Tea tree oil is one of the most versatile natural ingredients, valued across cosmetics, personal care, household cleaning and even pet products. Commercially used for more than a century, its origins go back much further to the Indigenous communities of Australia, who long recognised 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 wide 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, anti-inflammatory effects.
- Anti-fungal – 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, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil is a popular ingredient in topical skincare products as well as personal and household products.
Common uses include:
- Blemish-prone skincare – often used to help treat and prevent acne and breakouts.
- Insect repellent – a natural option for discouraging flies and mosquitoes.
- All-purpose cleaning – works well as a natural sanitising and cleaning ingredient.
- Dandruff care – its anti-fungal properties make it a useful addition to shampoos targeting flakes.
- Athlete’s foot support – sometimes used as a complementary topical option for fungal foot concerns.
Tea tree oil can easily and safely be incorporated into your day-to-day life. When selecting tea tree oil products, choose items from reputable brands known for the quality of their ingredients.
Essential oil
SOiL is known as a leader in the manufacture of essential oils, and its Tea Tree Organic Essential Oil is steam-distilled from the best quality leaves – resulting in a potent, organic oil that can be used for a variety of purposes. Remember to dilute tea tree essential oil with a carrier oil before applying it to your skin.
Skincare
Tea tree oil can be very effective in the fight against breakouts and blemishes, making it a popular choice for skincare that works to limit sebum production and remove bacteria from the skin.
SKNLOGIC Clarify contains tea tree oil, salicylic acid and witch hazel to calm inflammation, clear existing breakouts and prevent new ones from forming. This treatment product can be applied twice daily after cleansing to help unclog pores and achieve a clearer complexion.
Remove sebum, decongest and detoxify the skin and minimise pores with SKNLOGIC Charcoal Detox Masque. Together with tea tree oil and grapefruit extract, the activated charcoal deeply cleanses and purifies skin to minimise breakouts.
Using tea tree soap or shower gel is a fantastic (and gentle!) way to remove germs from the body and keep skin clear and refreshed. SoyLites Glycerine Tea Tree Soap Bar is rich in antibacterial essential oils to keep skin clean and healthy. If you prefer a liquid soap, try SoyLites Tea Tree Liquid Soap, which is gentle on skin and tough on bacteria. The convenient pump bottle is handy for the shower, office or kitchen.
Hair care
Oily scalp, greasy hair or product build-up? Tea tree oil is an excellent haircare ingredient, particularly for cleansing and refreshing the scalp. Not only does it remove oil and impurities but it also helps prevent dandruff, reduces itchiness and discomfort and balances the scalp’s oil production.
Naturally Africa Hair & Scalp Oil is a natural blend of vitamin E, tea tree, castor, grape seed, coconut and sweet almond oil. The lightweight, non-greasy formula can be massaged into the hair and scalp to moisturise, add shine, heal and prevent split ends.
For very dry hair, we recommend Naturally Africa Hair Food & Scalp Therapy. Infused with vegetable proteins, shea butter, castor oil and tea tree oil, it is intensely hydrating and can be applied every two weeks to give the hair and scalp an intensive moisture boost. It also helps alleviate an itchy scalp.
Home cleaning products
Thanks to its disinfectant properties, tea tree oil is an excellent ingredient for household cleaning products. Not only does it effectively kill bacteria but it is also safe to inhale, which is particularly important when you have children or pets.
Earthsap offers a wide range of non-toxic, biodegradable, eco-friendly cleaning products, many of which utilise the power of tea tree oil.
You don’t have to resort to harsh chemicals to keep your toilet seat germ-free. Earthsap Tea Tree Toilet Seat Sanitizer is a compact spray that kills germs and helps keep your bathroom clean and hygienic. Using a natural formula that’s free of harsh synthetic chemicals, it can be used to limit your family’s exposure to germs and bacteria in public restrooms as well.
Tea tree oil is a great ingredient for dishwashing liquid. Earthsap Tea Tree & Orange Dishwashing Liquid contains tea tree oil for its germ-fighting abilities. The formula is biodegradable, safe for waterways and a must-have for an eco-friendly household.
Keep surfaces sparkling and germ-free with Earthsap Tea Tree & Orange All Purpose Cleaner, which quickly removes grease, grime and bacteria without scratching or damaging surfaces.
There’s a reason tea tree oil has been trusted for more than a century. With its powerful anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, this multitasker is the perfect safe alternative to harsh chemical ingredients.
