Supplement
Tea tree oil is an essential oil from the leaves of an Australian tree, with plant compounds that disrupt the membranes of fungi and other microbes. People mostly look at it for nail fungus, and the evidence is limited: trials in fungal infections found symptoms eased and appearance was similar to an antifungal cream, though the fungus cleared less often than with medicine. The studies were small, with about 200 people at most.
- Updated
- How we grade
- Best evidence
- Grade C
- Conditions studied
- 5
- Outcomes
- 5
- Graded outcomes
- 0041
Evidence by condition
- Strong
- Moderate
- Limited
- Very limited
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acne Lesions 5% tea tree oil similar efficacy to 5% benzoyl peroxide but slower onset (fewer side effects) | Changes; see studies | Moderate effect | 200 people |
Nail Fungus Onychomycosis
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fungal Cure 100% tea tree oil comparable to clotrimazole for appearance; lower mycological cure rate | Improves (the measure goes up) | Moderate effect | 180 people |
Athletes Foot
- Clinical Cure: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Cure 25-50% tea tree oil effective for symptomatic relief; lower mycological cure than antifungals | Improves (the measure goes up) | Moderate effect | 200 people |
Head Lice
- Lice Eradication: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lice Eradication Tea tree + lavender oil combination effective for lice | Improves (the measure goes up) | Moderate effect | 120 people |
Oral Health
- Gingivitis/Plaque: changes; see studies
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gingivitis/Plaque Gel formulations show modest effect; mouthwash limited evidence | Changes; see studies | Small effect | 60 people |
Key findings
- Acne LesionsChanges; see studies
- Fungal CureImproves (the measure goes up)
- Clinical CureImproves (the measure goes up)
Shop Tea Tree Oil
Third-party tested Tea Tree Oil products. The evidence above is limited, so read it before you buy.
- Grade C
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