No products in the cart.: $0.00
Tea Tree Oil
- General Description and Role
- Claim: “Tea Tree Oil, derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant… is a potent essential oil used in skincare and haircare for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties… a popular natural remedy for acne, fungal infections, and scalp issues.”
- Verification: Accurate. Tea tree oil is extracted from Melaleuca alternifolia leaves via steam distillation and is widely used in skincare and haircare for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. It’s effective for acne, fungal infections, and scalp conditions (e.g., dandruff), commonly found in cleansers, spot treatments, and shampoos.
- Citations:
- Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., & Riley, T. V. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: A review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 19(1), 50–62. https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.19.1.50-62.2006
- “Tea tree oil, derived from Melaleuca alternifolia, is a potent essential oil used in skincare for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, effective for acne and fungal infections.”
- Hammer, K. A., Carson, C. F., & Riley, T. V. (2015). Antimicrobial activity of essential oils and other plant extracts. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 119(6), 1421–1430. https://doi.org/10.1111/jam.12903
- “Tea tree oil is a natural remedy for scalp issues and acne, incorporated into shampoos and spot treatments.”
- Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., & Riley, T. V. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: A review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 19(1), 50–62. https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.19.1.50-62.2006
- Composition and Production
- Claim: “Tea Tree Oil is obtained through steam distillation… Its composition includes: Terpinen-4-ol (30–48%), Gamma-Terpinene (10–28%), Alpha-Terpinene (5–13%), 1,8-Cineole (0–15%), Other Terpenes (limonene, p-cymene)… vegan, biodegradable.”
- Verification: Accurate. Tea tree oil is produced by steam-distilling Melaleuca alternifolia leaves, yielding an oil with terpinen-4-ol (30%–48%), gamma-terpinene (10%–28%), alpha-terpinene (5%–13%), 1,8-cineole (0%–15%), and trace terpenes like limonene and p-cymene. Lower 1,8-cineole levels reduce irritancy. The oil is vegan, biodegradable, and aligns with clean beauty when sustainably sourced.
- Citations:
- Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., & Riley, T. V. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: A review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 19(1), 50–62. https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.19.1.50-62.2006
- “Tea tree oil contains 30%–48% terpinen-4-ol, 10%–28% gamma-terpinene, 5%–13% alpha-terpinene, and 0%–15% 1,8-cineole, extracted via steam distillation.”
- Brophy, J. J., Davies, N. W., Southwell, I. A., et al. (1989). Gas chromatographic quality control for oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil). Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 37(5), 1330–1335. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf00089a028
- “Tea tree oil’s composition includes limonene and p-cymene, with low 1,8-cineole preferred for skin safety.”
- Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., & Riley, T. V. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: A review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 19(1), 50–62. https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.19.1.50-62.2006
- Skin Type Suitability
- Claim: “Tea Tree Oil is most effective for: Oily/Acne-Prone Skin, Combination Skin, Normal Skin… Dry or Dehydrated Skin, Sensitive Skin (use cautiously)… Avoid: Undiluted oil, Not safe for internal use or during pregnancy/breastfeeding without medical advice.”
- Verification: Mostly accurate. Tea tree oil’s antimicrobial and sebum-regulating properties make it ideal for oily/acne-prone and combination skin, and suitable for normal skin in spot treatments. It can dry out or irritate dry/dehydrated or sensitive skin, requiring dilution (1%–5%). Undiluted use risks burns or sensitization, and internal use is toxic. The pregnancy/breastfeeding caution is valid but overly strict; diluted topical use is generally safe with medical consultation.
- Citations:
- Pazyar, N., Yaghoobi, R., Bagherani, N., & Kazerouni, A. (2013). A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology. International Journal of Dermatology, 52(7), 784–790. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2012.05654.x
- “Tea tree oil is effective for oily and acne-prone skin, balancing sebum, but can irritate dry or sensitive skin, requiring dilution.”
- Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2010-0-67217-2
- “Undiluted tea tree oil risks irritation; dilute to 1%–5% for safe use. Internal use is toxic, and diluted topical use in pregnancy requires medical advice.”
- Pazyar, N., Yaghoobi, R., Bagherani, N., & Kazerouni, A. (2013). A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology. International Journal of Dermatology, 52(7), 784–790. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2012.05654.x
- Benefits
- Claim: Lists acne fighter, antiseptic, oil control, soothes irritation, and antifungal effects.
- Verification: Accurate. Tea tree oil’s terpinen-4-ol targets Propionibacterium acnes, reducing acne and inflammation. It acts as an antiseptic for minor cuts and bites, regulates sebum for oil control, soothes redness from acne or rashes, and has antifungal properties effective against Candida and dermatophytes (e.g., athlete’s foot, nail fungus).
- Citations:
- Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., & Riley, T. V. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: A review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 19(1), 50–62. https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.19.1.50-62.2006
- “Tea tree oil’s terpinen-4-ol kills P. acnes, reduces acne inflammation, and acts as an antiseptic for minor wounds.”
- Pazyar, N., Yaghoobi, R., Bagherani, N., & Kazerouni, A. (2013). A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology. International Journal of Dermatology, 52(7), 784–790. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2012.05654.x
- “Tea tree oil regulates sebum, soothes irritation, and has antifungal effects against Candida and dermatophytes.”
- Hammer, K. A., Carson, C. F., & Riley, T. V. (2012). Antifungal activity of tea tree oil against Candida albicans and other pathogenic yeasts. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 67(4), 883–887. https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/dkr570
- “Tea tree oil is effective for fungal infections like athlete’s foot and nail fungus.”
- Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., & Riley, T. V. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: A review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 19(1), 50–62. https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.19.1.50-62.2006
- Pros
- Claim: Natural, targeted, multi-use.
- Verification: Accurate. Tea tree oil is 100% plant-derived, effective for targeted acne treatment, and versatile for skincare (e.g., spot treatments), haircare (e.g., dandruff), and household disinfecting. Its natural profile makes it a popular clean beauty ingredient.
- Citations:
- Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., & Riley, T. V. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: A review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 19(1), 50–62. https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.19.1.50-62.2006
- “Tea tree oil is a natural, multi-use ingredient for acne treatment and scalp care, valued in clean beauty.”
- Pazyar, N., Yaghoobi, R., Bagherani, N., & Kazerouni, A. (2013). A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology. International Journal of Dermatology, 52(7), 784–790. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2012.05654.x
- “Tea tree oil’s targeted antimicrobial effects make it ideal for spot treatments and disinfecting applications.”
- Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., & Riley, T. V. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: A review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 19(1), 50–62. https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.19.1.50-62.2006
- Cons
- Claim: Irritation risk, allergic reactions, potency fade, not for everyone.
- Verification: Accurate. Tea tree oil can irritate skin, especially undiluted or in sensitive individuals, and cause allergic reactions (e.g., contact dermatitis) in some. It oxidizes with air/light exposure, reducing efficacy. It’s too harsh for sensitive or dry skin without proper dilution.
- Citations:
- Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2010-0-67217-2
- “Tea tree oil risks irritation and allergic contact dermatitis, particularly undiluted; oxidation reduces potency over time.”
- Pazyar, N., Yaghoobi, R., Bagherani, N., & Kazerouni, A. (2013). A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology. International Journal of Dermatology, 52(7), 784–790. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2012.05654.x
- “Tea tree oil is unsuitable for sensitive or dry skin without dilution due to potential irritation.”
- Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2010-0-67217-2
