A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne

Med J Aust. 1990 Oct 15;153(8):455-8. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1990.tb126150.x.

Abstract

Tea-tree oil (an essential oil of the Australian native tree Melaleuca alternifolia) has long been regarded as a useful topical antiseptic agent in Australia and has been shown to have a variety of antimicrobial activities; however, only anecdotal evidence exists for its efficacy in the treatment of various skin conditions. We have performed a single-blind, randomised clinical trial on 124 patients to evaluate the efficacy and skin tolerance of 5% tea-tree oil gel in the treatment of mild to moderate acne when compared with 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion. The results of this study showed that both 5% tea-tree oil and 5% benzoyl peroxide had a significant effect in ameliorating the patients' acne by reducing the number of inflamed and non-inflamed lesions (open and closed comedones), although the onset of action in the case of tea-tree oil was slower. Encouragingly, fewer side effects were experienced by patients treated with tea-tree oil.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / drug therapy*
  • Acne Vulgaris / pathology
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Benzoyl Peroxide / administration & dosage
  • Benzoyl Peroxide / adverse effects
  • Benzoyl Peroxide / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Gels
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Oils, Volatile / administration & dosage
  • Oils, Volatile / adverse effects
  • Oils, Volatile / therapeutic use*
  • Plant Oils / administration & dosage
  • Plant Oils / adverse effects
  • Plant Oils / therapeutic use*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Single-Blind Method
  • Skin / pathology
  • Time Factors
  • Trees*

Substances

  • Gels
  • Oils, Volatile
  • Plant Oils
  • Benzoyl Peroxide