An essential-oil mixture from tea tree leaves, used in some cosmetic and acne-focused products.
Sources: 1, 2Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, TTO
Not assessed
No pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific assessment has been completed for this record. A cosmetic safety review is not a pregnancy rating.
Not assessed
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
What it does
Some topical preparations have been studied for acne-related uses, but evidence is limited and does not justify using undiluted oil as a substitute for established treatment.
Sources: 1, 2Good for
- Preparation-specific cosmetic use
How to use it
Use only an appropriate finished topical product as labeled. Do not swallow tea tree oil or apply undiluted essential oil to irritated skin.
Sources: 1, 2Who should be careful
Can cause irritation and allergic contact dermatitis. Avoid known allergens and stop use if a rash develops; natural origin is not evidence of safety for sensitive skin.
Sources: 1, 2Pairs well with
No supported pairings have been documented for this record.
Usage, safety and formulation details
Mechanism of action
Terpenes and other constituents contribute biological activity and fragrance. Composition and oxidation influence both activity and allergy potential.
Sources: 1, 2Potential adverse effects
Redness, burning or an allergic rash can occur. Accidental ingestion is a separate poisoning concern.
Sources: 1, 2Formulation considerations
Check species, composition, oxidation control, storage and concentration. The SCCS opinion concerns specified exposure conditions rather than unrestricted use of raw oil.
Sources: 1, 2Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not assessed
No pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific assessment has been completed for this record. A cosmetic safety review is not a pregnancy rating.
Safety tags
What remains uncertain
- Exact concentration, final pH and the full composition of any unprovided finished product
- Exact material, composition and supplier-grade specifications
Clinical evidence and research
Clinical evidence
Evidence for its main benefitNot assessed
The cited references support identity, formulation role or safety context. No standalone clinical efficacy rating has been completed for the main benefit in this draft.
Sources: 1, 2Regulation and ingredient label names
Regulatory information
European Union: safety-assessment context
SCCS opinion on tea tree oil
The opinion evaluates specified uses and exposure and identifies sensitization concerns. Confirm the exact material and current legal conditions; do not apply one assessed use to every essential-oil product.
Sources: 2Names on ingredient lists
melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) leaf oil
Chemical identity and molecular structure
Chemical information
Chemical structure
No single structure to show yet
This ingredient represents a mixture, extract, polymer or ingredient family. A single molecular diagram may not describe its composition.
| Detail | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| material scope | Variable material or ingredient family: no single molecular formula, molecular weight or bond diagram describes every grade. | NCCIH: Tea tree oil usefulness and safety |
Content updated 9 November 2026.
Sources (2)
Scientific sources
- NCCIH: Tea tree oil usefulness and safetyclinical evidence overview
- SCCS: Tea tree oil scientific opinionscientific opinion · 2025
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