What is Tea Tree Essential Oil?

Tea Tree Essential Oil is extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca Alternifolia, a tree that naturally grows in Australia. The Latin name is Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil. Our Tea Tree oil comes directly from Australia, its country of origin.

The Aboriginals, the original inhabitants of Australia, have been using the leaves of the Tea Tree for thousands of years. As herbal compresses, in infusions and as tea. The tree got its name from explorer James Cook, who in the 18th century took the leaves to England and made tea from them. During World War II, Tea Tree oil was included in soldiers' first aid kits. That says something about how versatile this oil is.

Tea Tree is a purifying and cleansing oil. An indispensable ingredient for every beauty DIY enthusiast and a wonderful base in skincare, hair care and homemade cleaning products.

How is Tea Tree Essential Oil made?

Tea Tree oil is extracted through steam distillation. The freshly harvested leaves and twigs are exposed to steam, which releases the volatile aromatic compounds. These are captured and condensed into oil.

The result is a colorless, thin oil with a fresh, herbal and slightly medicinal scent. 100 percent pure, undiluted and without additives.

Tea Tree oil naturally contains a high concentration of terpinen-4-ol, the main active compound and responsible for the purifying effect. Additionally, the oil contains among others α-terpinene, γ-terpinene and 1,8-cineole.

Benefits of Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea Tree is particularly suitable for oily, combination and impure skin. Normal skin and the scalp also benefit greatly from this oil.

Purifies the skin
Tea Tree oil cleanses the skin and helps restore the natural balance. A wonderful ingredient for pimples and impurities.

Regulates sebum production
Tea Tree oil helps balance sebum production. Great for oily and combination skin.

Cares for the scalp
Tea Tree oil helps keep the scalp clean and healthy. It supports the hair follicles and removes excess sebum.

Versatile in DIY
From facial care to shampoo, cleaning products and hand soap. A real workhorse in every recipe.

How do you use Tea Tree Essential Oil?

Tea Tree oil is concentrated. Always dilute it in a carrier oil before using on the skin. Never apply it neat and do not ingest.

On the skin
Dilute Tea Tree oil in a carrier oil such as Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil or Squalane. Use maximum 1 percent (1 gram per 100 gram product). Apply to cleansed skin, optionally with a cotton swab on a pimple.

In your shampoo
A few grams of Tea Tree in your shampoo or hair mask can keep the scalp fresh and healthy.

As a foot bath
Dissolve 8 to 10 drops in a little Solubol or mild soap and add this to warm water.

In a diffuser
Put 3 to 5 drops in an aroma diffuser for a refreshing, purifying atmosphere.

In cleaning products
Tea Tree is a popular ingredient in homemade all-purpose cleaners and hand soap. Combine with lemon or lavender for a pleasant scent.

What is the difference with Tea Tree Lemon?

Tea Tree Lemon (Leptospermum Petersonii) is a different plant species than regular Tea Tree. The shrub also grows in Australia and was used by both the Aboriginals and the Maori from New Zealand.

The big difference lies in the scent. Tea Tree Lemon has the fresh effect of regular Tea Tree, but with a delightful lemon aroma. Many people find this scent more pleasant than the medicinal scent of regular Tea Tree.

In terms of effect, they are comparable. Both oils are purifying and suitable for pimples and impurities. Tea Tree Lemon is a stronger oil though and must be well diluted.

Tips when using Tea Tree

• Store Tea Tree in a cool, dark place to slow oxidation.
• Always close the bottle tightly after use.
• In leave-on products maximum 1 percent, in wash-off products maximum 2 percent.
• Tea Tree has a fairly medicinal scent. Combine with Lavender or Lemon for a softer scent.
• 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 oil is a strong essential oil. Always use it diluted and never apply it neat to the skin. Test first on a small area, wait 24 hours and check if a skin reaction occurs. Be extra careful with sensitive skin.

Not recommended for use during pregnancy without consulting an expert. Keep out of reach of children. Not intended for ingestion.