Tea Tree Essential Oil is a steam distilled essential oil known for its sharp, clean aroma and strong performance in oily skin and scalp care concepts.
It is commonly used in spot gels, toners, cleansers, anti dandruff scalp sprays, and deodorising rinse off products.
Because it can be sensitising at higher levels, we recommend using it conservatively and pairing it with soothing, barrier friendly ingredients.
In water based systems, it must be solubilised to avoid separation and uneven dosing on skin.
FEATURES
- Blemish routine support – helps support a cleaner feeling skin in oily and breakout-prone routines.
- Scalp-friendly positioning – popular in dandruff and itchy scalp concepts.
- Deodorising profile – useful in rinse-off and hygiene products.
- Low dose active scent – a little goes a long way, but it needs careful formulation.
BEST FOR
- Facial cleansers
- Spot gels
- Toners (solubilised)
- Scalp treatments
- Anti-dandruff shampoos
- Deodorising wash-off products
FORMULATION GUIDELINES
| INCI | Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil |
|---|---|
| Type | Essential oil (oil-soluble aromatic active) |
| Solubility | Oil soluble. Not water-soluble. Use a solubiliser for toners, sprays, and clear gels. |
| Use Rate | Leave on: 0.05–0.3% typical. Rinse off: 0.1–1.0% typical, depending on concept and tolerance. |
| pH Compatibility | Compatible across common cosmetic pH ranges. We recommend testing in your target pH, especially for surfactant systems. |
| Temperature Tolerance | We recommend adding in cool down (below 40°C) to protect volatile components and reduce scent loss. |
| Pro Tip | For water-based formulas, pre-mix tea tree oil into a suitable solubiliser, then add slowly with gentle mixing until uniform. If the system clouds or separates, reduce the oil load or increase the solubiliser and rebalance. For blemish leave-on products, build the formula around soothing support (panthenol, allantoin, beta-glucan) and avoid stacking with multiple strong irritants. |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow liquid |
| Stability Notes | Essential oils can oxidise over time. Oxidation increases irritation risk. Use tight packaging, limit light exposure, and consider adding an antioxidant in anhydrous phases. |
| Storage | Keep sealed, cool and dry, away from direct sunlight. Close tightly after each use. |
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