Tea tree oil for acne

Tea tree oil should never be confused with tea oil, the sweet seasoning and cooking oil from pressed seeds of the tea plant Camellia sinensis, or the tea oil plant Camellia oleifera. It's an entirely different oil and tea tree oil is designed to only be applied topically. It is toxic when taken internally so you should never consume it. In the 1920s it was reported that tea tree oil had topical medical properties including antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral action. It's also believed to benefit cosmetic problems. Which is why you see tea tree oil for acne advertised as a product. As the cosmetic industry turns to natural based products instead of chemicals, tea tree oil is making a comeback.