Tea tree oil benefits and side effects

What is tea tree oil?

Tea tree oil is an essential oil distilled from Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia. It appears in skin and hair products and has traditionally been used for its antiseptic and inflammation reducing properties. A skincare product containing tea tree oil and a bottle of undiluted essential oil are different things: do not apply undiluted essential oil directly to your skin.23

What benefits can you expect?

Tea tree oil has a longer list of advertised uses than established benefits, which is a familiar arrangement in skincare. Acne and athlete's foot have some encouraging human research; several other popular uses remain uncertain.1

Is tea tree oil a good choice for acne?

Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and inflammation reducing activity, including activity against Cutibacterium acnes, a bacterium involved in acne. That makes it a plausible acne ingredient. Small human studies suggest it can help, including an older comparison with benzoyl peroxide, but stronger clinical support exists for benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid and topical retinol. For acne, treat tea tree oil as a possible addition rather than a replacement for a better supported treatment. Most research on these skincare ingredients concerns mild to moderate acne, not severe acne.24

Tea tree oil has laboratory activity against bacteria and fungi, but a laboratory result is not a bathroom instruction manual. Human research is still limited, and products use different formulations. There is no dependable universal strength, morning or evening schedule, layering order or time to improvement to recommend here. Use the directions for the finished product rather than borrowing a routine from another tea tree oil formula.2

How should you try a tea tree oil product?

1. 1Choose a finished skin product rather than applying undiluted essential oil. Direct use of undiluted oils can lead to sensitisation, meaning the development of an allergy.
2. 2Test the finished product on a small area first. Apply the normal amount to a spot about the size of a quarter on the underside of your arm or the bend of your elbow, twice daily for seven to 10 days.
3. 3Leave the product on for its usual contact time. For a cleanser or another product you wash off, use five minutes or the contact time in its instructions.
4. 4If there is no redness, itching or swelling after the test period, start using the product as directed. The twice daily schedule above is for the small area test, not a universal facial treatment schedule.

What side effects should you watch for?

Tea tree oil can cause irritation or allergic contact dermatitis, an itchy skin inflammation triggered by contact with an allergen. Irritation from concentrated essential oils usually stays where the product touched the skin. An allergic reaction can extend beyond that area. Redness, itching and scaling are common allergy symptoms; reactions generally develop 24 to 72 hours after exposure rather than necessarily appearing immediately. Burning, blistering and cracks can also occur with plant related skin reactions. Redness can be harder to see on darker skin, so pay attention to discomfort and changes in texture too.36

Skin irritation is more likely when a tea tree oil product is old or has been exposed to heat, light or air. Follow its storage instructions and avoid using an old or poorly stored product.1

What should you do if your skin reacts?

Gently wash the product off as soon as possible and stop using it. A cool compress or petroleum jelly can help relieve the skin. Avoid adding potentially irritating or allergenic products to the affected area. See a dermatologist if the reaction is severe, does not settle with those measures, or keeps returning. Medical patch testing can help identify the responsible ingredient. A home product test and medical patch testing serve different purposes: the first checks tolerance to a product; the second investigates an allergy. Confirmed plant contact allergy can persist lifelong, so continued avoidance matters.356

Who should be especially careful?

• People with sensitive skin should be cautious because skin reactions to tea tree oil have been reported.
• People with atopic dermatitis, a form of eczema, have a higher risk of essential oil contact allergy. Older adults and people who regularly handle essential oils at work are also higher risk groups.
• If you already have an essential oil allergy, avoid the oils that trigger it. Allergy to several different oils can occur because they share components.
• Topical tea tree oil products may be safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Discuss use with your healthcare provider rather than treating that as blanket clearance for every formula.
• If you take medicine or use prescription skincare, discuss adding an herbal product with your healthcare provider.

Breast tissue enlargement has been reported in boys repeatedly exposed to products containing lavender and tea tree oils. Whether tea tree oil affects hormones remains disputed. Discuss repeated use in children with their healthcare provider.2

Can you swallow tea tree oil?

No. Swallowing tea tree oil can cause serious poisoning, including confusion, unsteadiness, inability to walk and coma. It is not an oral supplement.1