Tea tree oil is a staple in many medicine cabinets and shower caddies. It turns up in face washes, shampoos, foot creams and cleaning sprays, and it is often sold as an all-purpose fix. This guide explains what tea tree oil is, what the research does and does not show, and how to use it safely, including the serious risks it poses to pets.
What tea tree oil is
Tea tree oil is steam-distilled from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree native to New South Wales and Queensland in Australia. It is not related to the plant whose leaves are brewed as tea. The oil is clear to pale yellow, with a fresh, medicinal, slightly camphor-like scent that some people love and others find harsh.
Its main compound is terpinen-4-ol, which is the focus of most laboratory research on the oil. Tea tree oil is also sold under the name melaleuca oil.
What the research suggests
Tea tree oil has been studied more than many essential oils, mostly as an ingredient in diluted gels, creams and washes. A few small studies have found that tea tree products may help with mild acne, and some studies have looked at tea tree products for athlete’s foot. The evidence is limited, studies have often been small and short, and results for nail fungus have been disappointing.
Lab studies show that tea tree oil can affect some bacteria and fungi in a dish, but that does not mean it can treat infections in the body. Tea tree oil is not a substitute for medical care. See a doctor for skin that is painful, spreading, hot or swollen; for any wound that looks infected; for skin problems that do not improve; and for anything affecting a child. Head lice also need a proven treatment recommended by a pharmacist or doctor.
How to use tea tree oil on the skin
Never apply undiluted tea tree oil to the skin. Neat oil can cause redness, dryness, burning and, over time, an allergic reaction.
- For a small spot or blemish: mix 1 drop of tea tree oil with about a teaspoon of a carrier oil such as jojoba, which is roughly 1 percent. Some adults go up to about 2 to 3 percent for a small area, but stronger is not better. Dab a little on with a clean cotton swab.
- For feet: add a few drops to a carrier oil or an unscented foot cream rather than to a bath of water, where the oil just floats on top.
- In ready-made products: many face washes and shampoos already contain tea tree oil at a low strength. Follow the product label.
Always patch test first on the inner forearm and wait 24 hours. Keep tea tree oil well away from the eyes, and do not use it inside the ears or nose. The site’s dilution chart shows how to make other strengths.
Old oil and skin allergies
Tea tree oil changes when it is exposed to air, light and heat. Oxidized (old) oil is more likely to cause allergic skin reactions. Keep the cap tight, store the bottle in a cool, dark place and replace it if it smells sharper or turns darker or thicker.
Tea tree oil around the home
Many people like adding tea tree oil to homemade cleaning sprays for its fresh scent. That is fine, but tea tree oil is not a registered disinfectant, so do not rely on it to kill germs on kitchen counters, cutting boards or bathrooms. Use a proper cleaner or disinfectant for that, and never mix essential oils with bleach. A drop or two in a diffuser, blended with lavender or lemon, softens its medicinal edge; see using essential oils in a diffuser.
Tea tree oil and pets: do not use it
Tea tree oil is one of the essential oils most often linked to serious poisoning in cats and dogs, including when it is put on their skin or fur to treat fleas or skin problems. Signs can include drooling, vomiting, weakness, wobbliness, tremors and low body temperature. Never apply tea tree oil to a pet, do not use home flea remedies made with it and keep bottles where pets cannot reach or knock them over. If a pet is exposed, call a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away. More detail: are essential oils safe for pets.
Who else should take care
- Children: tea tree oil is poisonous if swallowed, and children have become seriously ill after swallowing small amounts. Keep it locked away, and ask a pediatrician before using any tea tree product on a child. See essential oils and kids.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: ask a doctor or midwife before use.
- Sensitive or broken skin, eczema or known allergies: talk to a doctor or pharmacist first.
Never swallow tea tree oil or use it as a mouthwash or gargle. If someone swallows it, contact Poison Control (in the US) or a local poison center right away.
Buying and storing tea tree oil
Look for “Melaleuca alternifolia” on the label, plus the country of origin. Buy a small bottle in dark glass, close it tightly after every use, store it in a cool, dark place out of reach of children and pets, and write the opening date on the label. The site’s essential oil safety rules cover storage and safe use in more detail.
Shop the gear
Prices and availability are set on the store and can change.
Frequently asked questions
Can tea tree oil be used undiluted on a pimple?
It is not recommended. Undiluted tea tree oil can irritate and dry the skin and may lead to an allergy. Dilute it and patch test first.
Does tea tree oil kill head lice?
It is not a proven lice treatment. Ask a pharmacist or doctor about treatments that are known to work, especially for children.
Is tea tree oil safe for dogs and cats?
No. Do not apply tea tree oil to pets. It can cause serious poisoning, and cats are especially sensitive.
Can tea tree oil be used as a mouthwash?
No. Tea tree oil should not be swallowed or used in the mouth.
How long does tea tree oil last?
Stored tightly capped in a cool, dark place, it usually keeps well for about a year after opening. Replace it if the scent or color changes.
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Top image: Melaleuca alternifolia flowers by Geoff Derrin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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