Ingredient
Tea Tree
An essential oil from the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia tree — one of the most studied natural antibacterial ingredients in skincare. It targets acne-causing bacteria, reduces redness around breakouts, and helps control excess oil. Look for 1–5% in leave-on products; at 5%, clinical studies show results comparable to 5% benzoyl peroxide, with fewer side effects for most people.
Ingredient
Suitable for
Best for oily and acne-prone skin — tea tree's antibacterial properties directly address the bacteria behind breakouts, effective at 1–5% concentration without being as harsh as prescription alternatives.
Also suitable for acne-prone skin, oily skin and combination skin.
Ingredient
Ingredient combination
Combinations that work
- HeartleafClearing
Both act on the bacterial side of breakouts, and heartleaf's anti-inflammatory action offsets the dryness tea tree can cause. A gentler way to get the antibacterial effect than tea tree alone.
- Centella AsiaticaCalming
Tea tree is potent and drying at the concentrations that work; centella offsets the inflammation that follows. If tea tree suits your skin, this is how to keep it tolerable.
Combinations to avoid
Tea tree is an essential oil, potent at the concentrations that work on breakouts, and it compounds retinol's irritation rather than adding to its effect. Use them on alternate evenings.
Both dry the area they treat, and neither needs the other to reach the bacteria. Together they tend to strip the skin, which makes breakouts worse over a few weeks, not better.
An essential oil on freshly exfoliated skin penetrates further than intended and stings accordingly. If you use both, keep them in separate routines.
Routine
Routines with Tea Tree
Routines featuring this ingredient are coming soon.