Tea tree oil has a fresh, medicinal, slightly woody scent, and a long reputation as nature's purifier. It's one of the most useful oils to have at home, for skin, scalp and cleaning alike.
What is tea tree oil?
Tea tree oil is steam-distilled from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia. Its main compound, terpinen-4-ol, is responsible for most of its well-known properties.
Benefits of tea tree oil
1. Helps with occasional blemishes
Tea tree is one of the best-studied natural ingredients for blemish-prone skin. Research has found that a 5% tea tree gel helped reduce mild to moderate acne, working more slowly than benzoyl peroxide but with fewer side effects like dryness. For persistent acne, see a dermatologist.
2. Helps with dandruff
In a study of people with mild to moderate dandruff, a shampoo with 5% tea tree oil used daily for four weeks noticeably reduced flaking and itch compared with a placebo shampoo.
3. Natural cleaning power
Tea tree has natural antimicrobial properties, which makes it a popular addition to homemade cleaning sprays for counters, yoga mats and bathrooms.
4. Freshens feet and shoes
Add a few drops to a foot soak, or put a drop on a cotton pad inside shoes overnight.
How to use tea tree oil
- Spot treatment: 1 drop in 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of carrier oil, dabbed onto a blemish with a cotton swab. Our lightweight argan oil is non-comedogenic, so it's a good carrier for blemish-prone skin.
- Shampoo: 2–3 drops in a palmful of shampoo.
- Cleaning spray: 15–20 drops in a spray bottle with 1 cup of water and a splash of vinegar. Shake before use.
- Diffuser: 3 drops, ideally blended with something softer like lemon or lavender.
Tea tree blends well with
Lavender, lemon, eucalyptus and peppermint.
Side effects and safety tips
The most common side effects are skin irritation, redness and dryness, usually from using it undiluted. Some people develop an allergy to it over time.
- Never apply undiluted. Using it neat can irritate skin and cause sensitization over time.
- Toxic if swallowed. Keep away from children.
- Toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. Don't apply it to animals or diffuse it in a room they can't leave.
- Old, oxidized tea tree oil is more irritating. Keep the cap tight and store away from heat and light.
- Patch test first, and check with your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.
More on safe use: Essential oil dilution guidelines.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put tea tree oil directly on a pimple?
It's better not to. Neat tea tree oil can burn, dry out and irritate skin, which can make the spot look worse. Dilute one drop in a teaspoon of carrier oil.
Can I use tea tree oil on my face every day?
Yes, if it's diluted and your skin tolerates it. Start every other day and watch for dryness.
Does tea tree oil help nail fungus?
Some small studies suggest it may help, but results are slow and inconsistent. See a doctor or podiatrist for nail infections.
Is tea tree oil good for oily skin?
It can help keep blemish-prone, oily skin clearer when diluted and used as a spot treatment.
Shop organic tea tree oil
Our Organic Tea Tree Essential Oil is 100% pure, undiluted and certified organic, in a 10 ml glass bottle.