There seems to be a debate among many skin-care experts as to whether tea tree oil or benzoyl peroxide is the best all natural acre remedy. With so much mudslinging between products that focus on one or the other, we thought that we would offer an unbiased review of which ingredient actually performs better.

Effectiveness

For years it was thought that benzoyl peroxide was the more powerful alternative. The fact that it caused so much skin irritation showed that it was effective but came with a price. However, recent studies have proven that a formula that uses a 5% concentration of tea tree oil can produce the same acne-clearing benefits as any benzoyl peroxide mix using the same percentage. However, it is still the consensus that benzoyl peroxide works faster.

Safety

Both compounds are relatively safe as long as used correctly. The American Cancer Society has said that: “Tea tree oil is toxic when swallowed. It has been reported to cause drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, coma, unsteadiness, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, blood cell abnormalities, and severe rashes.” It has also been identified as causing potential inner-ear problems if used inside the ear. While these side effects do sound severe, tea tree oil is safe when only applied to the skin. Some people have reported being sensitive to it, but the majority of users experience nothing but benefits.

Unlike the ingredient above, benzoyl peroxide doesn’t really threaten many adverse effects when swallowed. Instead, it has a higher likelihood of causing skin irritation on the surface. Among those with sensitive skin, this compound frequently causes burning, peeling, itching, and sometimes swelling. The good news though is that most users develop a tolerance to the side effects within a few weeks, all while still being effective against acne. But overall, Tea Tree Oil is still less harsh on the skin.

Price

Both ingredients are rather cost effective in that a small 5% concentration of either compound can be used to great effect. However, 5% benzoyl peroxide concentrations have proven no more effective than a 2.5% concentration. This makes benzoyl peroxide slightly more cost effective and may offer better bang for your buck.

The Victor

If you ask us, they’re both winners. While benzoyl peroxide may be slightly more cost effective, tea tree oil products definitely cause less irritation. In either case though, they yield pretty much the same anti-acne results, clearing away dead skin and clearing pimples and zits, easily and quickly.

Instead of deciding on one or the other, there are several formulas that include both. The best acne treatment we’ve seen to leverage the power of both these compounds is a topical cream called Nanocleanse. This prescription-strength treatment is guaranteed to safely and comfortably dispel acne in just 72 hours. If you want to get rid of your acne in just three days of use, buy Nanocleanse today.