- Tea tree oil is the latest acne-fighting ingredient, lauded for the calming and anti-inflammatory effects that help it soothe blemishes.
- Our top pick is The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil, a multiuse, vegan oil that can be applied as a spot treatment to diminish breakouts and redness.
With so many ingredients claiming to be "the ultimate acne fighter" it's tough to decide which one is worth the investment. Do you go for a salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide spot treatment? A glycolic acid toner? All of the above? What's more, acne-fighting ingredients are often sensitizing to those with reactive complexions.
If nothing you've tried has worked, you may want to give tea tree oil a shot. The ingredient has been found to have antiinflammatory effects, which means it can help treat a variety of issues, from inflamed blemishes to dry patches. Marie Claire's senior beauty editor, Chloe Metzger, loves tea tree oil as an acne treatment for her sensitive skin.
According to the Mayo Clinic, tea tree oil is a safe product to use. "When used topically, tea tree oil is generally safe and might be helpful in treating acne and other superficial skin infections." Side effects are low, but people with eczema should avoid it. While studies have shown the positive effects of tea tree oil, it should be noted that studies are inconclusive.
No ingredient is one-size-fits-all, but if I have you intrigued thus far, check out these five great tea tree oil beauty products. Introducing anything new to your skin care routine is a risk, so before you dive in headfirst, apply on a small area of your skin and keep an eye out for signs of irritation. Or, consult a dermatologist to see if tea tree oil could work for you.
Here are the best tea tree oil beauty products in 2019:
- Best overall: The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil
- Best face mask: Biossance Squalane + Tea Tree Detox Mask
- Best concealer: IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Full Coverage Treatment Concealer
- Best shampoo: Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo
- Best moisturizer: The Body Shop Tea Tree Mattifying Lotion
Keep scrolling to read more about our top picks.
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