There are a whole host of well-known skincare ingredients that have hit the big time in recent years - we're talking about the likes of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and retinol to name but a few - and so it's very easy to forget those that came before. Back in the noughties ingredients like vitamin C were barely on our radar but tea tree oil? Now that was a wonder ingredient. Pitched as the natural way to look after breakout-prone skin this botanical ingredient was bought in en masse and yet the last decade has seen its popularity dwindle. Until now.
Tea tree oil is back in business and while it might not sound as flashy as the new gen likes of salicylic acid, no one can deny that it really works.
Why is tea tree oil good for skin?
Let's rewind for a minute. What is it that makes tea tree oil so effective? Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of Melaleuca Alternifolia plant, a small shrub native to Australia. It has been used by Aboriginal Australians as traditional medicine for centuries.
Tea tree has major antiseptic properties meaning it's ultra effective at killing excess bacteria, viruses and fungi on the skin. Research has also shown that tea tree oil can help to reduce inflammation and speed up healing by triggering the activity of white blood cells.
Why did tea tree oil disappear as a skincare ingredient recently?
If tea tree is so good you might be wondering why it seemingly disappeared from the beauty shelves during the last decade. Well, the short answer is that tea tree oil didn't disappear. While ingredients like salicylic acid, bakuchoil and glycolic acid were enjoying the spotlight with regards to big beauty campaigns, tea tree oil simply took a backseat and wasn't marketed as heavily. Look at the ingredient list of some of your favourite skincare products though - particularly if they're targeted to spot-prone skin types - and you'll often that tea tree oil features. This season sees tea tree step back into the limelight with brands like Dr.Jart+ launching tea tree focused ranges. Scroll on down to shop the best of the bunch below:
Shop: The Best Tea Tree Skincare Products To Shop Now
Best tea tree skincare products
1 of 6Dr.Jart+ Anti-Blemish Trial Kit, £22
This handy trial-size kit is perfect if you want to give tea tree a test without committing to full-size products. Included is Dr Jart's Cleansing Foam, Toner, Moisturiser and cult Cica Repair Balm. Packed full of tea tree and niacinamide - you're guaranteed to want to stock up on the full sizes once you're done with this handy kit!
2 of 6Carbon Theory Charcoal and Tea Tree Oil Break-Out Control Facial Cleansing Bar, £6
Formulated with charcoal and tea tree, this cleansing bar is perfect for oily or spot-prone skin. Added shea butter ensures your skin is left hydrated - never stripped.
3 of 6The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash, £8.50
This vegan cleansing wash is another goodie packed with tea tree oil that's formulated especially for oily and blemish prone skin. Skin is left mattified after just one wash - impressive.
4 of 6Dr.Jart+ Ctrl-A Teatreement™ Soothing Spot, £17
Formulated with calamine, tea tree and niacinamide - this on-spot treatment is perfect for zapping zits in their wake. Simpy dip a cotton swab into the liquid and gently dab onto the specific area you want to target.
5 of 6VERSED SKINCARE Nix It Spot Solution, £12
This spot treatment harnesses the power of tea tree (along with salicylic acid and lavender, lemon and rosemary oils) to help control excess oil, soothe redness, fight bacteria, and prevent blemishes from forming.
6 of 6Briogeo B. Well Tea Tree + Eucalyptus Clean Natural Deodorant, £13.50
Tea tree isn't only a spot saviour - it's a great natural deodorant ingredient. This tea tree and eucalyptus rich deodorant smells zingy and keeps you feeling fresh all day long.
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