Tea Tree Essential Oil

INCI Name

Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil

Botanical Name

Melaleuca alternifolia

Tea Tree essential oil is a steam-distilled oil from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia. Rich in terpinen-4-ol and other terpenes, it offers clarifying and purifying support with a fresh, herbaceous aroma. Widely used in serums, cleansers, creams, and scalp care, it is especially valued in formulations for oily and blemish-prone skin.

image of seasonal or new products (for a pharmacy)
Primary Function
Essential Oil
Add'l Function
Active
Scent Profile
Herbaceous
Fresh
Medicinal
Sharp
Is It Natural?
Natural (Steam-Distilled)
Formulate with Confidence

Botanical Building Blocks for Every Blend

Icon of a face symbolizing skin type suitability

Skin Type Suitability

All
Oily
Blemish-Prone
Combination
Considered Safe for Teens
Icon of cosmetic bottles representing typical product use

Typical Product Use

Fragrance, skin-conditioning agent, clarifying support, antioxidant

Product Type(s):

Serum
Cream
Lotion
Balm
Butter
Cleanser
Toner
Spray
Hydrating Product
General Use

Typical Usage Range:

0.5–2% in facial care; up to 5% in body care; always dilute

Icon of a heart symbolizing supportive qualities of the ingredient

Supportive Qualities

Traditionally valued for its clarifying and purifying properties; provides a fresh, herbaceous aroma and supportive qualities in topical blends

Primary Components:

Terpinen-4-ol, γ-terpinene, α-terpinene, 1,8-cineole, α-terpineol

Icon of a caution triangle indicating important safety notes

Important to Know

May cause irritation in sensitive skin; avoid undiluted use; patch test recommended; oxidized oil increases risk of sensitization

Icon of a magnifying glass representing sourcing tips

Sourcing Tips

Preferred Extraction Method:

Steam-distilled

Choose steam-distilled, cosmetic-grade; ensure terpinen-4-ol content ≥35% and 1,8-cineole ≤10%; store in dark glass to prevent oxidation

Icon of a target symbol indicating more information sources

More information*

Explore additional safety and regulatory data from trusted external sources:

Cosmetics Info
Cosmetic Ingredient Review
EWG's Skin Deep
INCIDecoder
SkinSAFE
SpecialChem

*The ingredient details on this page are intended for general educational use and should not be considered exhaustive. Additional properties, uses, or safety considerations may be available from other sources. Root & Ritual Apothecary is not affiliated with Cosmetics Info, Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), INCIDecoder, SkinSafe, EWG Skin Deep, or SpecialChem. External links are provided solely for informational purposes; Root & Ritual does not control or guarantee the accuracy, methodology, or conclusions of third-party sources, including consumer rating systems such as EWG.