Tea tree essential oil: is it dangerous for topical application?

Patch tests conducted on three individuals allergic to the components of tea tree essential oil showed that they primarily reacted to the sesquiterpenoid fractions but not to the pure monoterpenes. It has been suggested that the oxidation products formed in the essential oil during prolonged storage are to blame.

Indeed, freshly distilled tea tree essential oil appears to have a relatively low sensitising power, whereas that stored for extended periods has a significantly increased sensitising capacity. The same study also suggests that the main allergens formed could be terpinolene, alpha-terpinene, ascardiole and 1,2,4 trihydroxymethane.

Therefore, it is important to store Tea Tree essential oil away from light, as the oxidation of paracymene can cause skin irritations.

The essential oil of tea tree is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and in children under 3 years old. It is also contraindicated in cases of proven allergy to tea tree or to oleoresins of pines, firs.

Individuals suffering from a skin condition such as eczema should also not apply this pure 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 combating this condition.

However, 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 lethal if ingested. In case of ingestion, symptoms may include drowsiness, confusion, uncoordinated movements (ataxia), and loss of consciousness.

Some of our treatments contain this essential oil due to its excellent antibacterial and purifying properties. However, we would like to clarify that it is introduced at a low percentage and that the final formulas pose no risk to human health, as these are subject to mandatory and regulated toxicological studies.

We have incorporated this essential oil at a low percentage 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.

• Theanti-blemish shower gelwithglycolic acidandtea tree extract. This formula, rich in exfoliating and purifying active ingredients, unclogs pores, reducesblemishesand fights against the appearance ofingrown 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 marks. Its poultice-like texture soothes inflammation and reduces the sensation of heat.

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