Do tea tree and thyme work as well as antiseptic creams? –

Antiseptics for cuts and skin irritations often contain some type of man-made chemical.

But recently, driven in part by fears of increased bacterial resistance, scientists and manufacturers have developed antiseptics with more natural methods to fight germs.

Artificial antiseptics work by targeting and killing a single part of a bacterium, but that part can develop over time and the antiseptic becomes ineffective.

The suggestion is that natural antiseptics are more complex as they contain a mix of active compounds that are thought to work together to target different parts of the bacteria, making resistance less likely.

This has sparked an explosion in traditional antiseptic ingredients like tea tree oil and manuka honey. Last year’s survey revealed that seven out of ten people prefer products labeled ‘natural’.

But are nature’s antiseptics effective? Good Health asked experts to review some of their latest products, from creams to toothpastes. Then we evaluated them.

tea tree cream

Nelson’s Tea Tree Cream, 30ml, £4, amazon.co.uk

The claim: The manufacturer calls it a “soothing” skin cream that uses Australian tea tree oil (derived from the leaves of the tea tree plant), known for its “excellent antiseptic properties.”

Expert Verdict: “There is limited evidence for the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of tea tree oil on the skin,” says Justine Hextall, MD, a dermatologist at the Tarrant Street Clinic in Arundel, West Sussex. “But no solid studies have been done on real people – most just look at the test tube effect.

‘Pure tea tree oil must contain at least 30% of the main antibacterial ingredient, terpinen-4-ol, but the concentration of tea tree oil-based formulations can vary – there is no accepted effective level.

“It is unclear how much this cream contains. However, it shouldn’t hurt and can help with minor scratches or rashes.

6/10

essential oils

Avena Lip Butter, 10ml, £7.99, avena.co.uk

Claim: A blend of “antifungal and antiseptic essential oils” “for essential wounds”, including tea tree and lavender.

Expert Verdict: “About 65 percent of adults have been exposed to the common herpes virus, which causes herpes around the mouth,” says Dr. hextall

When trapped, it stays dormant in the nervous system, but can be reactivated by stress, sunlight, and physical trauma, causing ulcers.

Antiviral drugs that prevent the virus from multiplying are first-line therapy, with acyclovir being the most widely used. But the virus appears to be increasingly resistant to acyclovir – some clinical studies show it doesn’t work in a third of cases.

Small laboratory studies suggest that tea tree oil may help fight the herpes virus, but clinical studies are needed to compare it to acyclovir.

Lavender oil has some proven benefits, but it can irritate sensitive skin. If topical acyclovir does not reduce flare-ups, this product may be worth trying. “The stronger oral acyclovir may be prescribed for severe infections,” he said.

5/10

Honey-based gel

Comvita Medihoney Antibacterial Wound Gel, 25g, £10.43, amazon.co.uk

Claim: A “medically sterilized” manuka honey gel to promote wound healing and reduce the risk of damaged skin infection.

Expert Verdict: ‘Manuka honey is UMF-rated [unique manuka factor]It reflects the amount of naturally antibacterial methylglyoxal produced when bees convert nectar from the manuka bush into honey,” says Dr. Hexall.

“Ten (out of 25) points – as included in this product – are required to classify a product as ‘medical grade’.

For medical use, Manuka honey is used in some NHS hospitals to aid the healing of leg ulcers and to prevent infection of cesarean section wounds. A 2012 review from Cardiff Metropolitan University concluded that medicinal honey dressings may be beneficial in combating the MRSA superbug.

“People who are allergic to bees should avoid it, but overall it can be safe and effective.”

8/10

pepper shampoo

Noah Pepper and Black Pepper Strengthening Shampoo, 250ml, £6.99, hollandandbarrett.com

Claim: Contains black pepper and peppermint essential oil, which have “antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help improve scalp health.”

Expert Verdict: “There is some evidence for the antiseptic effects of black pepper oil and the antibacterial and antifungal effects of peppermint oil,” says Dr. Hexall.

“Both contain active ingredients” [aldehydes and phenolics] can kill bacteria in the tubes. The most common scalp issue I see is caused by malassezia, a yeast fungus that can cause seborrheic dermatitis (areas of red, scaly skin around the eyebrows and nose) and dandruff.

“The most successful treatments are zinc pyrithione, which inhibits yeast growth, and ketoconazole, which kills yeast. For excessive shedding, I recommend an anti-inflammatory lotion like betnovate and a shampoo with ketoconazole.

“This shampoo can help with milder fungal infections, but it also contains essential oils that can irritate some of the skin.”

6/10

calendula spray

Weleda Calendula Cuts & Abrasions, 20ml, £7.25, weleda.co.uk

Claim: cleansing spray with “natural antiseptic properties of calendula” [a flower also known as marigold] Extract’.

Expert Verdict: Dr Thivi Marutthappu, dermatologist at Cadogan Clinic in London, says, “The packaging says this product is ‘based on traditional uses only’, which means it’s backed by scientific evidence, not its history as an herbal remedy.

“Studies comparing calendula extract with antimicrobials such as chlorhexidine” [found in products such as Savlon] He discovered that it killed less bacteria.

Before applying the antiseptic cream, I recommend that you clean the cuts and scratches with unscented soap and water and dry them.

4/10

myrrh mouthwash

Neal’s Yard Medicines Lavender Myrrh Mouth Wash, 100ml, £8.50, nealsyardremedies.com

Claim: A lavender oil and myrrh extract mouthwash with “antiseptic properties to care for gums and keep breath fresh.”

Expert Verdict: “Myrrh is a well-researched antiseptic, but I don’t know of any data examining its long-term use in the mouth,” said Bill Schaeffer, oral surgeon at Hove Implant Center in Hove East Sussex.

“I’m also not aware of any studies on the effectiveness of lavender alone, so it’s hard to quantify the benefits of this product.

“This also includes alcohol, and some studies have linked long-term use of mouthwashes containing alcohol to an increased risk of mouth cancer.

However, a 2020 review of all data from the University of Barcelona revealed that the link was only found if users were also smokers, because alcohol makes the cell walls of the mouth more permeable to carcinogens in smoke than cigarettes.

3/10

bitter orange soap

Kear Herbal Soap, 100g, £3.60, amazon.co.uk

Claim: Contains bitter orange extract, which has “antiseptic properties,” according to the manufacturer, and glycerine to “moisturize the skin.”

Expert Verdict: “There is no valid evidence that bitter orange extract has potent antiseptic properties,” says Dr. marutappu

Although the soap contains the natural moisturizing glycerin, natural ingredients such as linalool, geraniol and citronellol, which are also used here, increasingly cause contact dermatitis, an allergic reaction in the form of an itchy, red rash.

“For sensitive skin, I prefer Ecover Zero Hand Soap (250ml, £2.50, ocado.co.uk) – fragrance free and dye free.”

3/10

Thyme and sage wipes

Saugella Natural Antiseptic Special Wipes, 15 Pack, £3.83, onebioshop.com

Claim: Wipe with ‘antibacterial and deodorant’ extracts of thyme and sage to soothe irritation in the vaginal area.

Expert Verdict: “Research shows that herb extracts of thyme and sage have antiseptic properties, so these are likely effective cleansers,” said Dr Nisa Aslam, an NHS doctor in East London.

“But I hesitate to use them on the vaginal area, as disrupting the pH of this very sensitive skin can cause irritation, inflammation or infection.” Vaginal irritation is common, but it’s important to get checked out by a doctor. “The best solution to clean this area is natural water,” he said.

3/10

tea tree toothpaste

Jason Healthy Oral Cavity Prevention and Tartar Control Gel, 170g, £6.49, jasonnaturalcare.co.uk

Tea tree oil is a “well-known antiseptic” and with fluoride “protects teeth and gums from sugar acids, bacterial growth and tooth decay”, “CoQ10 soothes gum irritation,” she says.

Expert Verdict: “There is some research to suggest that taking the antioxidant CoQ10 by mouth as a supplement may benefit gum health, but it’s best to brush your teeth and gums for two minutes a day,” says Bill Schaeffer.

“It is impossible to say how much CoQ10 or mild antiseptic tea tree oil it contains. Fluoride is the main ingredient: research shows it can reduce spoilage by at least 25%.

Dentists recommend a toothpaste containing 1,000-1,500 ppm fluoride. This gel claims to contain 1,000 ppm fluoride equivalents. I currently use the cheapest fluoride toothpaste I can find, the brand Sainsbury’s. They are 44 pence per 100 ml and contain 1,450 ppm fluoride.

5/10

Echinacea Spray

Echinaforce Sore Throat Spray, 30ml, £11.35, avogel.co.uk

Claim: Echinacea and sage herbal medicinal herb ‘sore relief’ spray.

Expert Verdict: “Sage has a well-researched natural antiseptic effect and is a good addition,” says Dr. never. “But reputable research has shown that echinacea from one type of chamomile has little antiviral benefit compared to a placebo.

This product also contains peppermint oil, which can soothe inflamed throat tissue—menthol binds to cold receptors in the throat and sends signals to the brain that it feels cooling—and about 40 percent alcohol. [to help preserve the herbal extracts]so avoid it if you have problems with alcohol.

“All in all a good product to soothe a sore throat.”

8/10