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

Bassett et al., 1990 | Med J Aust | Rct

Citation

Bassett I B, Pannowitz D L, Barnetson R S. A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne. Med J Aust. 1990-Oct-15;153(8):455-8

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.

Key Findings

Encouragingly, fewer side effects were experienced by patients treated with tea-tree oil.

Outcomes Measured

Requires manual extraction

Population

Field	Value
Population	See abstract
Sample Size	124
Age Range	See abstract
Condition	See abstract

MeSH Terms

Acne Vulgaris
Adolescent
Adult
Benzoyl Peroxide
Child
Female
Gels
Humans
Male
Oils, Volatile
Plant Oils
Prospective Studies
Single-Blind Method
Skin
Time Factors
Trees

Evidence Classification

Level: Rct
Publication Types: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
Vertical: tea-tree-oil

Provenance

PMID: 2145499
DOI: (not available)
PMCID: Not in PMC
Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09