strong compounds that can cause sensitivity if not diluted. In fact, there is no need to apply a 100% solution of these oils to the skin, as they are already effective at very low levels. Because essential oils have limitations on the skin, tea tree oil is more effective when combined with a product that contains several other ingredients. Remember, more is not always better.
If you already have pure tea tree oil on hand and don’t want to waste it, you can dilute it in a carrier oil such as jojoba, rosehip, or coconut oil. This will act as a moisturizing effect against the drying effects. We recommend using 99 grams of carrier oil for every gram of tea tree oil.
Application Tips
If you’re using tea tree oil for the first time, it’s important to do a patch test at home to ensure it’s an essential oil that’s compatible with your skin. While it’s generally harmless, everyone’s skin is different, so it’s best to err on the side of safety.
If you begin to experience redness, sensitivity or irritation, it is important to discontinue use.
For some Skin TypeFor those who are prone to acne due to an imbalance of acne-causing bacteria, tea tree oil may be a good option as a preventative treatment, but I generally advise against using tea tree oil unless you have an active acne breakout, as ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are more effective at preventing acne, so I generally recommend salicylic acid products. BHA Clarifying Serumfor breakout prevention, and Rapid Response Detox Masque for more immediate breakout relief, but any of these ingredients are better than nothing.
How long does it take for tea tree oil to start working?
While tea tree oil generally works quickly, the speed at which you see results almost always depends on where you are in the acne life cycle. For example, if you suffer from active acne, you’re already in the middle of the cycle and experiencing clogged pores and inflammation. This means that even if you use a tea tree oil product, it will take time for your skin to turn over and the inflammation to subside.
Unfortunately, this means you won’t experience miraculous transformation overnight (bummer!), but it does mean that the acne-causing bacteria on your skin will be instantly suppressed, bringing you one step closer to clearer, healthier skin.
Precautions and side effects of tea tree oil
Believe it or not, many people are buying tea tree oil that isn’t actually tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has a unique chemical composition that is primarily composed of terpenes, compounds that are unique to this essential oil. There are several terpenes that are essential to tea tree oil that not only give it its characteristic medicinal odor, but also help it deliver the skin care benefits it provides. It is important to know where the tea tree oil in your product was sourced from to get the most out of the ingredients.
Tip: Genuine tea tree oil is higher in terpinen-4-ol and lower in cineole. Alternatively, look for tea tree oil that is guaranteed to be genuine Australian tea tree oil.
Tea Tree Oil Alternatives for Skin Health
Whether you have an allergic reaction or you avoid tea tree oil, this ingredient may not be a perfect fit for everyone. Unfortunately, there aren’t many great tea tree substitutes because tea tree has very specific chemical properties. However, these are some ingredients that seem to help you achieve similar results.
Manuka oil
Manuka oil is derived from the Leptospermum scoparium genus, a species of tea tree. Its excellent antibacterial properties, high levels of terpenes, and a scent that is comparable to or preferred to traditional tea tree oil, make it a worthy alternative.
Fact: Rapid Response Detox Masque also contains Manuka Oil, making it an effective formula against multiple types of bacteria.
Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil has very similar properties to tea tree oil, but with a different terpene content. It also contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a good choice for acne-prone skin with an imbalanced oil production.
So, does tea tree oil help with acne?
Yes, of course. As acne experts, we can tell you that this ingredient is safe to use twice a day if needed, but is generally best used when acne is at its worst. Research we conducted on a particular product, Rapid Response Detox Masque, highlights that it may inhibit acne-causing bacteria in just seven minutes. When used correctly, tea tree oil can be a valuable addition to your skincare routine. Give it a try and see if it helps you achieve healthier, clearer skin. We know this post is information-heavy, but we hope it was helpful.
Celebrity Esthetician & Skin Care Expert
A cosmetic chemistry trained aesthetician, Renée Rouleau has spent 30 years studying skin, educating audiences, and building award-winning product lines. Her hands-on experience as an aesthetician and trusted skin care expert has resulted in real-world solutions: products formulated for skin. 9 types of skin That way, your face gets exactly what it needs to look and feel its best.Trusted by celebrities, editors, bloggers, and skincare enthusiasts around the world, her extensive practical knowledge and relentless research have led Marie Claire magazine to call her “the most passionate skincare expert we know.”
