Tea Tree (Australian) Essential Oil, 10 ml

Essential oil tea tree, Australia

Essential oil tea tree from the Australian tea tree Melaleuca alternifolia is used in cosmetics primarily for oily and acne-prone skin and for scalps with a tendency to oiliness. It is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves and brings a cleansing, antimicrobial and soothing effect to the formula, along with a distinctive herbal, slightly medicinal scent. It is added in small amounts at the end of the manufacturing process, into the oil phase or via a solubiliser into water-based products. The raw material is vegan.

What tea tree oil does in cosmetics

• Cleansing and antimicrobial effect – according to the manufacturer's data, it helps remove impurities and excess sebum and inhibits the growth of unwanted microorganisms on the skin. It is therefore used in cleansing products and in products for skin prone to acne.
• Soothing irritated skin – the manufacturer states anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help reduce redness and discomfort caused by irritation.
• Cooling sensation – it leaves a refreshing, mildly cooling impression on the skin. The manufacturer recommends it for after-sun preparations and foot care products.
• Scalp care – in shampoos and hair tonics, according to the manufacturer, it helps cleanse the scalp and hair follicles and adds a fresh aroma. It is suitable for hair that becomes oily quickly and for sensitive scalps.

The quality of tea tree oil is determined by the content of terpinen-4-ol, its main component. This oil contains 35 – 48 % of it, the content of 1,8-cineole is limited to a maximum of 10 %, and the composition complies with ISO 4730:2017 for Australian tea tree.

Use in formulation

The oil is soluble in oils and alcohol but does not dissolve in water. In emulsions it is therefore added to the oil phase or, as is more common with essential oils, during the cooling phase below 40 °C with constant stirring. The same temperature applies when incorporating it into a finished base, for example into an unscented cream or shampoo.

For water-based products (tonics, facial waters, hair sprays), the oil is first mixed with a solubiliser, such as Polysorbate 20 or PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, and only then added to the water phase. Without a solubiliser it will remain on the surface and dosing in the finished product will be uneven. In tonics with a higher alcohol content, the oil dissolves directly.

Dosing is governed by the IFRA limits for the relevant product category (facial tonics and creams, shampoos and shower gels, foot preparations and similar) and by the safety assessment of the finished product. Compatibility with common cosmetic raw materials is unrestricted.

Suitable for products such as

• Facial cleansing gels and foams – rinse-off preparations for oily and acne-prone skin, making use of the cleansing effect and cooling sensation.
• Facial tonics and targeted serums – leave-on preparations for blemishes, always with a solubiliser or in an oil base.
• Shampoos and hair tonics – for scalps prone to oiliness and for a fresh aroma in hair preparations.
• Foot creams and after-sun preparations – cooling and refreshing effect in body care.
• Nail and cuticle oils – anhydrous oil blends in which the oil dissolves without auxiliary substances.
• Liquid soaps and shower gels – rinse-off products with a herbal scent.

Good to know

The scent of tea tree is distinctive, herbal to medicinal, and asserts itself easily in a formula. Take this into account when designing the fragrance, particularly in facial products.

The oil is not a preservative. The antimicrobial effect is a cosmetic function on the skin; water-based and emulsion products require a complete preservation system regardless of the presence of tea tree.

IFRA limits for individual categories, including toys for children, lip preparations and eye preparations, are listed with the product. Before use in these categories, verify the limit in the batch documentation.

Frequently asked questions