Essential Oils for Acne

Best Essential Oils for Acne

Essential oils for acne can be incorporated into a gentle skin-care routine to support clean, balanced, healthy-looking skin. Tea Tree essential oil is one of the best-known and most researched essential oils for acne-prone skin, while Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Cedarwood, Carrot Seed, Palmarosa, Myrrh, and Lemongrass essential oils offer complementary benefits for oily, blemish-prone, irritated, or sensitive skin. Together, these eight essential oils provide a range of options for creating personalized aromatherapy skin-care routines.

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How to Use Essential Oils for Acne

Some experienced aromatherapists use selected essential oils such as Tea Tree or Lavender in very small amounts as spot treatments. However, because facial skin is sensitive, dilution in a carrier oil and patch testing are generally recommended before topical use.

For broader skincare support, consider these DIY acne oil blends:

14-Day Skin Reset Routine

Cleanse: Wash your face and neck twice daily with pure soap.
Rinse: Rinse 2-5 times with warm running tap water.
Final Rinse: Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to final rinse water.
Avoid Makeup: Go makeup-free for 14 days.

Morning Acne Support Blend

Dilute in 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil:

Let absorb for 5 minutes, then blot off any excess oil with a tissue.

Alternative Acne Facial Blend

Combine with 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil:

Important: Do not exceed 2% total essential oils in your carrier oil. Always patch test before full application. Some individuals may experience sensitivity, but many report significant improvements in skin clarity.*

Enjoy these related articles regarding how to manage acne naturally and create your own natural body care recipes using essential oils.

*For educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information and these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent acne, infection, or any disease. Discontinue use if irritation occurs and consult a qualified healthcare professional for persistent or severe skin concerns.

References

Ali, B., Al-Wabel, N. A., Shams, S., Ahamad, A., Khan, S. A., & Anwar, F. (2015). Essential oils used in aromatherapy: A systematic review. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 5(8), 601–611.

Bassett, I. B., Pannowitz, D. L., & Barnetson, R. S. (1990). A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne. Medical Journal of Australia, 153(8), 455–458.

Buckle, J. (2015). Clinical Aromatherapy: Essential Oils in Healthcare (3rd ed.). Elsevier.

Enshaieh, S., Jooya, A., Siadat, A. H., & Iraji, F. (2007). The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 73(1), 22–25. doi:10.4103/0378-6323.30646.

Hammer, K. A., Carson, C. F., & Riley, T. V. (2006). Antimicrobial activity of essential oils and other plant extracts. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 86(6), 985–990.

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Aromatherapy.

Price, S., & Price, L. (2012). Aromatherapy for Health Professionals (4th ed.). Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.

Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.

Worwood, V. A. (2016). The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy (Revised ed.). New World Library.

Sources Supporting Traditional Aromatherapy Uses

Tea Tree Essential Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Tea Tree essential oil is one of the most extensively studied essential oils for acne-prone skin. Its cleansing and antimicrobial properties have made it a popular ingredient in topical skin care products formulated for blemishes and oily skin.

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 60 people with mild to moderate acne, a 5% Tea Tree oil gel significantly improved both total acne lesion counts and acne severity compared with placebo after 45 days.

An earlier randomized clinical trial involving 124 people compared 5% Tea Tree oil gel with 5% benzoyl peroxide. Both reduced inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions. Tea Tree acted more slowly but was associated with fewer side effects in that study.

For home aromatherapy skin care, Tea Tree essential oil should be properly diluted rather than assuming that the concentrations used in clinical formulations can be reproduced by applying undiluted essential oil directly to the skin.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Buckle (2015)
Price & Price (2012)
Tisserand & Young (2014)

Traditionally used in aromatherapy to soothe irritated skin, promote relaxation, and support normal skin recovery.

Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

Price & Price (2012)
Buckle (2015)

Traditionally used to calm sensitive skin and support skin comfort.

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)

Price & Price (2012)

Traditionally used in aromatherapy for oily skin and scalp care.

Carrot Seed (Daucus carota)

Price & Price (2012)

Traditionally used to support mature, dry, and environmentally stressed skin.

Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii)

Price & Price (2012)
Buckle (2015)

Traditionally used to promote healthy-looking skin and support moisture balance.

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)

Buckle (2015)
Price & Price (2012)

Traditionally used in aromatherapy to soothe dry or irritated skin.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Price & Price (2012)

Traditionally used to support sensitive skin and healthy skin appearance.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus)

Price & Price (2012)
Tisserand & Young (2014)

Traditionally used for oily skin and cleansing applications. Dilution is especially important because of its skin sensitization potential.

General Skin Care References

American Academy of Dermatology Association. Acne: Diagnosis and Treatment.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Acne.

Pure Aromatherapy for Body, Mind & Spirit