Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). It has a strong menthol-like odor and antibacterial and antifungal properties.

The most economical option is to dilute pure tea tree oil with 19 portions of a carrier oil, like sunflower or mineral oil, as this ingredient is potent and irritating at high concentrations. (So, that’s 1 drop tea tree for every 19 drops carrier.)

Your acne is gonna love it: In skin care, tea tree oil is primarily used to target acne as it has the ability to kill Propionibacterium acnes, the main species of acne-causing bacteria.

If you don’t like benzoyl peroxide, try tea tree oil, which is less irritating. Research has found that 5 percent tea tree oil is as effective in reducing acne lesions as 5 percent benzoyl peroxide, although it acted a bit slower.

Where to find it: Tea tree oil can be found in lots of products that target acne-prone skin, like cleansers, serums, and spot treatments. When diluted, the mixture can be used all over the face, or as a spot treatment for pimples. Don’t try to use water to dilute this ingredient as it cannot be dispersed evenly without an emulsifier.