Tea Tree Essential Oil

Steam-distilled tea tree essential oil (INCI: Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil), from the leaves of the Australian tea tree. It has a fresh, sharp, medicinal-herbal aroma and is one of the most widely used essential oils in skincare for oily and blemish-prone skin, scalp products, soaps and cleansers. Always dilute before use on skin.

At a glance

• INCI: Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
• Extraction: Steam-distilled from the leaves
• Aroma: Fresh, sharp and herbal
• Sizes: 100ml, 200ml, 500ml. For 1L and larger, see Tea Tree Essential Oil Wholesale
• Documentation: COA, SDS and allergen information available on request

Why formulators use it

• Skincare staple: A go-to essential oil in products for oily and blemish-prone skin.
• Scalp and hair products: Widely used in shampoos, conditioners and scalp oils.
• Fresh, clean scent: Blends well with lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus and lemon.

Suggested usage rates

• Face products (leave-on): 0.5 to 2%
• Spot gels and roll-ons: up to 5%
• Cleansers, shampoos and washes (rinse-off): 1 to 3%
• Body products: 1 to 2%
• Diffuser: 3 to 5 drops

As a guide, 1% is about 20 drops in 100ml of carrier oil or product. Never apply undiluted to skin.

How to use it

• Face: Add 10 to 20 drops to 100ml of carrier oil or moisturiser, or up to 5% in a small spot roll-on.
• Shampoo or cleanser: Add 20 to 40 drops to 100ml of unscented Shampoo Base or cleanser.
• Diffuser: Add a few drops for a fresh, clean aroma.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use tea tree oil undiluted?
No. Undiluted use can irritate skin. Dilute it to 5% or less, including in spot gels and roll-ons.

How much tea tree oil should I add to a face product?
0.5 to 2% for leave-on products, which is about 10 to 40 drops per 100ml.

Why does tea tree oil go off?
Tea tree oil oxidises with air, light and heat, and oxidised oil is more likely to irritate skin. Keep the cap tight and use within about 12 months of opening.

Is it safe for pets?
No. Keep tea tree oil away from cats and dogs, and out of reach of children.

Is it safe during pregnancy?
Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless advised by a health professional.

Choosing a carrier oil for tea tree oil

Tea tree oil should always be mixed into a carrier oil before it goes on skin. The best carrier depends on the product and the skin it is for.

• Jojoba Oil: light, fast-absorbing and very stable. The first choice for face oils, spot roll-ons and blends for oily skin.
• Grapeseed oil: thin and non-greasy for face and body blends; best stored cool and dark.
• Fractionated coconut (MCT) oil: odourless and always liquid, so the clean tea tree scent comes through in roll-ons.
• Sweet almond oil: a little richer, better for body and massage blends and drier skin.

Tea tree oil with carrier oil, in small bottles: a 2% blend in a 30ml dropper is about 12 drops. A 5% spot roll-on in a 10ml bottle is about 10 drops. Add the tea tree oil to the carrier, cap, shake well and store in amber glass.

Pairs well with

Lavender Essential Oil, Jojoba Oil, Aloe Vera Gel and Neem Oil.

Storage

Keep tightly closed in a cool, dark place, away from heat and flame. Store out of reach of children and pets.

Essential oils are concentrated. Dilute before use, avoid contact with eyes and do not take internally. This product is a cosmetic ingredient and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.