Tea tree oil is one of the most versatile natural ingredients, valued across cosmetics, personal care, household cleaning and even pet products. While it has been commercially used for more than a century, its history goes back much further, with Indigenous communities in Australia recognising its medicinal and cosmetic value.

What is tea tree oil?

Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, is an essential oil obtained by steam-distilling the leaves of the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). Native to Australia, the plant thrives in the swampy coastal regions of the southeast.

For centuries, Aboriginal Australians used crushed tea tree leaves to release the oil, inhaling it or applying it to the skin to help relieve a variety of ailments. Today, tea tree oil is widely available in its pure essential oil form and is also commonly blended into skincare, personal care and household products.

What are the benefits of tea tree oil?

Tea tree oil is valued for its range of naturally active properties:

• Antibacterial: Helps combat certain bacteria on the skin and surfaces.

• Anti-inflammatory: Rich in terpinen-4-ol, a compound known for its calming and anti-inflammatory effects.

• Antifungal: Effective against some fungi and yeasts.

• Antioxidant: May support the skin’s natural repair processes.

• Soothing: Can help calm redness and irritation.

What is tea tree oil used for?

Thanks to its antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil is a popular ingredient in topical skincare, personal care and household products. Common uses include:

• Blemish-prone skincare: Often used in products designed to help treat and prevent acne and breakouts.

• Insect repellent: Can be used as a natural option to discourage flies and mosquitoes.

• All-purpose cleaning: A popular ingredient in natural sanitising and cleaning products.

• Dandruff care: Its antifungal properties make it a useful addition to shampoos designed to tackle flakes.

• Athlete’s foot support: Sometimes used as a complementary topical option for fungal foot concerns.

Tea tree oil can be incorporated into everyday routines in a variety of ways. When choosing tea tree oil products, opt for reputable brands known for the quality of their ingredients.

Essential oil

SOiL is known for its essential oils, and its Tea Tree Essential Oil is steam-distilled from quality leaves to produce a potent organic oil that can be used for a variety of purposes. Tea tree essential oil should always be diluted with a suitable carrier oil before being applied to the skin.

Skincare

Tea tree oil can be effective in skincare for blemishes and breakouts, making it a popular ingredient in products designed to help manage excess sebum and bacteria on the skin.

SKNLOGIC Clarify contains tea tree oil, salicylic acid and witch hazel to help calm inflammation, clear existing breakouts and prevent new ones from forming. The treatment can be applied twice daily after cleansing to help unclog pores and promote a clearer complexion.

For skin that needs a deeper cleanse, SKNLOGIC Charcoal Detox Masque helps remove excess sebum, decongest and detoxify the skin while minimising the appearance of pores. Alongside tea tree oil and grapefruit extract, activated charcoal helps deeply cleanse and purify the skin to help minimise breakouts.

Tea tree soap or shower gel is another simple way to incorporate the ingredient into your personal care routine. SoyLites Glycerine Tea Tree Soap Bar contains antibacterial essential oils to help keep skin clean and refreshed. If you prefer liquid soap, SoyLites Tea Tree Liquid Soap is gentle on the skin while helping to cleanse away bacteria. Its convenient pump bottle makes it suitable for use in the shower, office or kitchen.

Hair care

Dealing with an oily scalp, greasy hair or product build-up? Tea tree oil is a popular haircare ingredient for cleansing and refreshing the scalp. It can help remove excess oil and impurities while supporting scalp care and helping to alleviate dandruff-related itchiness and discomfort.

Naturally Africa Hair & Scalp Oil is a natural blend of vitamin E, tea tree, castor, grapeseed, coconut and sweet almond oils. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula can be massaged into the hair and scalp to moisturise, add shine and help care for dry hair and split ends.

For very dry hair, Naturally Africa Hair Food & Scalp Therapy contains vegetable proteins, shea butter, castor oil and tea tree oil. It provides an intensive moisture boost and can be applied every two weeks. It also helps soothe an itchy scalp.

Home cleaning products

Tea tree oil is a popular ingredient in household cleaning products because of its antimicrobial properties. Earthsap offers a range of non-toxic, biodegradable and eco-friendly cleaning products, many of which harness the properties of tea tree oil.

You don’t have to rely on harsh chemicals to keep your toilet seat clean. Earthsap Tea Tree Toilet Seat Sanitizer is a compact spray designed to kill germs and help keep bathrooms clean and hygienic. Its formula is free from harsh synthetic chemicals and can also be used to help limit exposure to germs and bacteria in public restrooms.

Tea tree oil is also a useful ingredient in dishwashing liquid. Earthsap Tea Tree & Orange Dishwashing Liquid contains tea tree oil for its germ-fighting properties. The biodegradable formula is designed to be safe for waterways, making it a useful addition to an eco-conscious household.

For everyday surface cleaning, Earthsap Tea Tree & Orange All Purpose Cleaner helps remove grease, grime and bacteria without scratching or damaging surfaces.

There’s a reason tea tree oil has been used for more than a century. Its versatility makes it a popular ingredient across skincare, haircare and household products, offering a natural alternative for those looking to reduce their reliance on harsher ingredients.

As with any essential oil, however, it’s important to use tea tree oil as directed and choose products from reputable brands.

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