Tea tree oil is an essential oil used in some topical skin and hair products. Research on its benefits is limited, and evidence varies by condition. Some people develop skin irritation or an allergic reaction. Use a product formulated for the intended area and follow its label. Do not swallow tea tree oil or apply it in or around your eyes.

Before using a new skin-care product, test it on a small area as directed by a dermatologist. Stop using it and wash it off if you develop redness, itching, swelling, or burning. A small-area test cannot guarantee that a reaction will not occur later.

Tea tree oil for acne

A small amount of research suggests that topical tea tree oil may help acne, but the evidence is limited and does not establish it as a replacement for standard acne treatments. Studies have tested specific products and formulations, so their results do not show that pure tea tree oil will have the same effect. The NCCIH overview of tea tree oil summarizes what researchers currently know about its potential use for acne.

If you want to try a tea tree oil product, choose one made for skin and follow its label. Stop using it if irritation or an allergic reaction develops. Talk with a dermatologist if your acne is painful, severe, causing scars, or not improving.

Tea tree oil for athlete’s foot

Some research suggests that topical tea tree oil may help athlete’s foot, but there is not enough evidence to know how well it works, and it may be less effective than standard treatments.

Do not use undiluted essential oil on affected skin. Consider a product specifically formulated for athlete’s foot and follow its instructions. Ask a healthcare professional if the rash is severe, spreading, or not improving.

Eczema and dry skin

Tea tree oil can relieve itching and irritation in dry skin. It has also been shown to be more effective in treating eczema than zinc oxide and clobetasone butyrate creams.

Use a few drops of tea tree oil with a small amount of moisturizer or carrier oil to use. Apply this mixture to the affected areas as soon as you get out of the shower and at least once more throughout the day.

Oily skin

Tea tree oil’s antiseptic properties may contribute to its ability to combat oily skin. A small 2016 study discovered that sunscreen containing tea tree oil for 30 days improved oiliness. Tea tree oil can be used with toner, moisturizer, or sunscreen. To make a mask, combine two drops of tea tree oil with bentonite clay.

Skin itch

Tea tree oil’s anti-inflammatory properties make it helpful in relieving the discomfort of itchy skin. In addition, it calms the skin and can aid in healing infections that cause itchy skin.

In a small 2012 study, tea tree oil effectively reduced itchy eyelids. The participants’ eyelids were massaged with a 5-percent tea tree oil ointment. Sixteen of the twenty-four participants eliminated their itching. The other eight people made some progress.

Apply a few drops of tea tree oil to your skin several times daily with a moisturizer or carrier oil.

Inflammation

Tea tree oil’s anti-inflammatory properties assist in soothing and relieving painful and irritated skin. It might also aid in the reduction of redness and swelling.

According to research, tea tree oil reduces inflamed skin caused by nickel sensitivity. Although this study used pure tea tree oil on the skin, it is usually recommended that tea tree oil be diluted with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin. For example, add a single drop of tea tree oil to a carrier oil or moisturizer and massage it into the affected area several times daily.

Tea tree oil and wound healing

Tea tree oil’s antibacterial properties make it an effective wound healer.

According to a 2013 study, tea tree oil aids in the healing of bacterial wounds. However, compared to conventional treatment alone, nine out of ten people who used tea tree oil in addition to traditional therapy had a shorter healing time.

Apply one drop of tea tree oil with a wound ointment cream as directed throughout the day.

Treatment for the hair and scalp

Tea tree oil has been studied in a shampoo formulation for mild to moderate dandruff. In one trial, 126 participants used either shampoo containing 5% tea tree oil or a placebo shampoo daily for four weeks; the tea tree oil shampoo group had a greater improvement in dandruff scores. This single study does not show that applying pure tea tree oil or a homemade mixture to the scalp will produce the same result. The PubMed record for the dandruff shampoo trial provides the study details.

If you choose to try tea tree oil shampoo, use a product formulated for the scalp and follow its label. Stop if it causes irritation or a rash.

The bottom line

Tea tree oil may help with some conditions, but the evidence is limited and depends on the condition and product tested. It can also irritate skin or cause an allergic reaction. Choose products made for the intended use, follow the label, and do not swallow the oil or use it near your eyes. For persistent or severe skin symptoms, ask a healthcare professional about appropriate treatment.