6 Simple Ways To Use Tea Tree Oil To Remove Blackheads

An ancient and simple ingredient that deeply cleanses your pores and hydrates your skin.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Hari Hara Sudhan, MD
Written by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma
Edited by Anjali Sayee, BTech
Fact-checked by Monomita Chakraborty, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Skin Care Coach  • 

When you see a blackhead, the first and foremost thing you do is nothing but squeeze and scrub it. Though some sources suggest this method, a lot many disapprove of this. That is where you can use tea tree oil for blackhead removal. The properties of tea tree oil which is one of the most beneficial essential oil, makes blackhead removal much simpler. In this article, we discuss how tea tree oil aids in removing blackheads and six different ways you can use tea tree oil to remove blackheads. Scroll down.

What Are Blackheads?

Blackheads are a common symptom of mild acne and are characterized by bumpy, clogged hair follicles or pores. They are also called open comedones. They appear black at the surface because the trapped dirt and sebum oxidize and turn black when exposed to air. Blackheads do not indicate serious health problems but may lead to severe skin infections if they are persistent and left untreated.

What Causes Blackheads?

Blackheads are caused when hair follicles are clogged with sebum and dead skin cells that are pushed through the skin’s surface, causing open bumps. The clogged follicles themselves may be caused by poor hygiene, excessive oil production, hormonal changes, or medication reactions.

Does Tea Tree Oil Remove Blackheads?

Tea tree oil is full of antioxidants and has excellent disinfecting, soothing, and antibacterial properties (1). For this reason, it makes for an excellent ingredient when it comes to treating different forms of acne and achieving skin hydration. The oil makes its way under the clogging in your pores by penetrating your skin deeply. It then helps disinfect the pores and dries out the blackhead and unclogs your pores.

How To Use Tea Tree Oil To Get Rid Of Blackheads

1. Fuller’s Earth And Tea Tree Oil For Blackheads

Fuller's Earth and tea tree oil for blackheads
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Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 2-3 drops tea tree oil
  • 1 tbsp fuller’s earth
  • 1 tbsp water
  • A steamer
Prep Time

2 minutes.

Treatment Time

25 minutes.

Method
  1. Steam your face for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Combine the ingredients until you get a smooth mixture.
  3. Evenly apply this mixture onto your face as you would a face mask. Avoid getting too close to your eyes or your mouth.
  4. Leave the mask on for about 10-15 minutes.
  5. Rinse off with warm water and pat your skin dry.
How Often?

Twice a week.

Why This Works

This face mask helps draw out the excess oils from your face and dries out any acne and blemishes. It helps disinfect and unclog your pores, while the fuller’s earth, being a wonderful ingredient for skin repair, nourishes your skin with its high mineral content. The effectiveness of fuller’s earth as a face mask is based on anecdotal evidence (2), (1)

protip_icon Quick Tip
Be careful while handling fuller’s earth as it may cause throat irritation if inhaled or may get into your eyes.

2. Tea Tree Oil Bath For Blackheads

Bath made with tea tree oil for blackheads
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Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • A hot bath.
  • 1 tsp tea tree oil
  • 2 cups Epsom salt
Prep Time

2 minutes.

Treatment Time

30-45 minutes.

Method
  1. Draw a hot bath and add about a teaspoon of tea tree oil and two cups of Epsom salt.
  2. Soak in the bath for 30-45 minutes.
  3. Step out of the bath and pat yourself dry.
How Often?

1-2 times a week.

Why This Works

A hot bath helps open up your pores and unclogs them. The tea tree oil helps dry out the blackheads and get rid of them. The Epsom salt in the bath will help gently promote skin exfoliation while cleansing out your pores (3), (4).

protip_icon Quick Tip
You can also use this mixture as a facial soak with a clean washcloth or as a spot treatment with cotton balls for the ultimate skin nourishment experience. Wash it off with warm water.

3. Tea Tree Oil Facial Scrub For Blackheads

Facial scrub made with tea tree oil for blackheads
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Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 1 tbsp fine sugar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1-2 drops tea tree oil
  • A steamer
Prep Time

2 minutes.

Treatment Time

15 minutes.

Method
  1. Steam your face for about 5-10 minutes.
  2. Combine all the ingredients until you get a coarse mixture.
  3. Apply this mixture onto your face and massage gently in circular motions.
  4. Massage for a couple of minutes and then rinse your face with cool water.
How Often?

2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

This tea tree oil scrub will help exfoliate your face with its anti-inflammatory properties while also unclogging your pores by drying out the blackheads. Ensure that you are using pure olive oil as other variants may end up worsening the condition of your blackheads (5).

4. Tea Tree Oil Moisturizer For Blackheads

Moisturizer made with tea tree oil for blackheads
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Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • Non-comedogenic moisturizer
  • 1 drop tea tree oil
Prep Time

2 minutes.

Treatment Time

2 minutes.

Method
  • Wash your face with warm water to help relax your pores.
  • Dispense a pea-sized or coin-sized amount of your non-comedogenic moisturizer.
  • To this, add a drop of tea tree oil.
  • Gently massage the moisturizer into your skin, paying special attention to the blackhead-prone areas.
How Often?

Everyday.

Why This Works

As your moisturizer seeps into your skin, the tea tree oil in it will make its way into your pores, disinfecting and getting rid of any acne or blackheads, reducing scarring, and promoting skin hydration. This is one of the simplest ways to ensure that your skin stays hydrated and blackhead-free.

5. Jojoba And Tea Tree Oil For Blackheads

Jojoba and tea tree oil for blackheads
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Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 1 tsp jojoba oil
  • 1 drop tea tree oil
  • A steamer
Prep Time

2 minutes.

Treatment Time

10 minutes.

Method
  1. Steam your face for a couple of minutes to help relax your pores.
  2. Combine the ingredients to create an oil blend.
  3. Massage this oil blend into your skin in gentle circular motions.
  4. Massage for about 5 minutes and then proceed to wash your face with cool water and a cleanser.
How Often?

Every night before you sleep.

Why This Works

Jojoba oil’s structure is very similar to that of the naturally produced oils in your skin. This allows the oil to easily penetrate your skin, dissolve impurities, and promote pore cleansing. In combination with tea tree oil, it creates the perfect blackhead combating blend (6), (7)..

A blogger shared their experience of using a tea tree oil and vegetable oil blend for acne in their blog. They said, “Using this simple blend consistently, makes the pimples disappear in no time, leaving my skin soft and scar free. It also works on dark spots, blemishes, blackheads and existing acne scars (i).”

6. Tea Tree Oil Cleanser For Blackheads

Cleanser made with tea tree oil for blackheads
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Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • One squeeze of an oil-free facial cleanser
  • 1-2 drops of tea tree oil
Prep Time

1 minute.

Treatment Time

2 minutes.

Method
  • Splash your face with warm water to help relax your pores.
  • Dispense a pea-sized or a coin-sized amount of your facial cleanser.
  • To this, add a drop of tea tree oil.
  • Gently massage your face with the cleanser until you work up a good lather.
  • After about a minute of massaging, rinse your face with cool water.
How Often?

1-2 times a day.

Why This Works

Not only is this method extremely convenient but it also works wonders. Mixing tea tree oil in your cleanser allows the oil to penetrate your clogged pores, dry them out, and unclog them for the best skin regeneration experience. Regular use of this remedy will ensure that you’re free of blackheads. Just ensure that you’re using a good non-comedogenici  XA skin care or makeup product designed in such a way that it won’t clog pores. moisturizer after you wash your face.

Infographic: 5 DIY Tea Tree Oil Remedies To Remove Blackheads

Squeezing, exfoliation, and nose strips can provide a temporary solution to your blackheads but often end up irritating the skin. This is why tea tree oil is a preferred natural remedy for blackheads and great facial cleansing for all skin types including oily skin.It decongests the pores and prevents bacterial infection that can lead to acne.

Check out the infographic below for 5 effective ways to clear blackheads with tea tree oil.

5 diy tea tree oil remedies to remove blackheads (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Tea tree oil works effectively in enhancing skin health, skin softening, treating blackheads by drying them out and unclogging the pores. You can mix tea tree oil with Fuller’s earth or go for a tea tree oil bath for blackhead removal. This oil can be mixed with a facial scrub made with olive oil as well. In addition, tea tree oil can be used as a moisturizer or mixed with jojoba oil for blackhead removal. It can also be used as a cleanser to reduce blackheads and acne. Try including these remedies in your skin care regimen twice or thrice a week to reduce the appearance of blackheads effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply tea tree oil directly to the face?

No. Always dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin.

Can I leave tea tree oil on my face overnight?

Yes, it is safe to leave diluted tea tree oil on the face overnight.

Which is better – salicylic acidi  XAn organic compound better known for its acne-reducing properties. or tea tree oil?

While both are good for minimizing acne, salicylic acid is a staple for treating acne. This BHA promotes exfoliation to decongest pores to reduce breakouts and regulates sebumi  XAn oily, waxy substance produced by the sebaceous glands in the body. production.

Key Takeaways

  • Dilute tea tree oil with any carrier oils like coconut or jojoba before applying it on your skin.
  • Use tea tree oil to remove blackheads, promote skin detoxification, and support in reducing inflammation.
  • Mix tea tree oil with a mild scrub to use it as an exfoliant to reduce acne.
  • A tea tree oil massage rejuvenates and hydrates dry skin, treats dead skin cells, reduce clogged pores and blackheads.
tea tree oil for blackheads

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team


Learn how to use tea tree oil to remove blackheads quickly and easily. Scroll down to watch the video and discover four simple methods to get rid of those pesky blackheads.

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22998411/
  2. Short Communication Multani Mitti -Is it more than a placebo?
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336868352_Short_Communication_Multani_Mitti_-Is_it_more_than_a_placebo
  3. Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC1360273/
  4. Interaction of mineral salts with the skin: A literature survey
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/227393833_Interaction_of_mineral_salts_with_the_skin_A_literature_survey
  5. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/
  6. Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry Pharmaceutical Uses and Toxicity
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC8197201/
  7. Treatment Modalities for Acne
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6273829/
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