Tea tree oil has powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that have been shown to benefit our skin.
Tea tree oil is an essential oil extracted from a small, shrubby tree native to Australia—Melaleuca alternifolia. It's been used medicinally for centuries to address a variety of conditions.
Research shows that tea tree oil has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, and even antiviral properties. A study comparing tea tree oil to benzoylperoxide found that both were very effective at treating acne. Benzoylperoxide was more effective at reducing inflamed acne, but tea tree oil performed essentially the same in reducing non-inflamed acne and had fewer negative side effects. Other studies found that tea tree oil is a more effective anti-eczematic than some traditional treatments and even has great potential in treating scabies.
Is it safe?
Tea tree oil is powerful and you should not apply pure tea tree oil to your skin without first consulting a doctor. Studies looking at tea tree applied to skin find that that between 0.1% and 3% of the population may experience some type of reaction, in part depending on the strength of the tea tree oil and prior exposure. Redmond Clay Charcoal Masks have about 0.0008 ounces in each four ounce tube, which makes it unlikely to result in skin irritation or an allergic reaction.
Still feeling unsure?
We’re sold on the safety and benefits of using tea tree oil in facial mud, but we understand if you’re not. Our non-charcoal, Redmond Clay Facial Mud has all the benefits of Redmond Clay and nano silver without tea tree oil—the perfect option if tea tree oil isn’t your thing.
Want to learn more? Here are just a few of the many research articles and studies looking at topical uses of tea tree oil:
- Research: Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties
- Study: A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne
- Study: Comparing tea tree oil and other eczema treatments
- Research Article: Therapeutic Potential of Tea Tree Oil for Scabies
- Research: Testing tea tree’s anti-inflammatory effects on human skin