Tea Tree Oil Has Surprising Skin Benefits
Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a pure organic oil derived from the leaves and twigs of the native Australian tree Melaleuca alternifolia. Phthalate-free.
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Tea Tree Essential Oil
One of our most popular essential oils is tea tree (also known as melaleuca). Tea tree oil is utilised in a range of items, including cleaning solutions, chest rubs, and even shampoos, as you may have seen if you’ve ever visited a health food store. But what exactly is Tea Tree oil’s purpose?
What is Tea Tree essential oil?
Before we get into all of the benefits that tea tree oil has to offer, let’s first define what tea tree oil is? Tea tree oil is derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, which is native to Australia.
Despite the fact that the tree is named a “tea tree,” it is not the same plant that is used to make your favourite Earl Grey cup.
Tea tree oil can be made in a number of different ways. Essential oils are extracted from plants and diffused until just the “essence” remains, hence their name. Leaves are sometimes cold-pressed to create oil, which is then filtered and refined.
| What is it? | Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a pure organic oil derived from the leaves and twigs of the native Australian tree Melaleuca alternifolia. Phthalate-free. |
|---|---|
| INCI | Melaleuca Alternifolia (tea tree) oil |
| Appearance | Clear yellowish liquid, characteristic odor |
| Texture | Extremely watery |
| Recommended Usage | 1-10%. |
| Solubility | Oil-soluble (Steam distillation) |
| Melting point | NA |
| Boiling point | 165 °C(lit.) |
| pH | 5.5 |
| Aroma | Fresh, camphor-like smell |
| Why do we include it in formulations? | Moisturize and have antiseptic effects. |
| How to work with it? | Tea tree essential oil should be used in the formulation's oil phase. Depending on the requirements of your formulation, it can be treated hot or cold. |
| Applications | Cleansers and moisturisers for oily, acne-prone, or unclean skin. |
| Absorption rate | Average to fast |
| Strength | Tea tree oil's anti-inflammatory effects may have an indirect influence on the appearance of acne scars. |
| Weaknesses | Tea tree oil can irritate the skin, especially the skin on the face, which is very sensitive. |
| Substitution | Lemon, Eucalyptus, Cinnamon Bark |
| How to store it? | Store in a closed container at a dry place at room temperature. |
| Shelf life | Tea tree oil has a shelf life of between one to two years |
Fun Fact
| Type of ingredient | Essential oil |
|---|---|
| Main benefits | Kills bacteria, fungus, and eases inflammation |
| Who should use it | Those who suffer from acne and fungal skin disorders such atopic dermatitis. |
| How often can you use it? | To notice results, Chang recommends applying tea tree oil twice daily for six to twelve weeks. It should be diluted with a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, before being applied to the skin. |
| Works well with | Non-comedogenic carrier oils |
| Doesn't work with | Any other active product (benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinol, etc.) |
| How to use it in formulations | Included in the cool down phase of your formulation. |
Mechanisms Of Actions
Antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiprotozoal properties are all found in tea tree oil. In most bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, it mostly mediates bactericidal activity at concentrations of 1.0% or less, and induces bacteriostatic effects at lower concentrations.
Tea tree oil’s components, especially terpinen-4-ol and -terpineol, work as antimicrobials by affecting the structural and functional integrity of bacterial membranes.
Benefits of Tea Tree Essential oils
So, how do you apply Tea Tree oil to your skin? Continue reading to learn more about the advantages of Tea Tree oil and how to include it into your daily routine. Because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics, tea tree oil is a popular alternative for treating acne. It’s thought to reduce inflammation, edema, and redness. It may even aid in the prevention and reduction of acne scars, leaving you with clear, smooth skin.
Kills bacteria: Acne is caused by the presence of the p.acnes bacteria on the skin. Tea tree oil has antibacterial qualities that include the capacity to destroy staphylococcus aureus (often known as staph) and, yes, p.acnes. “Terpinen-4-ol, the active ingredient in tea tree oil, destabilised the bacteria’s cell, causing it to die,” Carqueville adds.
Anti-inflammatory: It helps acne-prone skin by reducing the inflammatory cascades that produce irritation and redness. A study indicated that tea tree oil at a dosage of 5% was an effective treatment for mild to moderate acne.
It has antiviral and antifungal properties: According to Nazarian, tea tree oil not only destroys bacteria, but also funguses and viruses on the skin’s surface. Consequently,
Side Effects of Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree oil is generally well tolerated, although it can induce allergic reactions in certain people, according to Carqueville. She recommends putting a test patch first if you’re allergic to it or have extremely sensitive skin, and ceasing therapy if irritation, redness, swelling, or itching occurs.
Is there anything else I can say? If you’re worried about your skin reacting, use diluted forms or goods that are pre-formulated with a small amount, says Nazarian.
How To Use It In Formulations?
Tea tree essential oil should be used in the oil phase of your formulation. Depending on the needs of your formulation, it can be processed hot or cold.
Work well with other ingredients
Tea tree oil should not be applied straight to the skin. It’s crucial to dilute the oil with a carrier oil like olive, coconut, or almond oil. Bergamot, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Grapefruit, and Juniper Berry essential oils combine well with Tea Tree.
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