Evidence supporting the use of: Terpinen-4-ol
For the health condition: Acne
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Terpinen-4-ol and Acne: Scientific Evidence Overview
Terpinen-4-ol is a primary active component of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) and is largely responsible for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Its use in acne treatment is supported by scientific studies, particularly those investigating tea tree oil formulations. Research indicates that terpinen-4-ol exhibits pronounced antibacterial activity against Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes), a key bacterium involved in acne pathogenesis. In vitro studies confirm that terpinen-4-ol inhibits the growth of this bacterium and may reduce the inflammatory response associated with acne lesions.
Clinical evidence, while limited, includes several randomized controlled trials comparing tea tree oil gels (which contain terpinen-4-ol as the major active constituent) to placebo or standard treatments. These studies generally report reduced lesion counts and improved acne severity scores over periods of 6-12 weeks of topical application. However, the overall quality and size of these studies are moderate, and few have evaluated isolated terpinen-4-ol as opposed to whole tea tree oil.
In summary, the use of terpinen-4-ol for acne can be considered scientifically supported, with moderate-quality evidence (rating: 3/5) primarily from studies on tea tree oil, with further research needed to confirm efficacy and safety of terpinen-4-ol as an isolated compound.
Other ingredients used for Acne
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone IAbrus
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
Other health conditions supported by Terpinen-4-ol
AcneAthlete's Foot
Bites and Stings
Boils
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Dermatitis
Fungal Infections
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Itching
Itching Ears
Jock Itch
Lice
Rashes and Hives
Scabies
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (infections)
Staph Infections
Thrush
Wounds and Sores
