What is Tea Tree Lemon Essential Oil?

Tea Tree Lemon Essential Oil is an Australian oil with a fresh, lemony aroma and a mild, purifying effect. Contrary to what the name suggests, this is NOT a citrus oil and NOT a cross-pollination of tea tree and lemon. It is a separate plant: Leptospermum Petersonii, an Australian shrub from the myrtle family. The scent resembles that of a milder tea tree combined with a natural lemon fragrance, often considered more pleasant than lemongrass or citronella.

The oil is obtained through steam distillation of the thin leaves of the shrub. The Aboriginals and Maori have long known the plant for its purifying properties.

Tea Tree Lemon blends beautifully with other purifying oils such as classic tea tree, lavender and eucalyptus, and with fresh citrus oils such as bergamot and sweet orange.

How is Tea Tree Lemon Essential Oil made?

The oil is obtained through steam distillation of the leaves and small twigs of Leptospermum Petersonii. In this process, the volatile aroma molecules are released, which are captured and condensed into oil.

Because it is not a citrus oil, Tea Tree Lemon contains no furocoumarins and is therefore not phototoxic. The oil is particularly rich in citral, which is responsible for the characteristic lemon aroma.

Benefits of Tea Tree Lemon Essential Oil

Powerfully purifying, mild aroma
Tea Tree Lemon has the purifying effect of classic tea tree, but with a more pleasant aroma. A popular choice for homemade products for blemished skin.

Suitable for impurities and pimples
The oil is gladly incorporated in formulations for oily or blemished skin, and in spot-treatments for pimples.

Delightfully fresh lemon aroma
Many people find the lemony scent of Tea Tree Lemon more pleasant than classic tea tree or citronella. A nice choice if you find the aroma of tea tree intense.

Not phototoxic
Unlike citrus oils from the peel, Tea Tree Lemon is not phototoxic and can therefore be used without sun restrictions.

Versatile in hair and scalp care
The purifying effect makes this oil suitable for products for a blemished or irritated scalp.

How do you use Tea Tree Lemon Essential Oil?

Always dilute essential oil in a carrier oil or butter when using on the skin. For homemade care we recommend a working dosage of 1 percent (1 gram per 100 grams of product). Tea Tree Lemon is a fairly strong oil, so this guideline is extra important. Read the explanation at the bottom for more information. Suitable carriers are for example Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil or Shea Butter.

In a spot-treatment for pimples
Dilute a drop of Tea Tree Lemon in jojoba oil and apply to the spot with a cotton swab. A milder choice than classic tea tree in terms of scent.

In a facial cleanser or toner
Add the oil to a facial cleanser or toner for oily or blemished skin. Keep the dosage low because the oil is powerful.

In a shampoo for an oily or irritated scalp
Add a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner for a refreshing, purifying effect on the scalp.

In a nail oil
Dilute with jojoba oil for a nourishing nail oil that keeps the skin around the nails soft and can help with impurities.

In a diffuser
Put 3 to 4 drops in an aroma diffuser for a fresh, purifying atmosphere in the house. Especially nice during cleaning rituals or when the air feels stuffy.

Tips when using Tea Tree Lemon Essential Oil

• Store the oil in a cool, dark place. Citral-rich oils are sensitive to oxidation, so proper storage is important.
• Always close the bottle tightly after use.
• Test first on a small piece of skin before using the oil for the first time, especially if you have sensitive skin. Tea Tree Lemon can cause irritation at high dosages.
• Always work with grams and percentages, not with drops. Drops vary in size and make it difficult to stay within safe limits.

Precautions and side effects

Tea Tree Lemon Essential Oil is not phototoxic and can therefore be used without restriction for sunlight. However, this is a fairly strong oil that can cause irritation at high dosages or with sensitive skin. Always use diluted, never pure on the skin.

Our practical working dosage: 1 percent
For homemade care we recommend a dosage of 1 percent (1 gram per 100 grams of product). The oil naturally contains allergens such as citral, citronellol and geraniol. When you combine multiple essential oils in one recipe, these allergens accumulate and you can quickly exceed the legal allergen limits. A working dosage of 1 percent gives you the space to use multiple oils in one recipe without exceeding those limits.

For products that you rinse off, such as soap, shower gel or shampoo, more generous maximums apply because the oil does not remain on the skin.

Not recommended for use during pregnancy without consultation with an expert. Keep out of reach of children. When in doubt or with sensitive skin, always test first on a small spot and wait 24 hours before using it on larger surfaces.