Tea Tree Medicated Gel For Acne
Tea Tree Medicated Gel For Acne
Product Description
A concentrated, invisible spot treatment gel with 20% pure Australian Tea Tree Oil that penetrates deep into the skin to help dry out pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and acne โ clinically shown to be as effective as Benzoyl Peroxide with fewer side effects.
โจ Texture & Feel
High-Potency Tea Tree Oil (20%)
Contains one of the highest concentrations of tea tree oil available in an over-the-counter spot treatment, providing powerful antibacterial action against acne-causing C. acnes bacteria.
Invisible Treatment Formula
The clear gel dries down invisibly on the skin, making it suitable for daytime use under makeup or as an overnight spot treatment without leaving a visible residue.
Benzoyl Peroxide Free
Offers a natural alternative to harsh chemical acne treatments. Clinical studies show 5% TTO performs comparably to 5% Benzoyl Peroxide with significantly fewer side effects like dryness and peeling.
Award-Winning Formula
Won Best Spot/Pimple Treatment at the 2018 Beautyheaven Best in Beauty Awards with a 4/5 star consumer rating, backed by decades of brand heritage since the 1970s.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
NOT safe for pregnancy or breastfeeding. The label explicitly states: "Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding." Contains camphor (0.5%) which is contraindicated during pregnancy.
NOT fungal acne safe. Contains Polysorbate 60 (a polysorbate that feeds Malassezia yeast) and Isopropyl Myristate (a fatty acid ester known to worsen fungal acne).
The 20% TTO concentration is potent and may cause irritation, redness, or a burning sensation on sensitive or broken skin. Patch test first. The label warns against use on irritated or sensitive skin.
Contains camphor. The label advises consulting a health care practitioner before use if you have epilepsy or asthma.
Do not use if you have a known allergy to plants of the Myrtaceae family (includes tea tree, eucalyptus, clove). Discontinue use if sensitivity occurs.
Free from benzoyl peroxide, synthetic parabens, mineral oils, propylene glycol, lauryl sulphates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic colours, and synthetic preservatives.
Not tested on animals. Free from animal-derived ingredients. Thursday Plantation is an Australian brand committed to natural formulations.
The label advises avoiding sun exposure on applied areas. Use sunscreen during the day when using this product.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ฟ Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil 20% Proven
The star ingredient โ 100% pure Australian-grown tea tree oil with potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. The active compound terpinen-4-ol (approximately 40% of TTO) is responsible for killing acne-causing C. acnes bacteria.
- Clinical Study (1990): A randomized trial on 124 patients found 5% TTO gel was as effective as 5% Benzoyl Peroxide for reducing inflamed and non-inflamed acne lesions, with fewer side effects.
- PMC Review (2023): Tea tree oil demonstrates good antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that decrease the number of inflammatory lesions, particularly papules and pustules.
- Concentration Note: This product contains 20% TTO โ significantly higher than the 5% used in clinical trials, making it a highly concentrated spot treatment.
โ๏ธ dl-Camphor 0.5% Proven
A naturally derived compound from the camphor tree that provides a cooling sensation and mild analgesic effect. It also acts as a counter-irritant to help temporarily relieve itching and discomfort associated with acne.
- Function: Acts as a mild local anesthetic and anti-itch agent, providing soothing relief to inflamed blemishes.
- Penetration enhancer: Camphor may help improve the penetration of tea tree oil into the skin.
๐งช Carbomer 940 <1% Supportive
A synthetic polymer used as a thickening and gelling agent to create the product's clear gel consistency. It forms a smooth, non-tacky base that holds the active ingredients in place on the skin.
- Function: Creates the gel texture and helps the product adhere to the skin for sustained delivery of tea tree oil to the affected area.
- Safety: Well-tolerated and widely used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic gel formulations at concentrations below 1%.
๐ฌ Isopropyl Myristate Low Supportive
An emollient and penetration enhancer that helps the gel spread smoothly and allows active ingredients to absorb more efficiently into the skin.
- Function: Improves the skin-feel and spreadability of the formula while enhancing absorption of tea tree oil.
8 ingredients
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree Oil) 20% w/w, dl-Camphor 0.5% w/w, Water/Aqua, Polysorbate 60, Ethanol, Isopropyl Myristate, Carbomer 940, Triethanolamine
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply as a targeted spot treatment after cleansing and toning, before serums and moisturizer. Use morning and evening. For daytime, always follow with sunscreen as the label advises avoiding sun exposure on treated areas.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse Skin Thoroughly
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Ensure the skin is clean and free of makeup, dirt, and excess oil before application.
Apply a Small Amount to Affected Areas
Squeeze a tiny dab of the clear gel onto a clean fingertip or cotton bud. Apply directly to individual pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads. A little goes a long way โ avoid over-applying.
Let It Absorb
Allow the gel to sit on the skin for 15โ30 seconds until it dries down. The formula will become invisible once absorbed. Do not rub or spread it across a large area.
Continue Your Routine
Once absorbed, follow with your serum and moisturizer. In the morning, apply sunscreen as the final step. Use morning and evening for best results.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have mild to moderate acne (pimples, whiteheads, blackheads)
- You want a natural, benzoyl peroxide-free spot treatment
- You prefer plant-based and minimalist ingredient lists
- You need an invisible daytime or overnight treatment
- You respond well to tea tree oil-based products
- You want a concentrated formula that targets individual blemishes
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (label explicitly warns against use)
- You have fungal acne (contains Polysorbate 60 and Isopropyl Myristate)
- You have very sensitive, broken, or eczema-prone skin
- You are allergic to Myrtaceae family plants (tea tree, eucalyptus)
- You dislike strong medicinal/tea tree scents
- You need a full-face acne treatment rather than a spot treatment
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
The drying and mattifying gel formula works exceptionally well on oily skin. Helps dry out excess sebum in blemishes without over-stripping surrounding skin when used as directed.
Ideal for targeted use on oily, acne-prone zones (T-zone) without affecting drier areas. Spot treatment application means it only goes where you need it.
Works well for occasional breakouts. The high 20% TTO concentration is effective for spot treating individual blemishes. Follow with moisturizer to prevent localized dryness.
The drying nature of TTO and ethanol may cause additional dryness and peeling around treated areas. Always follow with a rich moisturizer and use sparingly.
The label explicitly warns against use on sensitive or irritated skin. The 20% TTO concentration is potent and may cause redness, burning, or allergic reactions. Patch test essential.
Effective for mild to moderate acne as a spot treatment. However, contains Isopropyl Myristate (comedogenic rating 5), so best used only on active blemishes rather than applied broadly.
๐ Results Timeline
Initial Drying Effect
The high concentration of tea tree oil begins to dry out the blemish. You may notice slight cooling from the camphor and a reduction in redness. The gel works best on early-stage pimples.
70% noticed initial effectsVisible Reduction in Pimple Size
Most users report a noticeable decrease in the size and redness of treated blemishes. Whiteheads and smaller pimples may flatten or dry up completely by this stage.
65% saw significant reductionBlemishes Clear Up
With consistent twice-daily application, most treated blemishes should have dried out and begun healing. Inflammation is noticeably reduced. New breakouts may appear smaller when caught early with the gel.
60% reported clearer skinOngoing Maintenance Results
Users who incorporate the gel into their daily routine report fewer overall breakouts and faster healing times. Clinical studies show TTO achieves comparable results to Benzoyl Peroxide by the 6-week mark.
55% reported fewer new breakoutsโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- High-potency 20% tea tree oil โ one of the strongest OTC concentrations available
- Effective at drying out pimples quickly, often within 2โ3 days
- Invisible clear gel suitable for daytime or nighttime use
- Free from benzoyl peroxide and harsh synthetic chemicals
- Minimalist 8-ingredient formula with known, simple ingredients
- A little goes a long way โ one tube can last 1โ2 months or more
- Award-winning formula backed by clinical evidence for TTO efficacy
- Affordable price point compared to many specialty acne treatments
โ Criticized
- Strong medicinal tea tree oil scent that some users find unpleasant
- Can cause irritation, redness, or burning on sensitive skin
- Contains Isopropyl Myristate (comedogenic rating 5) and Polysorbate 60
- Not safe for pregnancy, breastfeeding, or fungal acne
- Small tube sizes (10g/25g) may not feel like good value
- Slower onset of action compared to Benzoyl Peroxide
- Hard to squeeze product from tube near the end
- Not effective for severe or cystic acne โ best for mild to moderate cases
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Contains tea tree oil in a convenient roll-on stick format. Lower TTO concentration but includes additional soothing botanicals like chamomile and lavender. Easier to apply on-the-go.
Australian tea tree oil-based gel with a similar concept but lower concentration. Includes aloe vera for added soothing. Larger tube size offers better value per gram but less potent formula.
Contains 15% tea tree oil in a liquid format rather than gel. More premium price but from a well-known brand. Includes tamanu oil and lemon tea tree for additional benefits. Liquid form may be less precise for spot treatment.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Gel
~$12Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
~$17COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch
~$7La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+
~$30๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Tea tree oil oxidizes with heat and light exposure, which can reduce effectiveness and increase the risk of skin irritation.
Squeeze tube (25g or 10g) โ opaque packaging helps protect the tea tree oil from light degradation
Yes, well under 100ml. The compact 10g or 25g tube is TSA-approved and fits easily in a toiletry bag or purse.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
No. The product label explicitly states: "Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding." This is primarily due to the camphor (0.5%) content, which is contraindicated during pregnancy, as well as the high concentration of tea tree oil (20%). If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider and consider alternatives like hydrocolloid pimple patches which are generally considered safe.
No. This product is not fungal acne safe. It contains Polysorbate 60 (a polysorbate that can feed Malassezia yeast) and Isopropyl Myristate (a fatty acid ester that is known to worsen fungal acne). While tea tree oil itself has antifungal properties, the overall formulation is not suitable for malassezia-related skin conditions. For fungal acne, consider products with only fungal acne-safe ingredients.
Use with caution. Tea tree oil at 20% is already potent and potentially irritating. Layering it with other active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, or BHAs can increase the risk of irritation, dryness, and a damaged skin barrier. If you want to use them together, apply them at different times of day โ for example, use this gel in the morning and retinol at night, or vice versa. Do not layer directly on top of each other on the same area.
This gel is best suited for oily and combination skin types with mild to moderate acne. The drying gel formula works especially well on oily skin. It is NOT recommended for sensitive, broken, or eczema-prone skin, as the label explicitly warns against use on these skin types. Dry skin types should use sparingly and always follow with a moisturizer.
Most users report initial drying effects within 1โ2 days and noticeable reduction in pimple size within 3โ5 days. Full clearing of treated blemishes typically takes 1โ2 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. Clinical research shows tea tree oil achieves comparable results to Benzoyl Peroxide by the 6-week mark, but with a slower initial onset. Results are best when applied early to developing blemishes.
Apply this gel as Step 3 in your routine โ after cleansing and toning, but before serums and moisturizer. Use it as a targeted spot treatment directly on individual blemishes, not as a full-face product. Apply morning and evening. In the morning, always follow your routine with sunscreen, as the label advises avoiding sun exposure on treated areas.
This product has a comedogenic rating of approximately 3 out of 5, primarily due to the inclusion of Isopropyl Myristate, which has an individual comedogenic rating of 5 (highly comedogenic). However, because this is a spot treatment meant to be applied only to active blemishes rather than across the entire face, the pore-clogging risk is significantly reduced. Avoid applying it to large areas of clear skin.
The estimated Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. However, tea tree oil can oxidize over time, especially if stored improperly. To maximize shelf life, store the tube in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. If the product changes color, consistency, or develops an unusual smell, discontinue use. Many users report that the 25g tube lasts 1โ2 months with twice-daily spot treatment use.
Verdict: Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Medicated Gel For Acne is a potent, no-nonsense spot treatment with one of the highest tea tree oil concentrations (20%) available over the counter. Its minimalist 8-ingredient formula and clinical backing make it a solid natural alternative to Benzoyl Peroxide for mild to moderate acne. The award-winning gel dries invisibly, works well on oily and combination skin, and a little truly goes a long way. However, the inclusion of Isopropyl Myristate and Polysorbate 60 means it is not safe for fungal acne, and the label explicitly warns against use during pregnancy and on sensitive skin. The strong tea tree scent is polarizing, and it is slower-acting than chemical alternatives. Best for those who prefer a natural, targeted approach to spot treating individual pimples and blemishes.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinโs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging ยซpromisesยป it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 3 |
Polysorbate 60
Surfactant, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 0 |
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Perfuming, Antioxidant
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Alcohol
Antimicrobial, Astringent, Masking, Solvent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Isopropyl Myristate
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Perfuming, Emollient, Fragrance, Binding Agent, Binding
|
|