What should you know about tea tree essential oil?

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.