Evidence supporting the use of: Monoterpenes
For the health condition: Acne

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Monoterpenes, a class of terpenes commonly found in essential oils such as tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia), have been investigated for their potential role in supporting or treating acne. The most notable monoterpene in this context is terpinen-4-ol, the main active component of tea tree oil. Scientific studies have shown that tea tree oil exhibits antimicrobial activity against Propionibacterium acnes (now known as Cutibacterium acnes), a bacterium implicated in acne pathogenesis. Several small clinical trials support the efficacy of 5% tea tree oil gel in reducing both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions, with some studies showing comparable results to standard treatments such as benzoyl peroxide, albeit with a slower onset of action.

The mechanism attributed to monoterpenes includes antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and possibly antioxidant effects. However, the evidence base is limited: most trials have focused on whole essential oils rather than isolated monoterpenes, and the number of high-quality, large-scale randomized controlled trials is still small. Additionally, variability in formulation, concentration, and study design complicates direct comparisons. Side effects are generally mild but can include skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Overall, while there is scientific validation for the use of monoterpene-rich essential oils—particularly tea tree oil—in acne, the strength of evidence is moderate and further research is warranted.

More about Monoterpenes
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Other ingredients used for Acne

15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
Abrus
Ajoene
Allantoin
Allicin
Aloe vera
Alpha hydroxy acids
alpha-pinene
alpha-terpineol
andrographolide
Anemarrhena
anemarrhena asphodeloides
apple cider vinegar
argan nut oil
ash
Asteraceae
azelaic acid
babchi
banyan
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bassia scoparia
bee products
bee propolis
berberine
Bidens pilosa
black cumin
black seed
blackboard tree
burdock
bасора
Calendula
cannabichromene
cannabigerol
Cannabis sativa oil
carvacrol
caryophyllene
castile soap
Centipeda
chamomile
chinatree
Chinese raisintree
chlorophyllin
chrysanthemum
Clerodendrum indicum
coconut
copaiba oil
cucumber
Curcuma
curcumen
curcumin
Curcuminoid
Dianthus
DIM (diindolylmethane)
Eclipta
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
essential oil blend
estrogen
ethyl linoleate
eugenol
evening primrose oil
evening primrose oil
fatty acids
fulvic acid
gallic acid
garlic bulb
Glabridin
glyceryl monolaurate
Glycolic acid
green tea
heal-all
hemp
hemp oil
henna
herbal blend (proprietary)
Himalaya berry
honey
honeysuckle
Hydrocolloid
Immortelle
Indian fagonia
indigo leaves
Isatis
jojoba oil
Kigelia africana
Kokilaksha
L-cystine
Labdanum
lactic acid
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus reuteri
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lavender
licorice root
Litsea
Mahonia
mangostin
Marking Nut Tree
melaleuca alternifolia
Melia
Momordica
Monolaurin
Monoterpenes
Morinda
Neem tree
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
Nigella seed
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
oregon grape
oriental arborvitae
paederia foetida
Pansit-pansitan
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
Peptides
phenolic compounds
phlorotannins
probiotics
Propolis
scrophularia root
seaweed
Self-Heal
Sesquiterpenes
shen-chu
Shikonin
Smoketree
Soapberry
Sophora
Sphaeranthus indicus
Stellaria dichotoma
Tagetes
Tea Tree Oil
Terpenoids
Terpinen-4-ol
thyme
Thymol
Thymoquinone
Tinospora cordifolia
trace minerals
Triterpenes
turmeric
Viola
Violet
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
White Tea
Witch Hazel
Wrightia tinctoria
Xanthorrhizol
Zinc

Products containing Monoterpenes

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.