A review on efficacy and tolerability of tea tree oil for acne

Acne is common problem acquired generally after puberty. It ranges from mild to moderate: papules, pustules, nodules to severe cyst. Various natural therapy can be employed for treatment of acne including Tea tree oil (TTO). Tea tree oil has wide spectrum anti-microbial agent showing in treatment of acne. Usually it is utilized in various topical preparations. It contains more than 80-90% monoterpenes namely terpinen-4-ol, -cymene, α-terpinene, limonene 1,8-cineol, α-terpineol, terpinolene,  1,8-cineol, sabinene and  α-pinene,  The European cosmetic Association recommended not more than 1% use of tea tree oil in cosmetic preparations. In this review, we listed various efficacy and tolerability studies along with challenges in application of tea tree oil in cosmetics and dermatological preparations. TTO is a moderate sensitizer and upon oxidation it increases in its allergenic potency. This is a comprehensive review of using Tea tree oil against various microbial species. Various studies revealed the use of TTO as anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti- oxidant agent. TTO is effective treatment option that can further be utilized in preparation of novel formulations like liposomes, ethosomes along with combination with other anti-microbial and anti-oxidant agents. Keywords: Acne, Tea-tree oil, Application, Antioxidant, Nano particles