Ingredient Investigation

Tea Tree Oil: An Antibacterial Agent That Banishes Bacteria

By Chrissy Carrano

Filed Under

Blackheads

Breakouts

Inflammation

Acneic Skin

Oily Skin

Ingredient Investigation

Tea tree oil is an essential oil extract from the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia, or tea tree, plant (not to be confused with tea plants whose leaves make green and black tea). It's primarily known and used for its anti-microbial and anti-septic properties, which help in germ-fighting and bacteria-killing.

A germ-fighting, time-tested, essential oil, tea tree oil is a natural must for a skincare routine battling breakouts.

Make it Routine

Tea tree oil should be used smartly and sparingly in a skincare routine. If you're breakout prone, integrate tea tree oil into the different steps of your routine one by one so you can see what works best. It's often found in cleansers and moisturizers, where its germ-fighting qualities can help battle acne. The ingredient can be powerful as a drying, natural spot treatment.

The tea tree oil in this serum is gentle, but incredibly effective. You can apply it all over, or just to your T-zone if that's where you're most breakout-prone.

This non-foaming, gel-based cleanser feels cooling and soothing to aggravated, acne-prone skin.

Wait—One More Thing!

Essential oils have a reputation as 'everything solutions' but they should be used carefully. We recommend diluting them in a carrier oil, such as jojoba, sunflower, or safflower.