What should you know about tea tree essential oil?

The Tea tree, also known as tea tree or alternatively melaleuca with alternate leaves, is a shrub native to New Caledonia and Madagascar, but the leading producer today is Australia.

The indigenous populations of the New Zealand archipelago used this plant, specifically the leaves, to create poultices and treat infections. However, it was not until 1922 that the antiseptic propertiesandantibacterial qualities of the plant were demonstrated by the chemist Arthur DE RAMAN PENFOLD. An interesting side note, at the start of the Second World War, theessential oil of tea tree was added to every first aid kit of thearmy and the Australian navy due to its anti-infectious virtues.

The essential oil of tea tree is the result of a steam distillation process (hydrodistillation).Here are the main steps.

1. The sample for extraction is prepared by cutting the leaves and young branches into small pieces.

2. The plant material is then added to a flask and immersed in several litres of distilled water.

3. Then, the setup is sealed to make it airtight and the process is initiated at a temperature of 250°C. The procedure then lasts for 4 to 5 hours.

4. The oil is collected in a separating funnel and then it is stored in a cool and dry place.

Typically, 100 kg of tea tree leaves are required to harvest 1 to 2 litres oftea tree essential oil. Organoleptically, it is a clear, colourless to pale yellow liquid with a woody scent. It primarily containsmonoterpenols (around 45% of terpinen-4-ol) andmonoterpenes (gamma-terpinene, alpha terpinene, limonene). These compounds are responsible for itspurifying and sanitising properties.

Due to its biochemical composition, thetea tree essential oil is primarily recognised for the following two actions.

• Limiting imperfections and regulating sebum.

  This essential oil regulates sebum production and mattifies oily skin that tends to shine. This sebum-regulating action also helps to prevent pore blockage and thus the appearance of blackheads.

  Furthermore, when it is present at a level of 1% or more in a skincare product, this essential oil has demonstrated excellent bactericidal properties (kills bacteria) as well as bacteriostatic properties (inhibits bacterial growth). Thus, it helps to limit the proliferation of microorganisms involved in acne such as Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

• Alleviate itching and certain skin conditions.

  The essential oil of tea tree is also recognised for its strong anti-inflammatory properties. It acts on patches, reducing itching and then redness. It is therefore recommended for certain skin conditions such aseczema or rosacea.

Thetea tree essential oilis extracted from the leaves of the treeMelaleuca alternifolia. According to the I.N.C.I. classification, it is named as "Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil". It is often confused with the following ingredients.

• The essential oil of lemon-scented tea tree (INCI name: Leptospermum Petersonii Oil)

  Also known as Leptospermum petersonii oil, this ingredient does not possess the same properties; it is not particularly active in topical application and is primarily used to scent formulas.

• The essential oil of manuka (Leptospermum scoparium)

  This refers to the New Zealand tea tree, while the "Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil" is the Australian tea tree.

• The essential oil of Niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia or viridifolia) or of cajeput (Melaleuca cajeputii)
  Belonging to the same family as the Australian tea tree, these essential oils also have quite similar properties. For instance, they are both purifying and sanitising, thus recommended for acne-prone skin.

It is important to note that the tea tree and the tea plant are often confused: the tea plant belongs to the Theaceae family and originates from Asia, while the tea tree is part of the Myrtaceae family and is native to Australia.

This essential oil is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for children under the age of 3 years. It is also contraindicated in cases of confirmed allergy to tea tree or to pine or fir oleoresins.

Individuals with a skin condition such as eczema should not apply this essential oil directly to the skin as it could exacerbate their condition. However, when diluted in a carrier oil, it can be of great help in managing this condition.

Caution, in aromatherapy, inhaling an excessive amount of tea tree oil, or prolonged inhalation, can lead to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness. It should never be used for inhalation if you have asthma. Furthermore, tea tree oil should never be used internally (orally, by ingestion). It can be toxic and potentially fatal if ingested. In case of ingestion, symptoms may include drowsiness, confusion, uncoordinated movements (ataxia), loss of consciousness.

We have incorporated tea tree essential oil for its purifying virtues into the following four treatments.

• Thepurifying botanical blendwithpeony: This night serum helps to purify the skin through the sebum-regulating and anti-inflammatory actions of 7 botanical extracts.

• The anti-blemish shower gel with glycolic acid and tea tree extract. This formula, rich in exfoliating and purifying active ingredients, unclogs pores, reduces blemishes and fights against the appearance of ingrown hairs.

• Thepurifying body serummade fromzinc PCAandtea tree extract. This serum is applied locally to blemishes, only in the evening. It helps to combat spots that do not only appear on the face but can also be found on the body.

• The targeted blemish care bakuchiol 1% + tea tree extract has been formulated to dry out blemishes and promote skin renewal to minimise scarring. Its poultice-like texture soothes inflammation and reduces the sensation of heat.

We only advise against thepurifying botanical blendfor pregnant women as it contains slightly more tea tree essential oil than our other three treatments mentioned above.

• RILEY T. V. & others Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil: A review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews (2006).

• SHENEFELT P. D. Herbal treatment for dermatologic disorders.Herbal medicine: Biomolecular and clinical aspects, 2nd edition (2011).

• WALLENGREN J. Tea tree oil reduces experimental contact dermatitis. Archives of DermatologicalResearch (2011).

• KAZEROUNI A. et al. A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology. International Journal of Dermatology (2013).

• HAMMER K. A. Treatment of acne with tea tree oil (melaleuca) products: A review of efficacy, tolerability and potential modes of action. Journal Of Antimicrobial Agents (2014).

• BABY K. E. & al. Therapeutic potential of tea tree oil for scabies. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (2016).

• Thesis by Mr. NIEL - "Treatment of Acne through Phytotherapy and Aromatherapy" (2016).

• ÇALISKAN K. U. & et al. Tea tree oil and its use in aromatherapy. Current Perspectives on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (2018).

• EL-ESAWI M. A. & co. River tea tree oil: Composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, and potential uses in agriculture. Plants (2021).